Our Code of Conduct
Updated: December 15, 2025
About Open
We are proud to have a diverse team that includes:
- Women
- People with disabilities
- Racialized team members
- Immigrants and first-generation academics
- Francophone minority members
At Open, we:
- Include everyone
- Support each other
- Celebrate diversity
- Communicate respectfully
- Learn from mistakes
Our actions and words help make our team a safe and inclusive place for everyone.
Our Values
- Inclusion and Equity
- Reciprocity and Mutual Support
- Diversity and La Francophonie
Inclusion and Equity
We believe everyone should feel included and treated fairly.
- We build friendships without excluding anyone from social events or opportunities.
- If you ever feel left out, talk to Virginie or another team member.
- We share resources fairly, not always equally.
- If something feels unfair, talk to Virginie.
- Ask for accommodations when needed.
- Virginie will help find solutions.
Reciprocity and Mutual Support
We help each other and celebrate everyone’s work.
- We celebrate everyone’ success and progress, big or small.
- We share tips and knowledge to help each other grow.
- We reach out when someone seems upset or stressed.
- If you feel this way, you can talk to Virginie or a teammate.
- We respect rest time. Everyone deserves breaks and time off.
- Some people work at different times.
- You can send an email anytime, but people will reply when it works for them.
Diversity and La Francophonie
We value our differences and treat everyone with respect.
- We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.
- That includes racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, and transphobia.
- We use inclusive and gender-neutral language.
- We respect all cultures and traditions.
- We are aware of microaggressions. Microagressions are actions or words that can hurt others, even if we don’t want to hurt them.
- Learn more at themicropedia.org
Handling Situations
When a Micro-aggression or Discrimination Happens
If you see or experience harmful language or behaviour, here’s what to do:
- Stop it kindly:
- “Let’s take a break. That language might hurt someone.”
- Ask questions:
- “What do you mean by that?”
- Remind our values:
- “Our team values inclusion and respect. Do you think what you said fits with those values?”
- Share your feelings:
- “I feel hurt by what you said. It sounds like people with disabilities are being treated unfairly.”
- Suggest next steps:
- Read the resources below.
- Make a real apology if someone was hurt.
- Learn how to avoid this in the future.
- If it continues:
- Talk to Virginie.
- She will take appropriate actions (meetings, education, or policy changes).
- Repeat harmful behaviour may lead to leaving the team.
If Someone Tells You That You Were Hurtful
- Listen and don’t argue.
- Apologize sincerely.
- Reflect and learn using the resources below.
Language
You can speak or write in English or French — whichever language you are most comfortable with.
Useful Readings and Resources
- Article: How to Respond to Racial Microaggressions When They Occur
- The Micropedia disability category
- University of Ottawa Human Rights Office accessibility resources
Mental health and support resources:
- Ottawa Mental Health Crisis line (available 24/7): 613-722-6914
- Crisis line outside of Ottawa: 1-866-996-0991
- Good2Talk Post-Secondary Student Helpline: 1-866-925-5454
- Canada Suicide Prevention Service (available 24/7): 1-833-456-4566
- Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa: 613-234-2266
- University of Ottawa Mental health services
- University of Ottawa protection services:
- To report an emergency: 613-562-5411 (or ext. 5411)
- Non-urgent matters: 613-562-5499 (or ext. 5499)
- University of Ottawa sexual violence support and prevention
- University of Ottawa office of the Ombudsperson