Event policy and purpose of the code of conduct
 

The PolyHack is an event aimed at providing an opportunity for students to develop innovative software and hardware solutions to solve real-world problems. The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure that all participants can enjoy a welcoming, inclusive, and harassment-free experience at the event. By establishing clear expectations for participant behaviour and outlining the consequences for unacceptable behaviour, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved.

​

To meet this objective, we have drafted this Code of Conduct to ensure that all participants are treated with respect and dignity, and that all forms of harassment, discrimination, or disrespectful behaviour are not tolerated.

​

Our Expectations of Participants

​

As a participant, you play an integral role in making sure that the event is welcoming, inclusive, and harassment-free for everyone involved.

​

We expect all participants to conduct themselves professionally and with respect for others. This includes, but is not limited to:

​

• Treating all other participants, including organisers, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees, with respect and courtesy.
   

• Refraining from using language or engaging in behaviour that is discriminatory, harassing, or offensive.
   

• Respecting the privacy and personal space of others.
   

• Following the instructions of event staff and volunteers at all times.
   

We believe that open and honest communication is essential to the success of the event. We encourage all participants to communicate with each other in a respectful and constructive manner.

​

Dress Code

 

All participants are expected to dress appropriately and professionally during the event. While we do not enforce a strict dress code, we ask that participants avoid wearing clothing with offensive images, slogans or messages, and attire that may be considered overly revealing or inappropriate for a professional setting.

 

Technology Use and Privacy

​

Participants are expected to use technology responsibly and ethically during the event. This includes respecting the privacy of others, not engaging in unauthorised access to computer systems or networks, and avoiding the use or distribution of malicious software. Participants must also comply with any event-specific technology policies or guidelines provided by the organisers.

 

Harassment and discrimination

​

We do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination based on gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
 

Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:
 

• Discrimination or harassment based on any of the above-mentioned characteristics.
   

• Sexual harassment, including but not limited to unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
   

• Stalking or following.
   

• Disruptive or aggressive behaviour, including but not limited to physical, verbal, or electronic harassment.
   

• Unauthorised recording or distribution of event content or materials.
   

• Any other behaviour that is deemed inappropriate, disruptive, or harmful to other participants or the event.

​

Intellectual Property and Academic Integrity

​

PolyHack aims to foster creativity and innovation and as such any act not respecting the intellectual property and copyright laws will be penalised. This includes but is not limited to:
 

• Use of copyrighted work without approval: Participants must respect the intellectual property rights of others. The use of copyrighted work without the approval of the body that created them is prohibited.
   

• Copying resources from other teams: Participants are expected to create their own work without copying or plagiarising from others. Copying resources from other teams is prohibited.
   

• Reusing content from another competition, work, or study without disclosing it clearly: Participants must be transparent in disclosing the sources of their work. Reusing content from another competition, work, or study without disclosing it clearly is prohibited.

​

Additional Policies

​

In addition to the behaviours mentioned earlier, there are other forms of unacceptable behaviour that we do not tolerate at the event. The following is a list of additional unacceptable behaviours at PolyHack:
 

• Destruction of property: Participants are expected to respect the property of the event venue and other participants. Any intentional damage to property will not be tolerated and may result in legal action.
   

• Access to restricted areas not specified as dedicated to the event: Participants are expected to respect the boundaries and designated areas of the event venue. Access to restricted areas not specified as dedicated to the event is prohibited.
   

• Unauthorised recording or distribution of event content or materials.

​

Disciplinary Actions
 

We take all reports of harassment, discrimination, or other forms of unacceptable behaviour seriously, and will investigate all such reports promptly, confidentially, and impartially.
 

If a participant is found to have violated the Code of Conduct, the event organisers may take action, including but not limited to:
 

• Asking the participant to leave the event or online platform immediately, without refund or compensation.
   

• Banning the participant from future events.
   

• Reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities.
   

The event organisers, including The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Google Developer Student's Club, reserve the right to interpret and enforce the Code of Conduct at their discretion.

 

Reporting Violations

​

If you witness or experience behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, you are encouraged to report it immediately to a member of the event staff or volunteer. All reports will be taken seriously and will be investigated promptly, confidentially, and impartially. The event organisers will work with the parties involved to reach a resolution.

​

Disclaimer

​

The event organisers reserve the right to modify, interpret, or enforce this Code of Conduct at their discretion. 

We hope that by establishing this Code of Conduct, we can help create a safe and supportive environment for all participants at PolyHack 2023. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to make this event a success