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Rustic Pathways Program Leaders are held to rigorous professional, safety, and ethical standards. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations, background-check requirements, and accountability framework governing all staff who work with students on Student Travel programs.
Professional Expectations & Boundaries
All Program Leaders must:
- Act with professionalism, integrity, and maturity at all times while supervising students.
- Model appropriate behavior, communication, and judgment.
- Maintain clear and appropriate boundaries with students, avoiding favoritism, personal relationships, or conduct that could be perceived as inappropriate.
- Follow all Rustic Pathways safety protocols, emergency procedures, and operational policies.
- Create a positive and inclusive environment where all participants feel safe, respected, and supported.
- Comply with all applicable laws and local regulations in the regions where programs operate.
Prohibited Behaviors
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
- Romantic, sexual, or intimate relationships with any student.
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while supervising or interacting with students.
- Verbal, physical, or emotional abuse, harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behavior.
- Unsupervised one-on-one interactions with students, unless an exception is required for safety, medical attention, or when the interaction occurs in open view of other staff or participants.
Background Checks and Screening
To protect student wellbeing, all Program Leaders must complete and pass:
- National and international criminal background checks
- Sex offender registry checks (where applicable)
- Reference checks and employment history verification
- Verification of required qualifications and training
Rustic Pathways may disqualify any applicant with a history of violence, abuse, crimes against minors, sexual misconduct, or any other conduct deemed incompatible with student safety.
Reporting Protocols & Disciplinary Action
Program Leaders are required to:
- Immediately report any safety concern, policy violation, or student welfare issue to a supervisor or the Rustic Pathways Safety Team.
- Participate fully in incident reviews, investigations, and documentation.
- Follow directives from Program Managers and Regional Directors related to safety, supervision, and program operations.
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in:
- Verbal or written warnings
- Removal from program activities
- Termination of employment
- Mandatory reporting to authorities when required by law
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to take immediate action, including removal from the field, if staff conduct jeopardizes student safety or program integrity.
Acknowledgment
By accepting a Program Leader role, individuals acknowledge and agree to adhere to this Program Leader Code of Conduct and understand that compliance is a condition of employment.