HackIllinois Code of Conduct

The HackIllinois Code of Conduct is established to create a positive, safe, and inclusive environment for all participants. This document sets forth the principles and expectations that guide the behavior of attendees, volunteers, staff, and anyone involved in HackIllinois.

All individuals participating in HackIllinois are expected to demonstrate integrity, respect, and professionalism at all times. HackIllinois enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of harassment, discrimination, or exclusionary behavior. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Hate speech or offensive language based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
• Unwanted physical contact or sexual advances. Intimidation, bullying, or deliberate disruption of another participant’s experience.
• Any form of harassment, including but not limited to stalking

If any incident of harassment or discriminatory behavior is reported, it will be promptly reviewed by HackIllinois staff, and can be escalated by event staff’s discretion. Consequences will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and may include immediate removal from the event and notification of the appropriate university authorities. Further details on the consequences can be found in the Alignment with UIUC Siebel School of Computing Code of Conduct section.

Participants are expected to maintain the integrity of the spaces and resources provided by HackIllinois. This includes: Adhering to facility rules as outlined in the attendee guide. Maintain clean and organized common areas (e.g. dispose of waste and restore spaces to their original condition) Properly use and care for equipment and materials.

The safety of all participants is of utmost importance. HackIllinois expects full cooperation with all established safety protocols:

• No firearms, weapons (real or fake), or any forms of violence.
• In the case of an emergency, remain composed and follow staff guidance.
• If you feel unwell or observe any concerning behavior, please notify event staff or contact on-site EMTs or police immediately.

Event staff are present to ensure the event runs smoothly, safely, and inclusively. Participants are expected to:

• Follow the instructions of HackIllinois event staff and volunteers at all times.
• Treat event staff with respect and cooperation.

HackIllinois strives to create a supportive and welcoming environment for all. If at any point during the event you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or in need of assistance:

• Reach out to a HackIllinois staff member or volunteer for support.
• Utilize CS Cares, a resource available to provide assistance and ensure attendees feel welcomed and supported.
• Reports of misconduct or violations of the Code of Conduct will be handled confidentially and with the utmost seriousness to maintain a safe event atmosphere.

Reports of misconduct or violations can be submitted confidentially via email directly to [email protected], which is monitored 24/7 during HackIllinois business hours. All reports will be reviewed by a Code of Conduct Committee, which includes trained leadership and event staff. For a full description of our process for handling complaints, please see Complaint Produces.

HackIllinois fully complies with the broader Code of Conduct of the UIUC Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, and the ACM Code of Conduct. Violations of this Code of Conduct will be taken seriously. Consequences will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the designated staff members, who reserve the right to take immediate action, which include, but are not limited to:

• Immediate removal from the event without a refund, or reimbursement
• Reporting the incident to UIUC Office for Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR) or other appropriate university authorities Reporting to the violator’s home institution if applicable
• Ineligibility for event awards
• Permanent ban from future HackIllinois events

By participating in HackIllinois, you acknowledge and agree to uphold this Code of Conduct. You understand that violations may result in immediate action, up to and including removal from the event and exclusion from future HackIllinois activities. HackIllinois is committed to maintaining an inclusive, safe, and productive environment for all. Thank you for contributing to this community and respecting the principles that allow us to collaborate and innovate together.