CODE OF CONDUCT

Mentor Code of Conduct and Liability Acknowledgment

The Doctors of Color Consortium (D.O.C.C.) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentorship, outreach, and educational equity. Mentors play a crucial role in advancing this mission. In serving as a volunteer, you agree to conduct yourself in a manner that upholds the values of the organization while acknowledging the limitations of liability and responsibility that govern your participation.

By agreeing to serve as a mentor, you understand and accept the following expectations and protections:

1. Conduct and Communication

I will treat all participants, mentees, staff, and volunteers with respect and professionalism, demonstrating cultural humility and non-discrimination.
I will not engage in behavior that could be construed as harassment, abuse, exploitation, or misconduct.
I understand that I am responsible for my words and actions and will maintain professional boundaries at all times.

2. Boundaries and Interactions with Minors

I will never initiate or continue private one-on-one contact with minors outside of D.O.C.C.-sanctioned, supervised programming.
I will not meet with, transport, or engage with a student outside of official programming without written consent from the guardian and written notification to D.O.C.C.
I will report any safety concerns or incidents to D.O.C.C. leadership immediately.

3. Confidentiality

I will respect the privacy and dignity of all mentees.
I understand that sharing identifiable or sensitive information without explicit permission is grounds for dismissal from the program.
If I become aware of any information that may threaten the safety of a participant or the organization, I will report it promptly.

4. Voluntary Role and Organizational Non-Liability

I understand that my participation as a mentor is entirely voluntary and that I am not an employee, agent, or representative of D.O.C.C.
I acknowledge that D.O.C.C. is not liable for any acts, errors, or omissions I commit while participating in or outside of official programs or events.
I agree that I am responsible for any legal or financial consequences of my conduct during my time as a mentor and will not hold D.O.C.C., its staff, board, or affiliates liable for any harm resulting from my actions.
I waive any right to pursue claims against D.O.C.C. for personal injury, reputational harm, or other damages arising from my voluntary service, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the organization.

5. Termination and Program Oversight

I acknowledge that my participation may be suspended or terminated at the discretion of D.O.C.C. leadership for failure to uphold this code or any action deemed harmful to mentees or the organization.
I agree to comply with all onboarding, screening, and training requirements prior to and during my time as a mentor.

Acknowledgment of Terms

I have read and understood the above Mentor Code of Conduct and Non-Liability Agreement. I acknowledge that I am serving in a voluntary capacity and release the Doctors of Color Consortium from liability for any personal or third-party claims that may arise from my participation, outside the scope of D.O.C.C.'s sanctioned and supervised programs.

Mentee Code of Conduct and Waiver of Liability

Participation in Doctors of Color Consortium (D.O.C.C.) programming is a voluntary opportunity designed to promote mentorship, academic guidance, and exposure to healthcare careers. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and growth-oriented space for all students. As a condition of participation, mentees (and their legal guardians, if under 18) agree to the following terms:

1. Respect and Conduct

I will treat mentors, staff, and other mentees with respect and courtesy at all times.
I understand that hate speech, bullying, harassment, or discriminatory language will not be tolerated.
I will engage in D.O.C.C. events and conversations with maturity, openness, and a willingness to learn.

2. Participation and Responsibility

I will show up to events, mentorship sessions, and meetings on time and prepared to participate.
I will notify my mentor or the D.O.C.C. team if I need to miss or reschedule a session.
I understand that my active participation helps build a strong and supportive mentoring community.

3. Safety and Boundaries

I understand that mentors are volunteers and not counselors, healthcare providers, or personal advocates.
I will maintain appropriate boundaries and never engage in private, unsupervised meetings or communication that has not been approved by a parent or guardian (if under 18).
I will report any discomfort, unsafe behavior, or concerns to the D.O.C.C. leadership immediately.

4. Confidentiality

I will respect the privacy of my mentor and fellow mentees and will not share personal stories, contact information, or sensitive material without permission.
I understand that D.O.C.C. mentors are also expected to uphold confidentiality, with the exception of mandatory reporting obligations.

5. Voluntary Participation and Non-Liability

I understand that participation in D.O.C.C. programs is entirely voluntary and does not establish any legal or contractual relationship between me (or my child) and the organization.
I understand that D.O.C.C., its staff, board members, and mentors are not liable for any personal injury, loss, or harm that may occur during or as a result of my (or my child’s) participation in D.O.C.C. programming, except in cases of gross negligence.
I waive the right to pursue legal action against D.O.C.C. for any injuries, claims, or damages arising from participation, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Acknowledgment and Signature

By signing below, I affirm that I have read and understood the Mentee Code of Conduct and Waiver of Liability. I agree to abide by the guidelines stated and acknowledge that participation in the Doctors of Color Consortium is voluntary and carries no implied or explicit guarantee of outcome or benefit.

Doctors Of Color Consortium (D.O.C.C.)

Code of Conduct