UO Earth Sciences Field Camp – Code of Conduct

*This is a living document that is updated annually based on current resources available and best practices.

Link to PDF Version of Document  (2025 Field Camp Student Code of Conduct and Rights)

• All instructors and students in the UO Department of Earth Sciences Field Camp shall treat each other with respect and collegiality. It is the goal of the department to create a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of their appearance, age, background, ability, identity, race, national or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, marital status, veteran status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation or employment status.
• It is our firm belief that no human being should have to endure discrimination, harassment, bullying, retaliation, unprofessional behavior, offensive words or actions, unwanted attention, or inappropriate physical contact. In addition to the negative effects on individuals, discrimination, harassment (in any form), and bullying create a hostile environment that reduces the quality, integrity, and pace of the advancement of marginalizing individuals and communities in the classroom, the field, and in the Earth Sciences more broadly. If you are being harassed or bullied or you observe harassment or bullying, know that this unacceptable behavior. Please review the UO Field Camp Harassment Avoidance and Mitigation Policy (next page) for strategies to intervene directly or in other ways.
• Creating a positive environment is the responsibility of every person at Field Camp and in the department. While free speech toward genuine intellectual growth and exploration is protected and encouraged, speech that does not foster mutual respect or uphold the dignity of all individuals prevents the healthy exchange of ideas and will be considered in violation of this code of conduct. We expect that you will conduct yourself according to the following principles (as outlined in the UO Student Code of Conduct).
• Treat others with respect and consideration. (IV.3.c)
• Be considerate, collegial, and collaborative. (IV.3.c)
• Communicate openly, with civil attitudes, critiquing ideas rather than individuals. (IV.3.c)
• Openly communicate expectations for behavior and interpersonal interactions in work-related activities and apply those standards to personal, non-professional interactions. (IV.3.c)
• Avoid personal attacks directed toward other students and instructors.(IV.3.g)
• Obey the rules and policies of the camping/lodging venue and of the private and public land on which you are working. (IV.3.q; IV.3.r)
• Ensure that your behavior towards others does not violate the Field Safety Student Rights. (IV.3.k)
• Violations of these principles may be reported as violations of the Student Code of Conduct and can result in disciplinary action including removal from Field Camp (Section V).

Field Safety Student Rights

Fieldwork and field courses are an extension of on-campus work and coursework, and adherence to a professional code of conduct is required by all participants in a UO field party. All participants are required to report Title IX violations. If you or someone in your group needs to discuss or report an incident that has occurred while on a recent trip, please use the following contact information:

• https://investigations.uoregon.edu/how-get-support
• Campus-wide 24-hour reporting line: 541-346-5555. You may use this line to make an anonymous report or they can connect you with confidential resources.
• IgDEAS Reporting Flowchart

If you do not have immediate access to cell or internet service, additional reporting guidance can be found within the UO FIELD CAMP HARASSMENT AVOIDANCE & MITIGATION POLICY (next page).

Students have the right:

1. To an environment free of harrassment or discrimination, in any form.
2. To be informed about the plans, nature of work, and risks involved with the fieldwork in which they will be participating, including (1) standard operating procedures for all, “normal” activities (e.g., driving, hiking, approaching outcrops, and backcountry bathroom protocol), (2) the roles of a designated field safety team, and (3) the emergency response plan.
3. To express concerns about their safety and comfort, and that of the team.
4. To refuse to do activities they feel are unsafe or they are not comfortable with.
5. To safe accommodations with which they are comfortable (e.g., students should not be required to share a tent with a person with whom they are not comfortable).
6. To a social environment that would be acceptable in a classroom setting.
7. To reasonable attempts to provide adequate shelter, equipment, and food.
8. To not be left alone in remote field settings if not desired.
9. To carry and use remote field safety equipment, including communication devices.
10. To private access to contact a campus advocate in case an inappropriate or dangerous situation arises, with no questions asked.
11. To be evacuated at no additional cost, if the student feels a Title VII* or Title IX** violation has occurred and wants to return to town for safety reasons and/or to file a complaint.
12. To be evacuated at no additional cost if the student feels they are experiencing a medical emergency (e.g. the flu, sprained ankle, broken arm).

* All of these field safety rights shall be exercised without retaliation or adverse effect on the student’s academic progress.

UO Field Camp Harassment Avoidance & Mitigation Policy

As a member of the UO community, you have the right to an environment free from harassment and discrimination, both on campus and in the field. You have the right to report with protection of your privacy and with minimal disruption to your field work as possible. We reiterate for this field course:

There is zero tolerance for harassment or assault, including all forms of bullying.

There is zero tolerance for retaliation against those reporting harassment or assault.

Those found to be harassing or assaulting others will be reported to appropriate authorities including UO authorities, and may be sent home at the instructors’ discretion.

If you experience a harassment or assault incident, here’s what you can do:

1. IF YOU ARE BEING HARASSED, the first priority is your safety, the second priority is to stop it from happening again. Here are some suggestions:

In the moment when it’s happening:

1. Tell the person to stop (e.g., “don’t do/say that”, “What did you mean by that?”, “stop right there”, “Stop, I would like you to consider what you are saying/just said or doing/just did”. “That was inappropriate/offensive.”).
2. If you need to, get away; make an excuse or just go.

In a less immediate situation or after the fact, you can also:

1. Ask ANYONE else to tell the person to stop
2. Consider reporting the incident
   You can report it to one of the faculty, graduate students, or a field partner. You can report with or without identifying information for the victim or the harasser.
   There are also UO-wide systems for reporting discrimination or harassment:
   – https://investigations.uoregon.edu/how-get-support

– campus-wide 24-hour reporting line: 541-346-5555. You may use this line to make an                          anonymous report or they can connect you with confidential resources.

– IgDEAS Flowchart for students

1. Document. Record what is happening (voice or video) or write down what you experienced.

You have the right to a respectful and harassment-free environment. You can ask your instructors to be sure to provide that, for example by changing group assignments so you can avoid the person who has harassed you.

2. IF YOU OBSERVE HARASSMENT OF OTHERS, here are some things you can do:

1. Direct intervention (e.g., “don’t do/say that”, “What did you mean by that?”, “stop right there”, “Stop, I would like you to consider what you are saying/just said or doing/just did”. “That was inappropriate/offensive.”)
2. Divert (e.g., “What was that last measurement you took?”, “Which rock unit do you think that is over there?”, Ask them to pass you something.)
3. Delegate (Tell someone else)
4. Document. Record what is happening (voice or video) or write down what you saw.

In a team setting, if you feel comfortable, after the event:

1. Check in with the person who was harassed. (e.g., “I saw what happened there. I thought that was really inappropriate behavior towards you. Are you ok? What can I do to help?”)
2. Check in with the person who was harassing (e.g., “That joke wasn’t funny.” “That conversation you just had with X. Have you thought how that may have come across to them?”)

3. IF YOU ARE TOLD THAT SOMETHING YOU DID WAS CONSIDERED HARASSMENT BY ANOTHER PARTY, or you realize something you did was unintentional harassment, here’s what you can do:

1. Apologize – a genuine, unqualified apology may solve the problem. Note that, “I’m sorry, but…” is not usually a genuine apology. Being told your action was harassing is often felt as an affront, especially if it was unintentional or if you still don’t understand why it was harassing. Take a little time to reflect that, whether or not you meant harm, you have obviously just offended someone. It’s all the more important to apologize if you didn’t intend to hurt them. If the apology doesn’t fix it right away, don’t be offended yourself; sometimes these things take time to process.
2. Thank the person for pointing it out.
3. Confirm that you will not do it again.
4. Understand why it was harassment. If you, on reflection, cannot see why what you did was harassing, see if they want to explain, or ask someone else to explain it to you.

Note that while a-c are best done in person, you can also ask someone else to take the message for you.

Universal Norms for Behavior/Full Value Contract

You and your cohort have the opportunity to set a tone for the culture at field camp. These norms you set to define field camp culture could include personal interactions, language and communication, conflict resolution, expectations around safety, etc.

Questions to discuss with Partner:

1. What are your goals for field camp?
2. How do you want the experience to look and feel like?
3. What are some challenges or difficulties that might arise during field camp?
4. What qualities does an ideal field partner have? What are the attitudes you should have to navigate challenges and accomplish goals? How should we act toward each other to make sure we are getting the best experience for all?

 

Goals

Experience

Challenges

Qualities/Attitudes