---
title: Standards of Behaviour
description: Learn the standards of behaviour and professionalism expected of the UCD Professional Academy community to ensure a respectful, inclusive, and safe online learning environment.
---
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# Standards of Behaviour
In order to maintain a happy and safe environment for all members of our community, and to engender an atmosphere of respect and dignity, all learners, SMEs and staff are asked to observe certain standards of behaviour and professionalism while studying or working with us.
These are set out below:
#### **Communications Between Learners and SMEs**
Learners should not ask for or use SME personal contact details or an SME’s online presence to communicate with them outside the context of their Professional Academy Skill Sprint itself. Where outside contact is necessary, the Operations Team at **support@ucdpa.ie** will be happy to relay a message to an SME on behalf of a learner.
#### **Cooperation**
Learners are expected to cooperate and communicate with their peers in a mutually supportive manner, sharing ideas and resources, while respecting the privacy and integrity of others.
#### **Cultural Sensitivity**
All members of the community are responsible for maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect for diverse cultures during all interactions.
#### **Dress Code**
Both SMEs and learners are expected to be respectful of the online classroom environment and wear clothing that is appropriate for the virtual classroom.
#### **Inclusiveness**
Learners and SMEs should endeavour to ensure that all individuals they encounter during their online sessions are treated with respect regardless of any aspect of personal identity, such as ethnicity, cultural background, gender, disability or sexual orientation.
#### **Online Session Etiquette**
You are not obliged to appear on camera, however if you do have your camera and microphone on, you may feature in the recording. If you choose to have your camera on, please feel free to blur your background or use a virtual one. If you choose not to avail of a background effect, please ensure that you are in a quiet, well-lit, and appropriate location that will support your engagement and minimise distractions for you and other participants. Ensure that your microphone is muted when not speaking and utilise the raise hand and chat function to contribute to the learning environment, ensuring respectful and structured discussion can take place.
#### **Personal Well-Being**
Learners should try to ensure that they are able to take a rest during the breaks scheduled during the session. Neither learners nor SMEs should be under the influence of any substance during their online session.
#### **Politeness**
Learners and SMEs should be spoken to and interacted with in an appropriately friendly, polite, and encouraging manner at all times. Please utilise hand-raising functions within your online session environment. Be respectful when others are talking and ensure that your microphone is muted unless you are speaking.
#### **Preparation**
Both SMEs and learners should ensure that they have prepared adequately for their online sessions, to ensure session time is used as productively as possible.
#### **Punctuality**
Learners and SMEs should log-in to their online sessions in plenty of time to begin their session.
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