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This is the Code of Conduct referred to in the SPAR Mentor Agreement and SPAR Mentee Agreement. Last updated September 9, 2026. Changes apply going forward.

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This Code of Conduct applies to everyone taking part in SPAR (mentors, mentees, Kairos staff, and anyone we invite in), in every program space: Slack, calls, project channels and direct messages, coffee chats and workshops, Demo Day, and any in-person meetups, for the round and any extension. It is not an exhaustive list of what you can't do. It describes the environment we expect and what happens when someone falls short.

What we expect

• Treat people professionally and with respect, in every channel.
• Be reliable and honest in communication. Say when you can't make a meeting or a deadline.
• Keep confidences. Applicant data stays with the selecting mentors and is deleted for applicants who weren't matched. Survey feedback about a mentor is never shared with them without consent. Things shared in confidence stay that way.
• Do honest research. No plagiarism, fabrication, or manipulation of data, and credit everyone who contributed.
• Assume good intentions, and if someone tells you a behavior is unwelcome, stop.

What doesn't belong in SPAR

• Harassment of any kind, including unwelcome sexual attention.
• Discrimination or offensive conduct toward anyone, including when selecting candidates or ending someone's place on a project.
• Bullying, threats, or humiliating people.
• Retaliating against anyone for raising a concern.
• Sharing someone's private information without their consent.
• Anything that breaks the law.

Power dynamics

Mentors hold influence over mentees' research, references, and careers. Mentors and staff must not pursue a romantic or sexual relationship with a mentee (or an applicant during selection) while the program is running. If you already have a personal relationship or another conflict of interest with an applicant, mentee, or co-mentor (family, a partner, an employer relationship, a financial interest), tell [email protected] before shortlisting or as soon as you learn of it, so we can help you handle it. Hiring or collaborating with your own mentees after the round is welcome, in the open.

Working with minors

Some mentees are under 18. Their parent or guardian has consented to their participation, and we tell mentors if anyone on their team is a minor. With them: keep communication in the team's channels and tools rather than personal social media, don't meet alone in person, and remember that Kairos doesn't fund their travel or issue them cards. If anything about the situation feels unusual, involve us.

Raising a concern