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Code of Conduct for MATSOL Conference Participants

The MATSOL Conference brings together educators to share expertise and best practices in support of MATSOL’s mission to promote equity and excellence in the education of multilingual learners.

MATSOL is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment for all participants. This Code of Conduct outlines the expected behavior and responsibilities for all participants to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved at the MATSOL Conference. 

As members, customers, vendors, participants, contributors, exhibitors, volunteers, and guests, we make the following commitments:

  • Welcome everyone.
  • Respect individual differences.
  • Be a lifelong learner.
  • Engage in constructive dialogue.
  • Use positive and supportive language.

Expectations for All Participants

Participants include attendees, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and guests. All in-person and online participants must be officially registered for the conference by MATSOL.

1. Respectful Interaction

  • Engage in conversations and networking opportunities with respect and consideration for others.
  • Respect personal space and privacy of other attendees.

2. Professional Conduct

  • Maintain a professional demeanor during sessions, networking events, and all conference-related activities.
  • Do not use offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate language or imagery.

3. Participation and Engagement

  • Participate actively and respectfully in sessions, workshops, and discussions.
  • Follow any instructions provided by conference staff or volunteers.

4. Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Event Rules

  • Adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and conference policies.
  • Observe all guidelines related to conference sessions, including time limits and venue policies.
  • Follow any specific instructions related to health and safety protocols, including COVID-19 guidelines if applicable.
  • Ensure that all materials and activities comply with copyright, intellectual property, and trademark laws.

5. Use of Technology and Social Media

  • Use electronic devices in a manner that does not disrupt sessions or activities and does not involve any prohibited conduct.
  • Be respectful in photographing or recording sessions and people.

 Additional Expectations for Presenters

 1. Content and Delivery

  • Present content that is relevant, accurate, and aligned with MATSOL’s mission and the conference’s objectives.
  • Avoid offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate language and imagery.
  • Ensure that all presentations are well-prepared and free from commercial advertising, unless registered as an exhibitor.

2. Engagement and Interaction

  • Engage with attendees in a respectful and supportive manner.
  • Encourage and facilitate audience questions and discussions while maintaining a professional tone.

3. Logistics and Timeliness

  • Adhere to the schedule and time limits set by the conference.
  • Be punctual for your presentation and any related sessions or meetings.

Additional Expectations for Sponsors and Exhibitors

1. Ethical Conduct

  • Conduct all sponsorship activities ethically and transparently.
  • Avoid any actions that could be perceived as coercive or manipulative.

2. Brand Representation

  • Ensure that all promotional materials, branding, and messaging are consistent with MATSOL’s mission and the conference’s values and standards.
  • Do not use the conference platform to engage in unauthorized commercial promotions or solicitations.

3. Collaboration and Support

  • Collaborate with the conference organizers in a timely and cooperative manner.
  • Provide accurate and complete information as required for sponsorship deliverables.

Prohibited Conduct

1. Harassment and Discrimination

  • Any form of in-person or digital harassment, discrimination, or intimidation based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic is strictly prohibited.
  • Sexual harassment, including unwelcome advances or inappropriate comments, will not be tolerated.

2. Disruptive Behavior

  • Any behavior that disrupts the conference, including loud or aggressive behavior, is unacceptable.
  • Misuse of conference facilities or resources is prohibited.

3. Unlawful Activities

  • Engage in no illegal activities, including but not limited to substance abuse or unauthorized access to conference areas.

Reporting and Enforcement

1. Reporting Violations

  • Any concerns or violations of this Code of Conduct should be reported to the conference organizers promptly.
  • Reports can be made via email to [email protected]. Write down all relevant information (day, time, location, person, etc.)

2. Investigation and Action

  • The conference organizers will investigate all reports of violations in a fair and confidential manner.
  • Appropriate actions will be taken based on the severity of the violation, which may include warnings, removal from the conference, or other measures as deemed necessary.

Conclusion

By participating in the MATSOL Conference as an attendee, presenter, sponsor, exhibitor, volunteer or guest, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Your commitment to these principles helps ensure a successful and enjoyable conference for everyone involved.