CAA Code of Conduct

Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) Mission Statement

The CAA’s mission is to cultivate a global community of Columbia alums, students, faculty, and staff to explore interests, exchange ideas, and take actions that enrich one another, the University, and the world.

CAA Vision Statement

Where every Columbian can build, belong, and go beyond.

Values

We value equity, collaboration, and openness, and we aspire to create a space hospitable to the diverse intellectual interests of our community. Each member and CAA volunteer has a responsibility to contribute to an environment where every participant feels equally valued.

Volunteer Code of Conduct

The success of the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) depends on our vibrant network of volunteers serving in a variety of roles to build a strong alumni community around the world. Volunteer leaders give life to the mission of the CAA—strengthening connections among alumni worldwide while deepening alumni engagement with the University. 

The CAA values its volunteers and works to support our network of committed alumni leaders who share a sense of pride and purpose. This Code of Conduct has been developed to help ensure that the alumni volunteer experiences are meaningful, productive, and safe for all participants. 

To be eligible to participate in Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) volunteer opportunities, each volunteer is expected to read and comply with this Alumni Volunteer Code of Conduct. 

Each volunteer is also required to comply with the CAA’s Community Standard: CAA commits to supporting and maintaining an accessible and visible community where diversity of identity and thought is respected and celebrated. The participants in all CAA programs, activities, and volunteer opportunities, are charged with creating environments where alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and friends of the University treat each individual and group with collegiality, inclusivity, and respect. 

Each CAA volunteer is expected to: 

  • Serve as an exemplary leader to their fellow Columbia community members
  • Partner with fellow volunteers and Columbia University administration to achieve the engagement goals of the CAA
  • Foster a diverse and inclusive environment for all alumni volunteers, participants, and constituents 
  • Conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner to foster a safe, positive, and engaging collaborative environment 
  • Follow policies governing the use of the Columbia University name, logo, and brand
  • Keep open communication with your CAA liaison 
  • Hold alumnus status (see Article III, Section 1, CAA Bylaws) 
  • Be in good standing with the University
  • Follow all University policies and obey the law

Further, Columbia University is committed to providing an environment free from prohibited discrimination and harassment and to fostering a nurturing and vibrant community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all of its members. All employees, students, contractors, and people conducting business with the University are protected from prohibited conduct as outlined in the University’s Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) Policies & Procedures.  

Please note that the University’s EOAA Policies & Procedures govern the conduct of third parties that occurs on any University campus, in connection with University-sponsored programs or activities (including business travel), and/or University-sponsored programs or activities occurring in an online format (e.g., Zoom).

Reporting Violations

The University strongly encourages those who have experienced, witnessed, or become aware of conduct that violates the University’s policies to come forward promptly so that the University can take appropriate steps to prevent such conduct from occurring in the future and to ameliorate its effects. The University’s Office of EOAA has a variety of resources available that support individuals affected by harassment. The University will respond to any reported potential violations in accordance with the applicable policies. The University will protect the privacy of those who come forward to the extent possible and permissible by law. 

If you believe that you have been subjected to, witnessed, or have otherwise learned of conduct prohibited by the University’s policies or this Code of Conduct, you can notify the University in any of the following ways:

  • By filing an online report with EOAA via the following link 
  • By contacting EOAA via email at [email protected] or by phone at (212) 854-5511
  • By contacting the University’s Title IX Coordinator via email at [email protected] or by phone at 212-843-1276

Additional Resources:

Columbia University is committed to providing an accessible and welcoming environment for faculty, staff, students, guests, visitors, and members of the public, and it encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. Individuals with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access may contact the Office of Disability Services.

Additionally, there are several resources and policies around privacy and data all volunteers should avail themselves of as appropriate:

Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and support of the CAA and its University-wide alumni community! Your efforts make us stronger and more unified.