Conference Policies

Code of Conduct

Because MPM XXXI has transitioned from an in-person conference to an online one, the Code of Conduct has been adapted to reflect the virtual environment. These adaptations are below.

MPM XXXI Online includes keynote presentations, concurrent sessions, live poster Q&A, workshops, conference-related Slack channels, and Q&A via Zoom chat.

Updated April 2020

The Genetics Society of America Conferences foster an international community of geneticists and provide an opportunity to discuss scientific advances and form new collaborations.

GSA values your attendance and wants to make your experience productive and inspiring by fostering an open exchange of ideas in a professional setting. Our Code of Conduct was established to communicate a transparent set of standards and guidelines for acceptable behavior at GSA Conferences and to provide a positive, safe, and welcoming environment for all attendees, vendors, volunteers, and staff.

All conference participants (regardless of their role) are expected to follow the Code of Conduct while attending any portion of MPM XXXI, including but not limited to keynote presentations, concurrent sessions, live poster Q&A sessions, workshops, and all MPM XXXI Slack channels. Because of the virtual nature of MPM XXXI, our Code of Conduct extends to communications related to the meeting and its attendees, presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, staff, and vendors. These types of communications include Zoom chat, Zoom Q&A window, live poster Q&A, Slack, email, social media, and texts.

Unacceptable Behaviors

Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions by any participant and at all related events
• Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, political orientation, socioeconomic, disability or ability status, or other personal characteristics, including those protected by law
• Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images (including presentation slides, posters, Slack channels, or Zoom chat)
• Deliberate intimidation or stalking
• Violating the rules and regulations of the online provider, Zoom
• Sustained disruption of scientific sessions or other events
• Unwelcome and uninvited attention or contact
• Real or implied threat of physical harm
• Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm
• Photographing or reproducing slides of oral presentations and posters without permission
• Recording of scientific and other sessions without permission

Taking action or making a report

• Need to file a complaint? For instructions on how to confidentially report a Code of Conduct violation, please visit genetics-gsa.ethicspoint.com. In addition, GSA staff is available to assist participants in contacting our Ethics Committee to make a report. Please email Tracey DePellegrin, GSA Executive Director, at tracey.depellegrin@genetics-gsa.org.

Consequences of non-compliance

Anyone asked by GSA staff, a Session Chair, Workshop Leader, Moderator, Presenter, or Zoom representative to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. Retaliation toward GSA or toward someone reporting an incident or after experiencing any of the following consequences will not be tolerated and may result in additional sanctions.

The consequences of non-compliance with GSA’s Code of Conduct may include:

• Immediate removal from accessing the online meeting and Slack channels without warning
• Restrictions from future GSA meeting attendance
• Termination of GSA membership or positions on GSA Boards or Committees
• Incidents may be reported to the proper authorities

Diversity and Inclusion

GSA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion to create greater opportunity for any individual to fulfil their scientific potential, irrespective of their background, gender, or circumstances. This diversity leads to innovation by attracting the widest possible talent to the community and fostering a greater diversity of ideas, approaches, and perspectives. The Organizing Committee aims to select speakers and session chairs that represent the breadth and diversity of the discipline and conference participants. GSA especially encourages the Committee to select excellent speakers from groups traditionally underrepresented in science.

Social Media/Photo/Video Policy

Live tweeting of presentations is allowed unless the speaker explicitly opts out by stating so at the start of his or her talk. Taking or sharing photos, videos, or reproductions of posters is not permitted unless you have the presenter’s consent. By attending a GSA conference, you grant GSA the right to use your name and likeness for use in GSA educational, news, or promotional materials.

Posters at MPM XXXI

When you view poster materials at MPM XXXI, remember that posters are typically works in progress. We expect poster attendees to treat virtual posters exactly as they would in-person posters and not to cite or reproduce any part of them without permission of the presenter.