Code of Conduct

To fulfill our mission and enact our values of free inquiry, collaboration, openness, and equity, we call upon our community to support these values in judgment and in action. Seminar members and guests are expected to participate in seminar meetings with integrity and the highest standards of professionalism. Meetings and events should provide an inclusive environment where all participants treat each other with respect and consideration. Disruptive behavior, whether during seminar meetings or during seminar dinners, are unacceptable.

Further, Columbia University is committed to providing an environment free from prohibited discrimination and harassment and to fostering a nurturing and vibrant community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of its members. All employees, students, contractors and people conducting business with the University are protected from prohibited conduct as outlined in the University’s EOAA Policies & Procedures.

Some specific examples of behaviors that are unacceptable during University-sponsored programs or activities include, but are not limited to:

engaging in biased, demeaning, intimidating, coercive, harassing, or hostile conduct or commentary, on the basis of age, alienage or citizenship status; arrest or conviction record; caregiver status; color; credit history; creed; disability; familial status; gender (sex); gender identity; genetic predisposition or carrier status; lactation accommodation; marital status; national origin; pregnancy; race; religion; salary history; sexual or reproductive health decisions; sexual orientation; status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses; unemployment status; veteran or active military status; or any other protected characteristic as established by law
retaliation against reporting of conduct concerns or assisting in conflict resolutions
engaging in any of the above behaviors in an online platform (e.g., Zoom)
engaging in any of the above behaviors in any written or verbal correspondence (e.g., email; phone)

Please note that the University’s EOAA Policies & Procedures also govern the conduct of third parties that occur on any University campus, in connection with University-sponsored programs or activities (including business travel,) and/or University-sponsored programs or activities occurring in an online format (e.g., Zoom.)

Reporting Violations

The University strongly encourages those who have experienced, witnessed, or become aware of conduct that violates the University’s policies to come forward promptly so that the University can take appropriate steps to prevent such conduct from occurring in the future and to ameliorate its effects. EOAA has a variety of resources available that support individuals affected by harassment. The University will respond to any reports in accordance with the applicable policies. The University will protect the privacy of those who come forward to the extent possible and permissible by law.

If you believe that you have been subjected to, witnessed, or have otherwise learned of conduct prohibited by the University’s policies or this Code of Conduct, you can notify the University in any of the following ways:

By contacting the chair of the respective seminar or the Director of the University Seminars, Susan Boynton at slb184@columbia.edu or (212) 854-2389.
By filing an online report with EOAA
By contacting EOAA via email at eoaa@columbia.edu or by phone at (212) 854-5511
By contacting the University’s Title IX Coordinator via email at titleix@columbia.edu or by phone at 212-843-1276

The Executive Committee of the University Seminars reserves the right to impose appropriate sanctions, up to and including suspension of member privileges or termination of membership and/or administrative responsibilities.

Should you need immediate assistance while on any University campus, please contact:

Public Safety: 212-854-2797 (Morningside Main line), 212-854-5555 (Morningside Emergency line) | 212-853-3301 (Manhattanville Main line), 212-853-3333 (Manhattanville Emergency line) | 212-305-8100 (CUIMC Main line), 212-305-7979 (CUIMC Emergency line) | 845-359-2900 (LDEO Safety / Security Office)

Additional Resources

Columbia University is committed to providing an accessible and welcoming environment for faculty, staff, students, guests, visitors, and members of the public, and it encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. Individuals with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access may contact the Office of Disability Services.

Please note that all University faculty members, staff members and administrators, except for those working in a confidential capacity, who learn of suspected instances of discrimination, harassment, or gender-based misconduct have a duty to report the information to EOAA or Student Conduct.

The University Seminars Code of Conduct was approved by the Executive Committee in February 2023, adapted from the MSA Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct prepared by the Council of Editors of Learned Journals, under the advice of Columbia University General Counsel.