Bylaws

The Society for Cinema & Media Studies (SCMS) is a Michigan nonprofit corporation (ID Number 792471) organized and operated only for charitable, educational and other purposes as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now or hereafter amended. SCMS is governed by Bylaws adopted in February 2005, and amended and restated in 2019.

As a membership based non-profit organization, the Society’s governing documents are not public records, but are available to current members upon request.  Members may contact the SCMS Office to review or obtain a copy of the current bylaws for reference. 

Conflict of Interest Policy

In order to access the SCMS Conflict of Interest Policy, click here.

DMCA Policy

In order to access SCMS' Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) policy click here.

Document Retention and Destruction Policy

For more on the SCMS Document Retention and Destruction Policy, click here.

Fair Use Policy

For more on SCMS' stance on Fair Use, click here >

Guidelines for Public Statements and Position Policies

The Society for Cinema and Media Studies may periodically support the field and its members by making public statements or co-signing statements on issues directly impacting scholars, teachers, professionals, and institutions in the field of film and media studies. The bylaws empower SCMS’s Board of Directors to speak for the association on such issues that directly affect our work as film and media scholars and teachers, or where they directly affect our ability to meet safely in public or at national or regional conventions and conduct our business freely. SCMS’s only formal and approved statements are posted to the Society’s official website.

As a constituent member of the American Council of Learned Societies, the Society for Cinema and Media Studies abides by the understanding that a learned society’s role is to foster an environment that encourages open discussion, critical thinking, and intellectual exploration. A learned society thrives in a culture where all participants can freely debate complex issues. This mission can be undermined if learned societies take positions or make statements that risk imposing an official stance, discouraging free discourse and stifling intellectual diversity. As public forums for dialogue increasingly succumb to polarization, learned societies have a unique responsibility to protect thoughtful, multiperspectival exchange. By embracing principled neutrality, learned societies fulfill their vital role in nurturing a culture in which transformative education, research, and creative activity thrive.

As a professional society that includes and welcomes diverse members representing a wide range of cultural and ideological perspectives, SCMS refrains from political advocacy that does not directly impact scholars, teachers, professionals, and institutions in the field of film and media studies. The leadership of SCMS does not seek to restrict members from expressing their views, nor to restrict groups from within SCMS from expressing collective views. However, we must clarify that these views cannot be identified as the views of SCMS and its membership as a whole. 

Logo Use Policy and Permission

The Society for Cinema and Media Studies reserves the right to control the use of the SCMS logo. Use of the SCMS logo for activities, events, webpages, websites, publications, and products must be approved in advance by the Society's Board of Directors. Requests to use the SCMS brand must be submitted to the Board of Directors at least one month in advance of the proposed usage. SCMS committees, caucuses, and scholarly interest groups can submit a request to use the logo here. Information on SIG and Caucus logo specifications are here.

Privacy Policy

SCMS' Privacy Policy was updated in June 2018. You can read it in full here (opens as a PDF).

Please note that if you choose to be a member of SCMS, we will add you to our mailing list for the Journal of Cinema and Media Studies (which arrives in hard copy four times a year) and to our email mailing lists for monthly news briefs and general correspondence. You may opt-out of any of these mailings on your profile page (Manage Profile --> Edit Bio, scroll to the bottom of the "Personal Information" section).

Position Statement

Issued November 21, 2016. At this historical moment the Board of Directors of SCMS recognizes that the humanities and humanistic knowledge, on which cinema and media studies are still broadly based, are now more essential than ever. We therefore pledge to maintain SCMS as an inclusive organization open to all individuals who share our field's commitments to diverse and multiple national origins, races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, classes, abilities, migration statuses, and other expressions or categorizations of identity. We understand that this commitment extends to our membership overall as well as to what we study.

Statement on Digital Scholarship

In order to access SCMS' statement on digital scholarship click here >

Whisteblower Policy

For more on SCMS' stance on whistleblowing, click here.

Code of Conduct

Effective February 9, 2026

The SCMS annual conference and other officially sanctioned activities are designed to support professional development and scholarly exchange grounded in the values of free inquiry and open expression. Conduct that harasses colleagues, students, or other participants undermines the equitable and inclusive foundation of these professional spaces and runs counter to those values. For this reason, SCMS considers harassment to be a serious form of professional misconduct. SCMS is committed to providing an inclusive and harassment-free environment for everyone—one that is welcoming and safe for people of all races, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, castes, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, physical or cognitive abilities, physical appearances, socioeconomic backgrounds, professional status, nationalities, ages, religions, and beliefs.

This commitment applies to all SCMS-affiliated spaces, including SCMS conferences, meetings, offices, and any in-person or virtual environments used for SCMS-sponsored activities, such as internal group messaging, online platforms, and other digital communication spaces. This Code of Conduct applies to all SCMS-sponsored activities, including social events, receptions, informal gatherings, and events sponsored by organizations other than SCMS that are held in conjunction with SCMS events, on public or private platforms, whether in person or virtual. Everyone participating in SCMS spaces—including members, staff, contractors, presenters, attendees, exhibitors, vendors, consultants, and guests—shares responsibility for upholding these values and for complying with SCMS policies and this Code of Conduct. Building a community that supports free and open collaboration in a safe and respectful environment requires a shared commitment from all participants.

At officially sanctioned SCMS spaces, conferences, meetings, and related activities, all participants are expected to foster a professional, respectful, and harassment-free environment that supports the integrity of the community and the open exchange of scholarly ideas. In these settings, participants are expected to:

• Be respectful and collegial
• Uphold the privacy of participants
• Ask for consent for audio-visual recordings, quotes, or photography
• Handle disagreement constructively
• Act fairly, honestly, and in good faith with other participants

The examples below describe behaviors that are not permitted in SCMS-affiliated spaces or during SCMS-sponsored activities.

Illustrative but not exhaustive examples of prohibited behavior include:

• Interrupting or Talking Over Others: Intentionally interrupting, talking over, or otherwise preventing others from speaking or participating.
• Hostile or Harassing Conduct: Engaging in conduct or commentary that is demeaning, intimidating, coercive, bullying, prejudicial, or hostile—particularly when it exceeds the bounds of respectful scholarly disagreement or debate.
• Personal Attacks and Inflammatory Language: Directing personal attacks, insults, threats, or other inflammatory language toward an individual.
• Dismissive or Demeaning Comments: Making comments or engaging in conduct that dismisses, or denigrates the expertise, research, identity, or field of others, or that could reasonably be perceived as intimidating, hostile, offensive, coercive, threatening, or demeaning.
• Harassment Based on Personal Characteristics: Verbal or nonverbal conduct directed at an individual that is demeaning, hostile, intimidating, or prejudicial in nature, and that interferes with a person’s ability to participate fully in SCMS activities.
• Event Disruption: Sustained or deliberate disruption of sessions, meetings, or other events, including misuse of audience participation tools such as chat functions, reactions, or similar features in virtual settings.
• Inappropriate Physical or Sexual Conduct: Unwelcome sexual attention, inappropriate physical contact, or the suggestion thereof.
• Inappropriate Use of Power or Professional Status: Using one’s position, authority, or professional standing to threaten, coerce, or harass another person, whether verbally or physically.
• Intimidation, Stalking, or Threatening Behavior: Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or actions that threaten the safety or well-being of others.
• Unauthorized Recording: Making unwanted or unauthorized audio or visual recordings of participants or events.
• Misuse of Digital Platforms: Using email lists, social media, messaging platforms, or other information systems associated with SCMS to transmit sexually explicit material, slurs, harassing content, or to engage in illegal activities such as extortion, blackmail, or unauthorized access to another person’s account. This also includes using SCMS-affiliated digital platforms for personal, commercial, or political advocacy purposes unrelated to SCMS activities or mission, or in ways that could reasonably be understood as representing or endorsing the views, positions, or actions of SCMS without authorization.
• Inappropriate Online Behavior: Engaging in any of the behaviors described above through online or virtual channels connected to SCMS activities.
• Endorsement of Prohibited Conduct: Advocating for, encouraging, or implicitly endorsing any of the behaviors listed above.
• Retaliation: Retaliation against anyone for reporting a Code of Conduct concern, participating in a review process, or supporting another participant who raises a concern is not permitted. The organization will respond to reports of retaliation to the extent determined possible.

Critical examination of beliefs and viewpoints, including the use of objectionable language and imagery, within a professional discussion and/or in the context of scholarly argumentation does not, by itself, constitute a code of conduct violation.

SCMS Responsibilities

This Code of Conduct and the procedures for addressing potential violations will be clearly and prominently posted in the conference program and on the SCMS website. Participation in the annual conference or other officially sanctioned SCMS activities constitutes acknowledgment of, and agreement to abide by, this policy. Going forward, explicit acknowledgment of the Code of Conduct will be incorporated into the conference registration process.

SCMS will make reasonable efforts to handle Code of Conduct concerns with discretion and to protect the privacy of all involved, consistent with the need to address the issue appropriately. SCMS cannot guarantee confidentiality but will limit the sharing of information to what is necessary to review and address the concern.

Reporting

Reports made in good faith will not result in adverse action, even if a review does not substantiate a violation. Reporting an incident of unacceptable behavior does not obligate the reporting party to pursue further action. Any participant in officially sanctioned SCMS activities may make use of the procedures outlined in the SCMS Conduct Resolution Framework.

Any person who has experienced a serious verbal threat or physical assault is encouraged to contact law enforcement officials immediately.

If you experience or wish to report a potential Code of Conduct violation, please follow the steps outlined in the SCMS Conduct Resolution Framework: Procedures for Addressing Code of Conduct Concerns.

 

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SCMS Conduct Resolution Framework

Procedures for Addressing Code of Conduct Concerns

The Society for Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS) is committed to maintaining professional, respectful, and harassment-free environments at all SCMS-sponsored activities. The procedures below describe how concerns may be raised and how SCMS responds. They are intended to be clear and accessible. They do not anticipate every possible circumstance, and SCMS may exercise reasonable judgment in responding to concerns in a manner consistent with this Code of Conduct.

Who May Raise a Concern

A Code of Conduct concern may be raised by:

• a person directly affected by the behavior
• a witness to the behavior
• a bystander who observes conduct that may violate the Code
• a third party who becomes aware of the situation

Raising a concern does not require certainty that a violation occurred.

Immediate Safety Concerns

If a situation presents an immediate threat to health or safety:

• contact hotel security or local law enforcement without delay
• notify SCMS staff if possible

SCMS may take immediate protective action as needed.

Informal Support and Early Resolution

When appropriate and when all parties feel safe, individuals may choose to:

• address the issue directly (may include having a private, respectful conversation with the person involved to explain a specific concern and its impact; asking for a comment, behavior, or interaction to stop or change; or clearly stating professional expectations or personal boundaries. Some individuals may choose to follow up in writing to restate a concern or boundary after a verbal conversation. Direct engagement should only be pursued when the individual feels safe and comfortable doing so, and choosing not to address an issue directly does not limit access to other resolutions or reporting options).
• seek informal guidance on how to approach the situation
• request assistance in resolving the matter informally

Informal resolution is optional, not required, and may not be appropriate in all situations.

Role of the Ombudsperson

SCMS provides access to an independent Ombudsperson.

The Ombudsperson:

• offers a confidential space to listen and clarify concerns
• explains available options and potential next steps
• helps individuals think through whether informal or formal action is appropriate
• helps individuals frame and communicate their concerns

The Ombudsperson does not:

• conduct investigations
• make findings or determinations
• participate in disciplinary decisions

Conversations with the Ombudsperson are confidential, except as required by law or policy.

Submitting a Formal Complaint

If informal options are not appropriate, effective, or desired, a participant may submit a formal complaint.

A formal complaint:

• is submitted in writing via email (reports@scmstudies.org)
• may be submitted during or after an event
• may be submitted by a target, witness, bystander, or third party

To assist SCMS in responding, a complaint should include, to the extent possible:

• a description of the conduct at issue
• the date(s), time(s), and location(s) involved
• the names or identifying information of individuals involved
• any steps already taken to address the issue

Reports made in good faith will not result in adverse action, even if a review does not substantiate a violation. Submitting a report does not obligate the reporting party to pursue further action.

Review and Response

Upon receipt of a formal complaint, SCMS will:

• acknowledge receipt of the report
• talk with the person who raised the concern, as appropriate
• determine whether further review or investigation is warranted, which might include but is not limited to: gathering information from involved parties, reviewing relevant communications or digital content, meeting with the individual alleged to have engaged in the conduct, and contacting additional witnesses as appropriate.
• SCMS maintains a standing pool of individuals eligible to serve on formal Code of Conduct review panels. When a formal complaint is filed, SCMS will appoint three reviewers from this pool to serve on the complaint review body. Any panel member with a real or perceived conflict of interest must recuse themselves. Both parties will have the opportunity to request the recusal or replacement of a panel member if they believe there is a conflict of interest, have concerns about impartiality, or feel uncomfortable with that individual’s participation. The composition of the panel pool will be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure appropriate experience, balance, and capacity. SCMS may seek additional information from relevant parties and may take interim measures if necessary to protect participants or the community.

Possible Outcomes

Depending on the nature of the concern, SCMS responses may include:

• facilitation of informal resolution or mediation (must be voluntary, people can not be compelled to take part in mediation or an informal process)
• verbal or written warnings
• removal from a session or event
• restrictions on participation in SCMS activities, either indefinitely or for a certain time period
• removal and ban the violator from membership in SCMS

The nature and duration of any outcome will be determined based on the severity of the conduct, the information available, and the need to protect the conference community, and may take into account whether the outcome is limited to the current conference or extends beyond it.

Confidentiality and Discretion

SCMS will make reasonable efforts to handle Code of Conduct concerns with discretion and to protect the privacy of all involved, consistent with the need to address the issue appropriately. SCMS cannot guarantee confidentiality but will limit the sharing of information to what is necessary to review and address the concern.

Appeals and Further Review

Appeals apply only to formal outcomes resulting from the review process described above. A request for reconsideration may be submitted if the review process was not followed as outlined, or in rare cases, if new information becomes available that could not reasonably have been provided during the original review. Requests must clearly explain the basis for reconsideration and include new information if that is the basis of the request for reconsideration. The responsibility for providing this information rests with the individual requesting reconsideration. Only individuals who were subject to an outcome may request reconsideration.

Reconsideration requests will be reviewed by the Board, which will assess whether the established procedures were followed and whether further review is warranted. Members of the board who participated in the original panel may not take part in the reconsideration process. If procedural issues are identified, the matter may be referred to a newly constituted panel to complete or revisit the process in accordance with procedures. Where appropriate, the new panel may conduct additional interviews or gather further information. If a reconsideration of the outcome is deemed necessary, the officers of the Board of Directors may be consulted, along with organizational counsel.

Legal Considerations

Where a concern involves reasonable suspicion of criminal conduct or other legal violations, SCMS may refer the matter to appropriate authorities. Internal SCMS processes do not replace legal remedies, and SCMS cannot offer legal advice.

Anonymous reports that do not permit verification cannot be formally considered. However, SCMS may still use such information to identify patterns or take other responsive steps aimed at community well-being, education, or prevention, even when a formal review or determination is not possible. SCMS also recognizes that individuals may feel that they have no other choice but to submit an anonymous report for reasons of safety or personal concern. Please understand that when a report cannot be verified, SCMS’s ability to take specific or individualized action is necessarily limited.

Should SCMS receive reports of incidents that have occurred at participants’ workplaces or in settings other than officially sanctioned meetings or events, those incidents fall outside of the organization’s authority to investigate or resolve. However, SCMS recognizes that ongoing or unresolved situations in other settings may affect SCMS conferences or activities. In such cases, SCMS may make an independent ombudsperson available for confidential support and guidance, and may look at this information in a broader, big-picture way to better understand patterns or ongoing concerns within the field. This information may help inform future educational programming, community support efforts, or other non-adjudicative responses, without constituting a formal review.

Commitment to Good-Faith Reporting

Retaliation against anyone for raising a concern, participating in a review process, or supporting another participant who raises a concern is not permitted. At the same time, SCMS recognizes that its authority is limited to matters within the organization’s control, such as membership status and participation in SCMS spaces. We acknowledge that retaliation can, and does, occur in broader academic or professional settings beyond its direct reach and that this is a persistent concern within the field. While SCMS may not be able to address all forms of retaliation directly, the organization is committed to exploring ways to provide support, share resources, and identify appropriate points of referral for individuals who experience exclusion or other retaliatory behavior.

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Disclaimer of Liability

The views and opinions expressed during talks, programs, webinars, and associated events of the Society for Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS) represent the perspectives of individual participants. It is explicitly stated that these views and opinions do not purport to represent or reflect an official stance of the Board, its officers, SCMS staff, or committee volunteers.