Community Code of Conduct
Safe and Inclusive Spaces
The University of Toronto Entrepreneurship (UTE) Community is committed to a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for all. This includes:
- Physical co-working and event space such as ONRamp, where we congregate, network, learn and build our ventures, and;
- The virtual environments we create to support one another, inspire creativity, mentor and be mentored and grow as people and companies
The UTE Community supports the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity where participants, partners, and collaborators of all backgrounds, lived experiences, identities, and walks of life feel welcome, supported, and respected. We are committed to nurturing a sense of community where a difference of opinion and perspective that embodies mutual respect, collaboration, and professionalism is encouraged. We are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining an environment for all members of the UTE family to participate fully and thrive.
We will not tolerate behaviour or conduct that compromises the respectful and inclusive nature of our community the program, including but not limited to:
- Verbal threats or physical violence
- Speech or behaviour that is deemed xenophobic, sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or otherwise discriminatory or offensive in nature
- Intimidation or harassment online or in-person
There is a zero-tolerance policy and University of Toronto Entrepreneurship reserves the right to revoke privileges and access to all UTE Community space, programming, events and resources for anyone who violates the guidelines and principles in this Code of Conduct.
Volunteers
The UTE Community is supported by hundreds of volunteers and we are grateful for their important contributions to the UTE community as mentors, advisors, panellists, speakers, and beyond.
Volunteers may, or may not, be current students or staff of the university, however it is expected that all volunteers will abide by the Code of Conduct and the University of Toronto’s Policies and Procedures including Sexual Harassment, Statement on Equity, Diversity and Excellence, Statement on Human Rights, and Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment as applicable to you in your role as a mentor. Specific policies can be found on the Human Resources and Equity website here.
Disclaimer: Please note that UTE and the University of Toronto do not in any way screen volunteers or verify their qualifications. All UTE Community members are expected to conduct their own due diligence before engaging with any volunteer.
University of Toronto Entrepreneurship reserves the right to remove any volunteer not adhering to the Code of Conduct from participating in UTE initiatives.
Conflict of Interest
In addition to contributing to a safe and inclusive environment, members of the UTE Community and volunteers are expected to proactively manage any conflicts of interest (real or perceived) related to their activities. This includes:
- Declaring any real or perceived conflicts of interest that you may have to the UTE Director or relevant U of T Accelerator Lead
- Declaring any ownership (including intellectual property rights), employment, or other compensated activities from UTE Community Members or U of T startups that you are advising or mentoring to the UTE Director or relevant U of T Accelerator Lead
- Not solicit, request, accept fees or other forms of compensation (i.e. equity) from members of the UTE Community without the prior disclosure and approval of the UTE Director or relevant U of T Accelerator Lead
- Respect the confidentiality of any proprietary information you may receive
Resolution
The UTE Community is spread across the university’s campuses, Divisions, Faculties and Departments. U of T accelerators within Divisions may have their own dedicated policies and procedures. Violations of the Code of Conduct should be reported to the Accelerator Lead and the Division with direct oversight.
For additional support or to report issues related to ONRamp and programs delivered through UTE, please contact:
Jon French
Director, University of Toronto Entrepreneurship
jon.french@utoronto.ca