StarkHacks Code of Conduct

(Based on the Hack Code of Conduct: https://hackcodeofconduct.org/)

StarkHacks, organized by the Humanoid Robot Club (HRC) at Purdue University, is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants. All attendees, sponsors, mentors, speakers, partners, volunteers, judges, and organizers are expected to uphold the following Code of Conduct throughout the event—both in person and during online communication.

TL;DR
Always act respectfully and professionally.
If you think your actions or words could make someone uncomfortable, don’t do it.
If you feel unsafe or witness behavior that violates these principles, report it immediately using the procedures below.

I. Harassment-Free Environment
 StarkHacks prohibits any form of harassment or discrimination.
 Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Offensive comments related to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, appearance, race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion.

  • Display of sexualized or discriminatory material or images in hacks, presentations, or attire.

  • Intimidation, stalking, following, or unwanted physical contact.

  • Unwelcome sexual attention or advances.

  • Photography, screenshots, or recordings without consent.

  • Sustained disruption of talks, workshops, or activities.

  • Any behavior that makes another person feel unsafe, excluded, or targeted.

This applies equally to all participants, mentors, sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and organizers. Everyone is expected to foster a respectful and collaborative atmosphere.

II. Inclusive Participation
We welcome hackers from all majors, experience levels, and backgrounds. To maintain a positive and inclusive environment:

  • Avoid sexualized, violent, or discriminatory content in projects, presentations, or branding.

  • Refrain from exclusionary jokes or remarks about technical ability, background, or identity.

  • Respect personal, cultural, and physical boundaries at all times.

 

III. Photography and Media Consent
 This section serves as a formal photo and media release for all StarkHacks participants.

  • Event organizers, sponsors, and authorized media personnel may photograph, record, or film participants, projects, and activities during the event.

  • These materials may be used for promotional, educational, and informational purposes, including social media, websites, press releases, marketing materials, and future events.

  • HRC and Purdue University reserve the right to edit, reproduce, distribute, or publish this media in any format, without compensation or additional approval.

  • Media content may be shared with event partners, sponsors, and affiliated organizations for legitimate promotional or educational use.

  • Participants waive any right to review or approve the final materials.

If you are not an official photographer, you are still welcome to take photos and videos. However, you must ask for consent and respect people’s privacy at all times. Do not take photos in sensitive areas like bathrooms. Comply with all requests to delete photos.

IV. Eligibility

  • All participants must be currently enrolled students at an accredited institute of higher education or its international equivalent.

  • Anyone not a student of Purdue University must be over the age of 18.

  • Each participant must register and RSVP in advance.

  • Participants must present a valid Purdue ID (for Purdue students) or a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID or passport.

  • Foreign national IDs or driver’s licenses will not be accepted.

V. Conduct and Compliance

  • All participants must adhere to this Code of Conduct, all Purdue University policies, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.

  • Purdue University is a dry campus. Possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited, regardless of age.

  • Marijuana (including edibles and paraphernalia), illegal drugs, or controlled substances are strictly prohibited.

  • Anyone found under the influence or in possession of such substances will be removed immediately.

  • Cigarettes, vaping, and similar devices are not permitted.

  • Participants must comply with all instructions from event staff and follow venue rules at all times.

  • As this event is conducted under Guinness World Records standards, participants must follow directions from official stewards and witnesses. Any attempt to interfere with or falsify official verification will result in immediate disqualification and disciplinary action.

  • Purdue University regulations prohibit sleeping in campus facilities.

VI. Restrictions on Projects
 Participants are encouraged to create hardware-based projects that demonstrate innovation, problem-solving, or creative engineering. However, for safety and compliance:

  • Prohibited projects include:

    • Devices involving explosives, open flames, or hazardous materials.

    • Weapons or weapon-like systems, including those capable of causing injury. 

    • Items often used for personal safety might be permitted but require prior approval from the organizers.

    • Projects that interfere with building infrastructure (WiFi, power, or security systems).

    • Any project violating Purdue safety regulations or applicable law.

  • The organizers have final discretion to determine if a project violates these rules.

  • Participants unsure about a project should consult an organizer or mentor before starting.

VII. Equipment and Workspace

  • You may bring your own components, sensors, and microcontrollers, but if they are not on the pre-approved list, you must request special permission from organizers at least 10 business days before the event.

  • Certain equipment will be provided by HRC; the list will be shared before the hackathon.

  • Any damage to equipment, lab space, or property caused by negligence may result in financial and disciplinary consequences.

  • Overloading power strips, tampering with electrical outlets, tampering with WIFI routers, or using damaged cables or components is prohibited.

  • Unauthorized or dangerous equipment will result in disqualification and removal.

VIII. Judging and Submission

  • All projects must be submitted by the announced deadline.

  • Teams must be ready to demonstrate their projects live.

  • The judges’ decisions are final and binding.

IX. Intellectual Property
 Participants retain ownership of their projects and intellectual property. By participating, you grant HRC permission to display your project for promotional, educational, or archival purposes.

X. Liability and Safety Disclaimer

  • Participants are responsible for their own safety and belongings.

  • HRC, Purdue University, and sponsors are not liable for injuries, losses, or damages during the event.

  • Unsafe behavior or misuse of equipment will result in immediate removal.

  • Participants must notify organizers of allergies or medical conditions in advance. Organizers will make reasonable accommodations, but cannot guarantee allergen-free environments.

XI. Emergency Procedures
 In an emergency, follow all posted evacuation routes and instructions from staff or Purdue officials. Emergency exits and first aid stations will be marked. For serious incidents, contact Purdue University Police at (765) 494-8221 or dial 911.

XII. Waiver and Assumption of Risk
 By participating in StarkHacks, you acknowledge that you do so voluntarily and at your own risk. You agree to hold harmless and indemnify StarkHacks, HRC, Purdue University, sponsors, and affiliates from any claims, injuries, or damages arising from your participation, including those resulting from your own actions or negligence.

XIII. Guest Policy
Unauthorized guests are not permitted at any hackathon venue under any circumstances. Participants are not permitted to bring guests. Anyone found at the hackathon venue who is not authorized or is not wearing their name badge (or other form of identification given by the organizers) will be escorted immediately. 

Repeated unauthorized entries may result in notification to law enforcement and further escalation.

XIV. Reporting and Safety Procedures
 If you experience or witness harassment, unsafe conduct, or other violations, contact the organizers immediately. Reports will be handled promptly and confidentially.
 You can reach us in the following ways:

  • Email: help@starkhacks.com

  • In person: Speak to any volunteer or organizer wearing a “StarkHacks Staff” badge

  • Anonymous report: [link to reporting form to be added]

Our team can help you contact Purdue officials or law enforcement, arrange an escort, or ensure your safety. If in immediate danger, call 911 or Purdue University Police at (765) 494-8221.

All reporters have the right to remain anonymous.

XV. Enforcement
 Participants who violate this Code of Conduct may face:

  • Verbal or written warnings

  • Expulsion from the event without eligibility for prizes or reimbursement

  • Notification to Purdue University officials or law enforcement if required

The organizers reserve the right to disqualify and remove any participant at their sole discretion. All decisions by the organizers are final.

XVI. Accessibility and Final Notes
StarkHacks is committed to full accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require accommodations, contact info@starkhacks.com at least 21 days before the event.

StarkHacks reserves the right to modify or update this Code of Conduct as necessary. The goal is not punishment but ensuring a safe, collaborative, and respectful environment for all participants.