Rock Hill High School DECA Member Code of Conduct

As a member of the Rock Hill High School Chapter of DECA, I commit to the following principles and guidelines in order to ensure a positive and productive experience for all members:

1. Active Participation: I will actively participate in chapter meetings, activities, competitions, and other events to the best of my ability. If I am unable to attend any event, I will promptly inform the appropriate person(s) about my absence.

2. Transparency and Communication: I will maintain open and honest communication with advisors, leaders, and fellow chapter members, sharing relevant information about dates, participation, and other important details.

3. Professionalism and Conduct: I will exhibit professionalism and uphold the highest standards of conduct, both within and outside the chapter, as my actions reflect upon the chapter, my school, and my fellow members.

4. Respect and Collaboration: I will treat all members respectfully, regardless of prior interactions or personal feelings, and work collaboratively to achieve common goals.

5. Compliance with Rules: I will adhere to all rules and regulations set forth by South Carolina DECA, DECA Incorporated and the Rock Hill School District. 

6. Support for Leadership: I will respect and support the roles and responsibilities of members holding leadership positions, refraining from interfering with their duties.

7. Preparedness: I will come prepared to meetings, competitions, and other events, which may include studying material, reviewing meeting minutes, or practicing role-plays.

8. Acceptance of Opportunities: I understand that my membership in the Rock Hill High School chapter of DECA does not guarantee participation in travel, conferences, or projects. However, I acknowledge that my hard work and dedication through the club may provide me the opportunity to take part in such activities.

9. Commitment to Travel and Events: If I have paid for any trip or event, I am obligated to attend, barring extraordinary circumstances. I understand that there will be no refunds in such cases.

10. Mature Conduct: I will conduct myself in a mature and responsible manner at all times.

11. Code of Dress: I understand that DECA requires various levels of professional dress for different events and activities. I agree to adhere to the dress code guidelines provided by the chapter, which will outline the appropriate attire for each occasion. I acknowledge that maintaining a professional appearance is essential for representing the chapter, our school, and fellow members, and I will ensure that I am dressed accordingly for all DECA-related events.

12. Dismissal: I understand that if I violate any provisions outlined or if the advisors deem it necessary, I may be dismissed from my membership. In the event of dismissal, I acknowledge that I will not be entitled to any refunds for expenses or fees paid, and I may be required to sign a termination agreement to formally acknowledge the end of my involvement with the Rock Hill High School DECA Chapter.

13. Expectations: As a member and officer of the Rock Hill High School DECA Chapter, I agree to adhere to the following expectations:

    1. Timely and accurate completion and submission of all reports and assignments in the correct format.

    2. Active attendance and participation in all scheduled meetings, conferences, and appointments.

    3. Compliance with all conference rules and regulations, including adherence to curfews and dress codes.

    4. Maintenance of professional and respectful language and behavior, avoiding profanity, vulgarity, or any inappropriate conduct.

    5. Commitment to honesty and integrity, refraining from lying, cheating, or stealing in any context.

    6. Avoidance of any activities that may violate the rules of conduct for DECA events or functions.

    7. Seeking advance approval from the Advisor or appropriate authority for all activities where I represent DECA.

    8. Ensuring that all submitted work is my own and not falsely representing someone else's work as my own.

    9. Refraining from engaging in any form of sexual or physical misconduct or harassment, as well as abstaining from any activities that could bring disrepute to the organization. This includes avoiding inappropriate comments, actions, or physical contact in both in-person interactions and through online communication channels.

    10. Treating all individuals fairly, without any form of discrimination.

    11. Maintaining a clean, professional, and appropriate social media presence as a role model and representative of DECA.

By signing this Code of Conduct, I agree to abide by these principles and guidelines, contributing to a positive and inclusive environment for all Rock Hill High School DECA Chapter members. 

Rock Hill High School DECA Chapter Officer Code of Conduct

In addition to adhering to all provisions outlined in the Rock Hill High School DECA Chapter's Member Code of Conduct, as the Vice President of the Rock Hill High School DECA Chapter, I also commit to the following principles and guidelines to ensure a positive and productive experience for all members:

1. Mature Conduct: I will conduct myself in a mature and responsible manner at all times, representing the Rock Hill High School Chapter of DECA with integrity and professionalism.

2. Punctuality and Participation: I will be punctual for all appointments and actively participate in all activities and commitments, prioritizing DECA responsibilities over personal matters.

3. Example: I will set a positive example for other members, acting professionally that brings credit to the DECA chapter, and my advisors. This includes abstaining from alcohol and drug use and refraining from any behavior unbecoming of a Rock Hill High School DECA Chapter officer.

4. Attendance and Engagement: I will attend and actively participate in all meetings, including but not limited to officer meetings, officer training sessions, district, regional, association, and international conferences.

5. Prioritization: I will make a 12-month commitment to the Rock Hill High School Chapter of DECA a top priority. (May 2023 to May 2024) 

6. Commitment to Office: I understand the responsibilities and obligations of my position as outlined in my acceptance letter, and I will carry them out to the best of my ability. If I fail to fulfill my responsibilities and obligations or violate the Rock Hill High School DECA Chapter Code of Conduct, I acknowledge that I can be removed from office and may be liable to return any funds expended for my participation during my term. I may be required to sign a termination agreement to formally acknowledge the end of my involvement with the Rock Hill High School DECA Club.

7. Law Violation:  I acknowledge that if I violate any local, state, or federal laws, I am subject to immediate dismissal from my officer position within the club, regardless of the nature of the offense. This dismissal may be determined by the advisors, in consultation with school administration, and any appropriate legal authorities.

8. Ethics: As a member or officer of the Rock Hill High School DECA Chapter, I commit to upholding the highest ethical standards in all of my actions and interactions within the organization and its activities. I will act with integrity, honesty, and fairness, treating fellow members, advisors, and competitors with respect and dignity. I will strive to make decisions that are in the best interest of the chapter, our school, and the DECA organization, ensuring that my conduct aligns with the core values and principles of DECA at all times.

By signing this Code of Conduct, officers agreed to abide by these principles and guidelines, contributing to a positive and inclusive environment for all Rock Hill High School DECA Chapter members. They also agreed that their digital signature is the legal equivalent of their manual signature on this agreement.

Rock Hill High School DECA Parent/Guardian Agreement

As the parent/guardian of a member of the Rock Hill High School Chapter of DECA, I acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. I have reviewed the Rock Hill High School DECA Chapter’s Member Code of Conduct (found at conduct.rhhsdeca.org) and will support my child’s adherence to all provisions and expectations outlined within.

2. I understand that DECA is a student leadership development program, and as such, we encourage minimal parental guidance of activities. We ask parents to provide support for the program as a whole, when asked, allowing students to grow and develop their leadership skills independently.

3. I acknowledge that there are costs associated with DECA membership, activities, and events, and I agree to be responsible for these expenses. I understand that the chapter provides fundraising opportunities to offset costs, and I will encourage my child to participate in these opportunities.

4. I recognize the importance of professional dress for DECA events and will ensure that my child adheres to the dress code requirements. I am aware that the chapter can provide assistance if needed, and I will reach out to an advisor for support if necessary.

5. I acknowledge that DECA activities may involve travel, and I consent to my child's participation in such events. I understand that if my child is dismissed from an event due to a violation of the Code of Conduct or any other reason deemed appropriate by the advisors, I will not be entitled to any refunds for expenses or fees paid. I also agree to be responsible for promptly retrieving my child from the event location if required.

By signing, parents/guardians confirmed that they read, understood, and agreed to all terms and conditions stated in this Parent/Guardian Agreement for the Rock Hill High School DECA Club and the member conduct agreement. They also agreed that their digital signature was the legal equivalent of their manual signature on this agreement.