1. Purpose and Scope
This Code of Conduct establishes standards of behaviour and professionalism expected within Academic Champions of Excellence (ACE).
It may apply to learners, tutors, peer educators, volunteers, staff members, management and other persons participating in ACE activities, where applicable.
2. Respect and Professional Behaviour
Everyone participating in ACE activities is expected to treat others with dignity, respect and professionalism.
- Respect learners, tutors, parents and guardians.
- Respect ACE management and other personnel.
- Communicate respectfully.
- Avoid harassment, intimidation and bullying.
- Respect reasonable differences between individuals.
3. Academic Integrity
ACE promotes honest learning and academic integrity.
- Tutors must not complete tests or examinations for learners.
- Tutors must not complete assignments or projects that learners are expected to complete themselves.
- Learners must not misrepresent another person's work as their own.
- Educational assistance should support learning rather than replace the learner's own effort.
4. Tutor Responsibilities
Tutors and instructional personnel are expected to:
- Prepare adequately for tutoring sessions.
- Provide accurate and appropriate academic guidance.
- Treat learners fairly and respectfully.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
- Protect learner information.
- Follow ACE policies and reasonable instructions.
5. Attendance and Punctuality
Tutors should arrive at least 15 minutes before scheduled physical tutoring sessions where reasonably possible.
Tutors who are unable to attend a scheduled session should notify ACE management as early as reasonably possible. Where possible, at least 24 hours' notice should be provided, except in emergencies.
6. Professional Boundaries
Tutors and other ACE personnel must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with learners.
Where a pre-existing personal relationship exists between a tutor and learner, or between individuals working within ACE, the relevant relationship should be disclosed to the appropriate ACE management person where it may create a conflict of interest or affect professional responsibilities.
Appropriate professional conduct must continue during ACE classes, events, communications and other organisational activities.
7. Communication
ACE communication channels should be used responsibly.
- Communication should remain respectful.
- Users should avoid abusive or threatening language.
- ACE communication channels should not be used for inappropriate purposes.
- Private learner information should not be shared without appropriate authorisation.
8. Discrimination and Harassment
ACE does not support harassment, bullying, intimidation or unfair discriminatory treatment within its activities.
Concerns regarding inappropriate behaviour should be reported to ACE management through an appropriate communication channel.
9. Child and Learner Safety
Where ACE works with learners who are minors, tutors and other personnel are expected to act responsibly and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
Any serious safety concern involving a learner should be reported to the appropriate ACE management person and, where necessary, the appropriate responsible authority.
10. Confidentiality
Tutors, management and other authorised persons may receive confidential information during their work with ACE.
Such information should not be disclosed to unauthorised persons unless disclosure is authorised or required by applicable law.
11. Intellectual Property and Copyright
ACE materials, branding, documents, website content, graphics and other original organisational materials should not be copied, sold, modified or redistributed without appropriate permission.
Tutors and contributors should respect copyright and intellectual property rights belonging to ACE, educational institutions, publishers and other third parties.
12. Conflicts of Interest
Persons acting on behalf of ACE should disclose circumstances that may create a significant conflict between their personal interests and their responsibilities to ACE.
13. Misuse of ACE Resources
ACE resources, accounts, communication platforms, educational materials and organisational property should only be used for authorised purposes.
Unauthorised access, misuse, destruction or interference with ACE resources may result in appropriate organisational action.
14. Reporting Concerns
Learners, tutors and other participants are encouraged to report serious concerns regarding misconduct, harassment, safety, academic dishonesty or misuse of ACE resources to ACE management.
15. Breach of the Code
Where a person is suspected of breaching this Code of Conduct, ACE may review the matter and take reasonable organisational action consistent with its governing documents, applicable policies and applicable law.
16. Updates
ACE may update this Code of Conduct when its activities, organisational requirements or applicable obligations change.
