EEATAW is a scholarly forum which seeks to bring together those involved or interested in the teaching, tutoring, research, administration and development of academic writing in higher education in and outside of Europe.
EATAW’s main aims include:
- Connecting teachers and scholars of academic writing through conferences and other means
- Raising awareness of the importance of teaching academic writing
- Developing European scholarship in academic writing
- Initiating projects to exchange experience and know-how about academic writing teaching
We, the members of EATAW, have agreed to follow this Code of Ethics in all official EATAW organization spaces, including on the EATAW listserv and at EATAW conferences.
1. Professional aspects and relations
We build on the existing scholarship and strive to constantly develop as teachers and researchers. We aim to evaluate the quality of our work, and to maintain and improve the reputation of the discipline.
To learn at all levels of education, we aim to promote the role and importance of writing, the academic traditions of advancing and sharing knowledge, and to encourage freedom of expression.
We aim to prepare students for communication in writing, and equip them with appropriate knowledge and skills related to writing. We aim to liaise with other associations dealing in writing or related fields, such as education.
2. Recognising equality and diversity
We avoid discriminating or harassing on any grounds and will seek to enhance our own awareness of possible areas of discrimination. We aim to take a respectful and inclusive approach, which embraces and explores individual difference.
2.1 Unacceptable Behaviour
We consider violence, threats of violence, or violent language as well as sexist, racist, homophobic or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language an unacceptable behaviour (online or in person).
2.2 Action
Members will challenge in a supportive way any member, or conference participant who is perceived to be using discriminatory or otherwise unacceptable behaviour. In case of having experienced or witnessed unacceptable behaviour, you may also file a formal complaint – see the Reporting Guidelines below.
2.3 Reporting Guidelines
If you have experienced or witnessed unacceptable behaviour as per this Code of Ethics, you may file a formal complaint with the EATAW Chair within 14 days. Next, the Chair of EATAW will inform the person who was complained about, and ask him/her for a statement within a reasonable time.
The complaint and the other party’s statement will be investigated by the EATAW Board. The EATAW Board decides whether the complaint qualifies for a serious complaint (forwarded to relevant authorities), whether it can be resolved informally (e.g. by an apology), or whether it cannot be substantiated.
The Chair of EATAW will inform both parties involved in the complaint about the judgement. In case of serious unacceptable behaviour, the judgement may be denying access to EATAW listserv, denying access to EATAW conferences, and/or the termination of the membership in EATAW. However, these solutions do not exclude the possibility of pursuing any party’s legal rights filed with relevant institutions.
Both parties have the right to appeal to the Chair of EATAW.
2.4 Addressing Grievances
If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Ethics, you should notify the Chair of EATAW with a concise description of your grievance.
3. Contact information
EATAW Board, 2020