AISES Code of Conduct | 2026 AISES National Conference

AISES Safe Camp

The AISES events and activities are a “Safe Camp,” meaning they are a welcoming, inclusive, supportive, and safe environment for all our AISES family members regardless of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or gender expression/identity. Safe Camp includes recognizing the AISES Code of Conduct and anyone found violating the code will be asked to leave the event or activity immediately. Please contact any AISES staff member or board member if you have any questions.

What is Safe Camp

Whether you're a first-timer or a veteran at the AISES Conference, there are resources available for everyone in the Safe Camp Zone. Need a private zone to take refuge? Need to locate all gender restrooms? Need more resources to report a suspicious person? Here, you will find lots of useful information to make your time at the Conference more comfortable.

Safe Camp Enhanced

The below information that AISES is providing is to ensure physical safety of our attendees as well as a safe environment, where everyone can focus their energy on collaborating and sustaining indigenous innovation.

Travel Safety Tips

Call or text your friends or family your itinerary and your hotel information.
Use the share location option in your smartphone.
Trust your instincts, if you feel uncomfortable don’t go.
Be aware of what you drink, don’t accept open containers from a stranger. Cover your drink when in a crowded area.
Only use ride-share or hotel taxis. Do not accept any rides from anyone that you did not order or see a taxi sign.
Safeguard your hotel room, lock and dead bolt the door and keep your windows shut.
Safeguard your hotel room keycard as you would your residence key. If you lose or it is stolen, report it to the hotel Front desk immediately.
Use the safe if you need for personal belongings. You can buy a door jammer or place a rolled-up towel under the door for another layer of protection.
Try to give the impression that you’re in your room even when you’re away, such as placing the Do Not Disturb sign on the outside of your door and turn on the TV.
Don’t let any strangers into your room, even if they say they work for the hotel. You can always call the front desk to check whether someone was ordered by hotel staff to come to your room.

Safety Tips while walking around in Portland

Don’t let your guard down to snap the perfect picture for your social media platforms.
Always keep an eye on your personal belongings and use good judgment when talking to strangers.
When walking outside walk in groups and be aware of your surroundings.
Don’t have your phone out the whole time, keep phone in your front pockets.
Keep your purse or bag in front of you as you walk, not on your back or just on one shoulder.

What are the security options at the Oregon Convention Center (OCC)?
OCC's public safety staff provides 24-hour coverage for general building security. The center has two fully equipped first aid rooms located in the Exhibit Hall 'A' and 'E' lobbies.

Venue Emergency Procedures – OCC has a full set of emergency procedures which will be initiated in the event of an emergency. OCC staff are responsible for directing attendees in or out of the building if it becomes necessary.

Evacuation – Full-building evacuations are rare at the OCC. If an evacuation is necessary, the OCC emergency response staff will be activated, and the decision will be made by a designated crisis manager. At that time, a facility-wide announcement will be made, and all guests should exit the building by the nearest exit. All evacuees shall gather in the North Plaza, located at the corner of NE Holladay Street and MLK, Jr. Blvd.

Fire Alarms – Should a fire alarm sound during an event at OCC and you are in an affected area at the sound of a fire alarm, please vacate the space to a nearby nonaffected area. Remain calm as OCC public safety agents and staff investigate the source of the alarm and determine appropriate next steps. Please know when a fire alarm is activated, some elevators may discontinue their normal operation. Please listen for instructions made throughout the building.

Civil Disturbances – Please see the Regulation of Unscheduled Activities at MERC Facilities policy. 1. In the event of a civil disturbance, contact the OCC Public Safety console at 503-731-7849. 2. Do not enter crowds or mobs to attempt an intervention. 3. Follow instructions of public safety agents and law enforcement personnel.

Theft or Non-Emergency – Contact OCC Public Safety console at 503-731-7849.

Local Resources

Medical Emergencies
For life-threatening situations, immediately call 911. Life-threatening situations include an apparent heart attack, stroke, or other major injury. For non-life-threatening first-aid occurrences, contact the OCC Public Safety console (503-731-7849) or the OCC receptionist (extension “0”) and provide the specifics of the occurrence. The console agent will contact the MedTech, the other agent on duty and the event manager. Non-threatening circumstances include minor cuts, abrasions, or minor illnesses, etc.

First Aid and MedTechs
Depending on the type of event and number of attendees, medical technicians (MedTechs) may be onsite during your event. OCC reserves the right to set the MedTech staffing levels and hours required. Please coordinate with your event manager to find out if MedTechs will be required for your event.

AED Machines
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machines are placed at various locations throughout the facility. Your event manager can provide you with a map of the locations upon request. If a medical emergency occurs off OCC premises, please call 911.

Nearest Fire Station
Portland Fire & Rescue #13
0.7 miles north
926 NE Weidler Street Portland, Oregon 97232

Nearest Medical Care

EMERGENCY CARE
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center 1.5 miles north 501 N Graham Street* Portland, Oregon 97227 503-413-2200 Open everyday, 24 hours *Emergency entrance located on the west side of hospital off N Kerby Avenue.

URGENT CARE
ZoomCare Super - Lloyd District 0.3 miles east 607 NE Grand Avenue Portland, Oregon 97232 844-966-6777 Open Sunday through Friday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Closed Saturday

PHARMACY
Safeway Pharmacy 1.5 miles northeast 1100 NE Broadway Portland, Oregon 97232 503-528-0506 Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Code of Conduct

AISES was established with the goal of developing Indigenous professionals and leaders in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. Considering this goal, the first student leaders of AISES developed a set of principles that prohibited alcohol, illegal drugs, and harassment. These principles have become core values of the organization and are incorporated as the Code of Conduct.

The AISES Code of Conduct promotes professional development and personal growth by strictly prohibiting the use of intoxicating drugs or alcohol, all forms of harassment and discrimination, and encourages respectful and civil dialog and group discussions. The Code is meant to reflect the ideals of our Indigenous communities by establishing an expectation that we agree to protect and promote the well-being and growth of all people.

The Code is expected to be honored when individuals are representing the AISES organization and by all persons participating in AISES activities, events, and conversations. To this end, each person is asked to consider the spirit of the Code and promote its intent by refraining from prohibited activities and encouraging others to do the same.

AISES will continue to maintain the Code of Conduct as a symbol reflective of the teachings and values of our ancestors. The Code of Conduct represents the ideas and visions set-forth by the AISES founders and the student leadership. AISES values and respects the rights and privileges of others and asks that you honor the AISES organization, its mission, and the family of AISES by adhering to the Code of Conduct.

Our Commitment to Safety: Read the AISES Safe Camp Policy