Code of Conduct

 

 

Purpose

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The National Archaeology Student Conference is committed to ensuring that all participants can take part in a diverse environment free from harassment. Open discussion and the exchange of ideas are central to the conference. For this to work, participants must feel respected and able to contribute without being marginalised or excluded.

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The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish clear standards of behaviour and to promote high standards of professional practice for all participants at the National Archaeology Student Conference (the “Conference”). This Code also outlines processes for the prevention and management of conduct that may adversely affect the safety and participation of others.

 

This Code is intended to:

• Promote a professional conference environment

• Provide clarity regarding unacceptable conduct

• Establish mechanisms for reporting, assessment, and resolution of concerns

• Support procedural fairness and consistency in decision-making

 

This Code operates in conjunction with all applicable laws and the policies, procedures, and codes of the hosting institution, the University of Queensland. Note that this code supports rather than replaces legal rights and obligations pertaining to any particular situation.

 

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Scope of Application​

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Persons Covered

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This Code applies to all individuals participating in Conference-related activities, including but not limited to:

• Registered delegates and attendees

• Student organisers and volunteers

• Invited speakers and session chairs

• Sponsors

• Any other persons present at or engaged with Conference activities

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Activities Covered

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This Code applies to conduct occurring:

• At all Conference venues and associated spaces

• At official and unofficial Conference-related events, including social functions

• During online or digital engagement associated with the Conference

• Outside Conference settings where such conduct has a direct or indirect impact on the Conference environment or participants

 

General Responsibilities

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All participants share responsibility for maintaining an environment that is safe, respectful, and conducive to academic exchange. Accordingly, participants are required to:

• Familiarise themselves with this Code of Conduct

• Take reasonable steps to avoid engaging in or enabling unacceptable behaviour

• Cooperate with any processes established under this Code

 

Conference organisers have an additional responsibility to:

• Communicate this Code clearly to all participants

• Provide accessible reporting mechanisms

• Respond to concerns in a timely and proportionate manner

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Standards of Expected Conduct

Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with professional academic standards. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Treating all individuals with respect

• Engaging in scholarly discussion in good faith and without personal attack

• Respecting diversity of identity, experience, presentation and perspective

• Observing appropriate boundaries in interpersonal interactions

• Complying with directions from Conference organisers and venue staff

• Adhering to all relevant legal obligations and institutional policies

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Unacceptable Conduct

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Unacceptable conduct includes any behaviour that a reasonable person would consider to be inappropriate, harmful, or disruptive in the context of the Conference.

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Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying

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The Conference does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or bullying in any form. This includes conduct based on, but not limited to:

• Gender identity or expression

• Sexual orientation

• Ethnicity or nationality

• Disability

• Age

• Religion or belief

• Physical appearance or personal characteristics

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Examples include:

• Demeaning comments

• Repeated unwanted attention

• Deliberate misrepresentation of identity (e.g., misgendering)

• Targeted exclusion from participation

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Sexual Misconduct

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Unacceptable conduct includes:

• Unwelcome sexual attention or advances

• Inappropriate physical contact without consent

• Sexualised comments or behaviour

• Intimidation and Threatening Behaviour

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This includes:

• Threats of harm (physical or otherwise)

• Intimidation, coercion, or deliberate attempts to cause distress

• Encouragement of harm to others

 

Disruptive Conduct

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This includes:

• Sustained disruption of conference events organised by NASC (e.g. presentations)

• Deliberate obstruction of participation by others

• Behaviour that undermines the orderly conduct of the Conference

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Privacy and Consent Violations

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This includes:

• Recording, photographing, or documenting individuals without consent

• Public disclosure of personal information without consent

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Stalking and Persistent Unwanted Contact

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This includes:

• Following individuals

• Repeated unwanted attempts at contact

• Behaviour that creates a reasonable perception of intrusion

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Online Misconduct

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The above standards apply equally to online environments. Additional unacceptable behaviours include:

• Use of offensive or inappropriate digital identifiers (e.g., usernames, images)

• Distribution of private or restricted content without consent

• Harassment or exclusionary conduct in digital platforms associated with the Conference

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Reporting Concerns

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Right to Report

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Any participant who experiences, witnesses, or becomes aware of potential breaches of this Code is encouraged to report the matter.

Reporting Pathways

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Reports may be made through one or more of the following channels:

• Directly to a member of the Conference organising committee

• To University of Queensland representatives, where appropriate

 

Participants may choose whether to identify themselves in a report; however, anonymous reports may limit the ability to investigate or act.

 

Direct Resolution

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Where appropriate and safe to do so, individuals may choose to address concerns directly with the person involved. This is not required and should not be pursued where there is any risk to personal safety or wellbeing.

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Assessment and Response

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Initial Assessment

All reports will be assessed to determine:

• Whether the conduct falls within the scope of this Code

• The seriousness and immediacy of the concern

• Appropriate interim or immediate actions

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Interim Measures

Where necessary, interim measures may be implemented, including:

• Separation of individuals

• Restrictions on participation in specific activities

• Increased monitoring or supervision

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Investigation and Determination

Where further action is required, organisers may:

• Gather relevant information from involved parties

• Consult with the University of Queensland where appropriate

• Make a determination based on available evidence

 

Outcomes and Disciplinary Measures

Where a breach of this Code is substantiated, actions may include:

• Verbal or written warnings

• Removal from specific sessions or activities

• Revocation of Conference access without refund

• Exclusion from future events

• Referral to the University of Queensland or relevant authorities

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Support Measures

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Support may be provided to affected individuals, including:

• Assistance accessing venue or security services

• Escort arrangements

• Adjustments to participation arrangements

• Referral to appropriate support services

 

Procedural Fairness

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All matters will be handled in accordance with principles of procedural fairness, including:

• The right of all parties to be heard

• Impartial consideration of information

• Timely and proportionate decision-making

Participants are expected to engage respectfully with all processes, regardless of their role in a matter.

 

Confidentiality

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Information relating to reports and their resolution will be handled confidentially and shared only with those directly involved in the process.

Unauthorised disclosure, including gossip or retaliation, may constitute a breach of this Code.

 

False or Malicious Reports

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Reports made in good faith will not result in adverse consequences, even where they are not substantiated.

However, reports that are knowingly false, misleading, or made with intent to harm may result in disciplinary action.

 

Pre-Event Risk Management

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Participants with concerns regarding prior interactions or potential risks involving other attendees are encouraged to contact the organising committee in advance.

Where appropriate, reasonable measures may be implemented to support safe participation.

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Relationship to External Policies

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This Code does not replace or override:

• Applicable laws and legal obligations

• University of Queensland policies and procedures

• Any relevant institutional or professional codes applicable to participants

Where necessary, matters may be referred to external bodies.

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Review and Amendment

 

This Code of Conduct will be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with legal requirements and host institution expectations.

Last reviewed 13/05/2026

 

 

Acceptance

 

Participation in the Conference constitutes agreement to comply with this Code of Conduct.