At the Flash Fiction Institute, we are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all writers. Our community is built on respect, creativity, and a shared passion for storytelling. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations we have for both instructors and students to ensure a positive and productive learning space where everyone feels valued and respected.
1. General Conduct and Community Expectations
At the Flash Fiction Institute, we expect all members of our community, including instructors, students, and staff, to:
- Treat others with respect at all times, both in and outside the classroom.
- Engage in constructive feedback and discussion that fosters growth, learning, and creativity.
- Respect diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities, recognizing that everyone’s story matters.
- Uphold a positive and inclusive environment by listening actively, encouraging others, and practicing empathy.
- Embrace a collaborative, non-competitive atmosphere where everyone is free to explore their creativity without judgment or fear.
We are committed to maintaining a space that is free from harassment, discrimination, or any form of marginalization based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, religion, or age.
2. Expectations for Instructors
As an instructor at the Flash Fiction Institute, you play a crucial role in shaping the student experience and maintaining the values of our community. We expect instructors to:
- Foster an inclusive, safe, and respectful learning environment where all students feel welcome and supported.
- Respect and honor the diversity of voices and perspectives within the classroom, encouraging open and constructive dialogue.
- Provide thoughtful, constructive feedback that helps students grow as writers without diminishing their unique voices or creativity.
- Uphold academic integrity, ensuring that all coursework and discussions remain free of plagiarism or AI-generated content. Encourage students to create fiction that is genuinely their own.
- Model professional and ethical behavior, including punctuality, preparedness, and respect for the personal boundaries of all students.
- Address any instances of discrimination, harassment, or misconduct promptly and report them to the Flash Fiction Institute’s administration.
3. Expectations for Students
At the Flash Fiction Institute, we expect all students to:
- Contribute positively to the learning environment, respecting the voices and ideas of fellow writers.
- Engage in peer feedback with kindness and openness, understanding that everyone’s creative process is different.
- Honor the Institute’s DEI commitments by respecting the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of your peers.
- Maintain academic honesty by submitting original work and refraining from using AI-generated content in fiction writing assignments. Your work should reflect your unique creativity and perspective.
- Communicate responsibly and respectfully in all interactions with instructors and peers, whether in person or online.
- Respect personal boundaries and refrain from any behavior that could be perceived as harassment, bullying, or discriminatory in nature.
- Seek help when needed, either from instructors or administration, if you encounter any issues related to harassment, discrimination, or any other challenges within the learning environment.
4. Zero Tolerance for Harassment and Discrimination
The Flash Fiction Institute is committed to creating a harassment-free space for all participants. Harassment, discrimination, or bullying based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, or any other personal characteristic will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If any member of the community experiences or witnesses such behavior, we encourage them to report it immediately.
5. Use of AI in Fiction Writing
The Flash Fiction Institute is dedicated to promoting human creativity and the authenticity of each writer’s voice. We do not condone the use of AI-generated content in fiction writing assignments. We believe that storytelling is a uniquely human endeavor that should come from individual thought, experience, and imagination. Any use of AI in fiction writing courses will be considered a violation of this Code of Conduct.
6. Consequences for Violations
Violations of this Code of Conduct, including harassment, plagiarism, or the use of AI in fiction writing, will result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the course or program. We take these matters seriously to maintain a respectful, creative, and inclusive learning environment for all.
7. Reporting Issues
If you experience or witness any conduct that violates this Code, we encourage you to report it to the Flash Fiction Institute administration as soon as possible. All reports will be taken seriously and handled with confidentiality and care. You can contact us at [insert contact info here] for any concerns.