Misconduct policies

The Code of Conduct is also enumerated in the background guide for each NCSC committee. For more committee-specific policies, including the technology policy, please look at the respective background guide for further clarification. 

Violations of this code of conduct during conference weekend can be reported through our misconduct forms. All issues pertaining to substantive, sexual, and/or social misconduct occurring during conference weekend will be handled directly by relevant members of the NCSC Secretariat and the Conference Executives.

Substantive, Sexual, and Social Misconduct Policy

Content Warning: Mentions of sexual violence.

Substantive misconduct includes any plagiarism, pre-writing, or violations of a committee-specific technology policy (refer to your committee’s BG for more information on this or our Committee Policies page), and can be reported HERE.

Sexual misconduct includes a broad range of unwelcome sexual behaviors/violence that is usually facilitated by a power imbalance. These behaviors can range from harassment, stalking, unwanted sexual advances or touching, sexual abuse, rape, and more. For any incident of sexual misconduct or a situation you believe requires immediate attention, please contact us at the numbers/email addresses below if you feel comfortable: 

Kevin Piraino (Secretary-General): (516) 455-3414 | k.piraino@modelun.org
Cynthia Lu (Executive Director): (262) 278-0027 | c.lu@modelun.org
DC Victim Hotline (24/7): 1-844-443-5732 (1-844-4-HELP-DC)

Social misconduct is a vast umbrella term that encompasses (in frank terms), "everything else besides sexual misconduct." Officially, social misconduct includes any forms of harassment or discrimination based on race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, or disability. TLDR: Social misconduct comprises any situation where a delegate feels harassed or discriminated against based on either identity or insensitivity/ignorance.

Both sexual and social misconduct can be reported in the anonymous reporting form HERE OR communicated to a member of NCSC Secretariat in-person (or through the numbers above for sexual misconduct). Any potential cases of discrimination or sexual misconduct will most likely warrant immediate investigation—if desired by the reporter—by the Executives and may result in disqualification from awards and/or dismissal from the conference.

*NOTE: Misconduct can occur between delegates OR delegates and staffers. This includes but is not limited to inappropriate 1) content in notes passed or documents created during committee sessions, 2) conversations throughout NCSC weekend, and 3) conduct at the Washington Hilton or at any NCSC sponsored programming.

General Conduct Policies

  1. Delegates are expected to abide by all of the rules, regulations, and policies of the Washington Hilton throughout the duration of the conference.

    • Delegates are expected to refrain from excessive noise while inside the Hilton.

    • Delegates will not harass nor disrupt other participants or Hilton guests.

    • Conference identification (delegate name tags) must be worn visibly at all times while in the Hilton.

    • The use of tobacco products of any kind, including e-cigarettes and vapes, are prohibited in the Hilton.

    • Use or possession of any kind of illegal substance, including marijuana products or paraphernalia, is strictly prohibited for all delegates.

    • Consumption or possession of alcohol at any time in public spaces, including those within the Hilton, is strictly prohibited regardless of the age of the delegate. Consumption or possession of alcohol among underage delegates is prohibited in all situations.

  2. Delegates are expected to be present at and on time to all committee sessions. If delegates anticipate that they will be late or absent to committee sessions, they are expected to contact their chair and/or crisis manager in advance.

  3. Delegates are expected to be respectful and mindful of all ethnic and national cultures and religious affiliations, as well as follow any committee-specific content expectations as outlined in their Background Guide.

  4. Delegates will act in accordance with federal laws and regulations at all times, and in accordance with District of Columbia local laws and regulations while in the city of Washington, D.C.

  5. Delegates are expected to comply with the instructions of NCSC Staff Members, Hilton Staff and Security, and members of law enforcement, and respect these individuals’ roles in the enforcement of the policies in this Code of Conduct.

Social Media Policy

Delegates should not use Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tiktok, or any other kind of social media during committee sessions. Outside of committee sessions, delegates should practice appropriate behavior on these sites and apps. Inappropriate posts or bullying via social media related to NCSC will not be tolerated.

Photo Policy

All delegates may be documented, either in photographic or videographic form, during committee sessions and other organized conference programming by NCSC staff members. If you would prefer not to be photographed or videoed, please email the Director of Delegate Affairs, Reesa Bhowmik, at r.bhowmik@modelun.org with your full name and committee. In these cases, all available efforts will be made to prevent photos and videos from being taken and uploaded by NCSC staff members in any relevant areas.

Dress Code Policy

NCSC requests that delegates wear standard Western Business Attire while committee is in session. Western Business Attire includes appropriate dress shirts and pants worn with jackets and ties, appropriate dress blouses worn with skirts or slacks, and business formal dresses.

Code of Conduct Violations Policy

Participants should be aware that if they are found in violation of any of the above policies, the Executives may impose these or any other sanctions at their sole and final discretion:

  1. Notification of the participant’s head delegate and/or committee Chair or Crisis Manager

  2. Suspension from the remainder of committee sessions

  3. Disqualification of the delegate or delegation from individual and/or delegation awards

  4. Other actions deemed fit by the Executives, including notification of Hilton staff and/or security, law enforcement or other relevant authorities.