One of the primary goals of the Computer Science Club of the University of Waterloo is the inclusion and support of all members of the University of Waterloo community who are interested in Computer Science. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sex, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, and religion or lack thereof.

We invite all those who participate in our events and who communicate with our Club at large to help us create a safe and positive experience for everyone involved.

We've outlined a code of conduct to highlight our expectations for all individuals who participate in our Club, as well as the steps to handle unacceptable behaviour.

  • Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this Club.
  • Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
  • Attempt collaboration before conflict.
  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour and speech.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants.

Unacceptable behaviours include: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in our community online, at all related events and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of Club business. Club event venues may be shared; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.

Harassment includes: harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides); deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

  • We expect all Club participants (participants, organizers, sponsors, and other guests) to abide by this Code of Conduct in all community venues (online and in-person) as well as in all one-on-one communications pertaining to Club business.
  • Events co-organized with the Computer Science Club are governed by our Code of Conduct.

Additionally, the Executive Council are available to help Club members engage with local law enforcement or to otherwise help those experiencing unacceptable behaviour feel safe. In the context of in-person events, organizers will also provide escorts as desired by the person experiencing distress.

Changes to the Code of Conduct are governed by the Club's constitution.

Revision 1.1, adopted by the Computer Science Club of the University of Waterloo on 16 November 2016.