NOBCChE values the diversity of its membership and strives to provide an inclusive environment regardless of race, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion,  national origin or political belief. NOBCChE is committed to providing a professional, safe, and welcoming environment during its in-person and virtual events for all members and their guests. NOBCChE expects all attendees, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, media, and other participants to uphold our commitment to diversity and inclusion by helping us provide a positive conference environment for everyone.

Key events of NOBCChE are local, regional and national meetings. NOBCChE meetings aim to empower STEM enthusiasts and build a sense of community that provides: 1) a forum for chemical research exchange; 2) support and resources to attendees as they pursue advanced training and careers in the chemical sciences and engineering; and 3) opportunity for attendees to develop professionally through skill-based training and activities geared towards improving professional knowledge to build success.  Most attendees of the NOBCChE meetings describe it as a family atmosphere. Furthermore, NOBCChE meetings facilitate networking opportunities, career development and placement, and provide organizations with opportunities to engage with a diverse STEM audience in ways that preserve this attribute.

An essential component of NOBCChE meetings is providing opportunities that allow attendees to “fully realize their potential in academic, professional, and entrepreneurial pursuits in chemistry, chemical engineering, and allied fields.” NOBCChE expects its volunteers and meeting attendees to display the highest qualities of personal and professional integrity in all aspects of their NOBCChE related activities. Indeed, every professional has obligations to the public, to volunteers and staff colleagues, and to science.

Accordingly, to foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere built upon a foundation of respect, fairness, openness and transparency, NOBCChE has issued this Conduct Policy. It applies to NOBCChE Volunteers, i.e., it applies to individuals conducting the business and affairs of NOBCChE without compensation for that conduct. It also applies to all individuals attending NOBCChE meetings. Volunteers and meeting attendees should always abide by this Conduct Policy. Specifically:

1. Volunteers should understand and support NOBCChE’s vision and mission.
   
   
2. Volunteers and meeting attendees should contribute to a collegial, inclusive, positive, and respectful environment for their fellow volunteers and attendees, as well as for other stakeholders, including meeting vendors and NOBCChE conference staff.
   
   
3. Volunteers and meeting attendees must avoid taking any inappropriate actions based on race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, political affiliation, presence of disabilities, or educational background. They should show consistent respect to colleagues, regardless of the level of their formal education and whether they are from industry, government or academia, or other scientific and engineering disciplines.
   
   
4. Volunteers and meeting attendees should interact with others in a cooperative and respectful manner. Volunteers and meeting attendees should refrain from using insulting, harassing, or otherwise offensive language in their NOBCChE interactions. Disruptive, harassing, or inappropriate behavior toward other volunteers, stakeholders, or conference staff is unacceptable. Personal boundaries set by others must be observed. Harassment of any kind, including but not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment will not be tolerated.
   
   
5. Volunteers must obey all applicable laws and regulations of the relevant government authorities while acting on behalf of NOBCChE. Likewise, meeting attendees must obey all applicable laws and regulations of the relevant government authorities while attending NOBCChE meetings. Volunteers and meeting attendees alike should also ensure that they comply with all applicable safety guidelines relating to scientific demonstrations.
   
   
6. NOBCChE’s trademarks, insignia, name, logos, and other intellectual property should only be used in compliance with NOBCChE regulations and directives as may be issued from time to time.
   
   
7. Violations of this Conduct Policy should be reported promptly to a NOBCChE representative- Board member or Planning Committee Chair (or co-Chair)- or by texting (202) 618-2436. In cases of alleged persistent and/or serious violations of this Conduct Policy, the Board will review the evidence and will take such actions as may be appropriate, including but not limited to: requiring volunteers to leave their volunteer position(s); precluding volunteers from serving in NOBCChE volunteer roles in the future; requiring meeting attendees to leave the meeting; and, precluding meeting attendees from attending future NOBCChE meetings. NOBCChE reserves the right to pursue additional measures as it may determine are appropriate.
   
   

Following a Code of Conduct allows NOBCChE to create the best experience possible for all attendees.

NOBCChE Events Code of Conduct

Expected behavior:

• Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
• Attempt collaboration before conflict.
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert NOBCChE leadership if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.
  
  

Unacceptable Behavior:

• Harassment and discrimination include any verbal, physical, or visual conduct based on sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, race, age, national origin, or disability;
• Inappropriate display, sharing or use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides);
• Any physical or verbal intimidation, stalking or following of attendee(s); • Harassing, photographing or recording of attendee(s);
• Sustained disruption of sessions, talks or other events;
• Inappropriate physical contact, and any unwelcome sexual attention (physical or verbal); and
• Any boisterous, lewd or offensive behavior or language, threatening, intimidation, coercion, use of sexually explicit or offensive language or conduct, profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious or ethnic slurs.
  
  

This Code of Conduct provides general guidelines and cannot cover every possible type of unacceptable behavior.

Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. NOBCChE leadership may take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including removal from the event (and any remaining portions thereof) without warning and without refund of registration fee.