I am pleased to announce that INFORMS has a new Code of Conduct Policy that was approved by the Board of Directors on October 23, 2021. You can read the full policy at
https://www.informs.org/About-INFORMS/Governance/INFORMS-Code-of-Conduct.
"This Code of Conduct Policy of The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) requires that all participants conduct themselves during INFORMS activities in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or retaliation. Participants agree to treat each other with respect and consideration to create and ensure a collegial, inclusive and professional environment."
The policy's revision was months in the making and included talking with members, the Executive Committee, Board, Subdivisions Council and legal counsel, and finally sharing the near-final draft with all members via INFORMS Connect for a member feedback.
The most significant difference between the new and former policy is that the new code of conduct is all-encompassing. The former code was tailored to INFORMS events and meetings. This revision applies to all INFORMS activities, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Any meeting or call, whether in-person or online, whose purpose is to conduct or discuss matters related to INFORMS business, events, publications, awards, or initiatives.
- Any element of an INFORMS conference or workshop, such as plenary sessions, technical sessions, tutorials, tours, receptions, business meetings, networking sessions.
- Any component of the publication review process associated with an INFORMS journal, such as the editorial and review tasks for handling a submission and the responses from the authors.
- Any communications that are hosted by INFORMS or by an INFORMS subdivision.
- Any INFORMS-sponsored professional development activity or certification activity.
- Any INFORMS-sponsored social activity.
- Any non-INFORMS activity, where the person is acting as a representative of INFORMS.
Moreover, the new policy includes a more thorough post-complaint and post-investigation process with an explanation of an appeals process, providing our community with more transparency and accountability.
My request to you: If you're ever on the receiving end of, or if you witness disrespectful conduct that doesn't fit with the collegial, inclusive and professional environment INFORMS aspires to create, report it. The only way we build and sustain a community we are all proud of is to hold each other accountable. Reports should be shared with the INFORMS Hotline – by phone: 855-650-0005; online: https://www.lighthouse-services.com/informs; email: reports@lighthouse-services.com; or via fax: 215-689-3885 (must include "INFORMS" with the report). Reports may be made anonymously.
If you have any feedback or questions, please let me know.
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Elena Gerstmann, PhD
Executive Director
INFORMS
egerstmann@informs.org------------------------------