31st Annual Short Course on Experimental Models of Human Cancer

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) Courses and Conferences program is committed to:

(1)    Fostering an educational and working environment that encourages and supports our mission and the promotion of free and open exchange of scientific ideas;
(2)    Creating and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all in-person and virtual participants in educational programs, including event directors and organizers, internal and invited speakers, attendees, and all staff; and
(3)    Providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment, in accordance with federal, state and local law, at all of our courses, conferences, symposia and workshops delivered both on and off of the JAX campuses.

The Code and expectations outlined below are aligned with the JAX Code of Conduct and NIH Policy and are applicable to all intramural and extramural participants including faculty, trainees, students and staff.

By registering for and attending a JAX Courses and Conferences -facilitated meeting or event, either in person or virtually, participants agree to:

• Treat fellow meeting participants and staff with respect, civility and fairness, without bias based on sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, color, religion, nationality or national origin, citizenship status, disability status, veteran status, marital or partnership status, age, genetic information, or any other criteria prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law.
• Follow applicable federal, state and local laws on unlawful harassment and discrimination. Harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, marital status, citizenship, or any other status protected by applicable law is prohibited.
• Not engage in or encourage action that creates an intimidating, hostile, or unprofessional work environment.
• Discourage and report comments or activities that are unprofessional, offensive, derogatory, bullying, discriminating or harassing.

By participating in JAX Courses and Conferences programming attendees, either in person or virtually, agree to refrain from:

• Discrimination or harassment, as outlined above.
• Unprofessional or disrespectful behavior that interferes with the learning environment.
• Sharing of data or information, including through social media, from invite-only (e.g. not publicly-
  accessible) programs and meetings without the explicit permission of the presenter.
• Misuse or excessive personal use of JAX property or resources including equipment, computers,     internet and network infrastructure, supplies and residential/hospitality resources.    

What to do in case of breaches or violations of these guidelines:

Program organizers and leadership can be approached informally about any apparent or actual breaches or violations. Breaches or violations should be reported to the specific program leader or to JAX Courses and Conferences organizers in person or by email:

• Erin McDevitt, Building 01D Room 2185 (Bar Harbor, ME campus), Erin.McDevitt@jax.org
• Dr. Brent Berwin, Building 01D Room 2175 (Bar Harbor, ME campus), Brent.Berwin@jac.org

Reports can be submitted by those who experience harassment or discrimination as well as by those who witness violations of the behavior laid out in this Code. The TDCC will act as needed to resolve the matter, up to and including immediate expulsion of the offending participant(s) from the meeting and exclusion from future events offered by JAX. Individuals at any NIH-supported conference who have questions, concerns or complaints related to harassment or discrimination can also file a report with the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) or notify NIH. Seeking assistance from a program leader or organizer in no way prohibits filing complaints with HHS OCR.

In accordance with The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) Policies, all participants in JAX courses and workshops events must adhere to the following safety protocol:

1. JAX medical attestations (provided by the Host or Event Planner) are required for all visitors to review and sign prior to arrival at the event venue.
2. Participants will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination (e.g., CDC vaccination record card or international equivalent) prior to event residence and participation*. This includes having booster shots when eligible to do so.
3. Prior to participating in any event activities, on-site attendees, including both vaccinated individuals and individuals exempt from vaccination, must:
   1. Pre-arrival: attest to a negative COVID-19 test derived from either a single laboratory-based test (e.g. PCR testing or any other laboratory-based NAAT test) or a single Point-Of-Care (POC) test (e.g. commercially-available BinaxNOW test or similar test; not provided by JAX) taken 24-72 hours prior to arrival. Individuals with positive test results must recuse themselves from in-person attendance at the event.
   2. Post-arrival:
      1. complete additional POC testing at registration (Day 1), which will be provided by JAX at no cost; OR
      2. independently complete additional POC testing at event housing (e.g. Highseas or hotel) on the day of registration (Day 1). Test must be procured by participant.
4. All participants will take an initial test (Day 1) and attest to their result. If the event duration is 3 to 5 days, participants may be asked to take a second test on the morning of Day 4 of the event, which will also be provided at no cost.
5. Reporting: Any illness symptoms or positive COVID test results shall be reported to the Event Planner and/or Brent Berwin (brent.berwin@jax.org; phone/SMS 603-208-7446) and the participant shall remain in their Highseas or residential room until contacted by JAX staff. Per institutional policy, any course participant who is a member of the JAX community is required to report any COVID-19 related illness symptoms, or positive COVID test results, through US Wellness at 888-926-6099, support@uswellness.com, or through the Apricity@Work app.
6. Participants must follow JAX safety protocols in effect at the time and location of the event. This may include masking while indoors on campus except while eating.
7. Noncompliance with any portion of the safety protocol will result in participant removal from the event and from JAX housing without refund.

* JAX will honor documented approvals of vaccination exemption by participants’ home institutions for certain medical conditions or a sincerely held religious belief. A scanned copy of COVID-19 vaccination record is acceptable in place of the original.

Please contact the Event Planner directly with any further questions or concerns about any of the above policies. If unsure whom to contact, please email coursesandconferences@jax.org.

Revised: 5/2/2022