Purpose

TekTrek exists to help students do ambitious work in a supportive community. This Code of Conduct is here to keep everyone safe, healthy, happy, and productive.

We expect:

• Respect for every person and the shared environment
• Integrity in work and communication
• Care for self and community
• Accountability for actions and impact

Scope

Who & Where this applies

This Code of Conduct applies to all TekTrek summer program students.

It applies in all program contexts, including:

• On-site housing
• Workshops / program workspace (“the workshop”)
• Field trips and off-site program events
• Online communications (Slack, email, group chats, docs, forums)

Harassment

Zero tolerance.

TekTrek has zero tolerance for harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, violence, or threats of violence.

What is harassment?

Harassment is unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive, including (not exhaustive):

• Slurs, derogatory comments, or repeated demeaning jokes
• Bullying, intimidation, or repeated targeting
• Unwanted or persistent contact after someone asks for space
• Stalking, doxxing, or sharing private info
• Threats, coercion, or extortion

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment/misconduct includes any unwelcome sexual behavior, including:

• Unwanted sexual comments, jokes, or gestures
• Sexual attention or romantic pursuit that continues after disinterest is shown
• Requests for sexual favors, pressure, or quid pro quo (“do this and you’ll get…”)
• Non-consensual touching, groping, kissing, or any sexual contact
• Sharing sexual images/content without consent

Retaliation (not allowed)

Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern or participates in a report is prohibited. Retaliation is itself a serious violation.

Immediate response

If harassment/sexual misconduct/violence occurs or is alleged:

• Program leadership may take immediate safety actions (separation, removal from spaces/events, changes in housing arrangements, communication limits).
• Certain violations may result in immediate removal from the program.

Consent

Boundaries and interpersonal conduct.

Consent is required

• Ask first and respect “no” the first time.
• Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and reversible.
• If someone is asleep, intoxicated, pressured, or otherwise unable to consent, consent is not possible.

Personal space and property

• Do not enter someone’s room, bed area, or personal space without explicit permission.
• Do not touch others’ belongings without asking.

Relationships & power dynamics

TekTrek is an intensive environment. Be especially careful with boundaries. If any interpersonal situation is creating discomfort, reduce contact and seek help early.

Confidentiality

TekTrek expects strict confidentiality.

What you must not share outside the program

Do not share any of the following with people outside TekTrek (online or offline), unless you have explicit program permission and any impacted person’s consent:

• The house address, access details, or security practices
• Personal stories, health information, or sensitive background details of other students.
• Internal program discussions, conflicts, or reports
• Proprietary project details or unpublished work

Internal sharing is still need-to-know

Even within TekTrek, share sensitive information only with people who need it to do their job or keep others safe.

Workspace

• Respect focus time; keep side conversations contained.
• Be mindful of shared equipment. Clean up after building/tinkering.
• No harassment, intimidation, or aggressive behavior.