Attendance Policy

Purpose & Scope

This Code of Conduct outlines the ethical commitments, behavioral expectations, and professional standards required of all participants in the Soulage Collective Yoga Teacher Training program.

This policy applies to all individuals involved in the training, including but not limited to:

Management and program leadership

• Employees and administrative staff

• Lead trainers and assistant trainers

• Teacher trainees

• Mentors and guest teachers

• Contractors or facilitators engaged in training activities

Participation in the training signifies agreement to uphold this Code of Conduct in all training-related spaces, including in-person sessions, online platforms, practicum environments, and informal community interactions connected to the program.

Core Ethical Commitments

All participants commit to the following shared values:

• Integrity — acting honestly, transparently, and responsibly

• Respect — honoring the dignity, autonomy, and lived experience of others

• Equity & Inclusion — recognizing power dynamics and working to create accessible, inclusive learning environments

• Accountability — taking responsibility for one’s actions and their impact

• Care — engaging with practices, people, and teachings with discernment and compassion

Respectful Conduct & Harassment-Free Environment

Soulage Collective is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and abuse.

Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Sexual harassment or unwanted physical contact

• Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, body size, or socioeconomic status

• Verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse

• Bullying, shaming, coercion, or manipulation

• Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns or participate in grievance processes

All participants are expected to comply with the program’s Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies, which are incorporated by reference into this Code of Conduct.

Confidentiality & Professional Boundaries

Confidentiality

Participants must respect the confidentiality of:

• Personal disclosures shared during training sessions

• Health, trauma, or identity-related information

• Peer reflections, journaling, or experiential learning processes

• Grievance reports, investigations, or outcomes

Information shared within the training may not be discussed outside the training context without explicit consent, except where reporting is required for safety or legal reasons.

Professional Boundaries

• Trainers and staff must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with trainees

• Romantic or sexual relationships between trainers and trainees during the training period are strongly discouraged and must be disclosed to program leadership if they arise

• Exploitation of power differentials for personal, emotional, or financial gain is prohibited

Learning Environment & Classroom Engagement

Preparedness & Participation

All participants are expected to:

• Arrive on time and prepared for sessions

• Complete required readings, assignments, and practicum hours

• Engage actively and respectfully in discussions and practices

• Minimize disruptions, including excessive phone use or side conversations

Trainers and guest teachers are expected to arrive prepared, teach within the agreed curriculum, and respect the scope, timing, and structure of the training.

Respectful Engagement

• Thoughtful questions, reflections, and critical inquiry are encouraged

• Disagreement is welcome when expressed respectfully and without personal attack

• Dominating discussions, dismissiveness, or shaming language is not acceptable

Physical Safety, Consent & Meaningful Participation

Soulage Collective is committed to trauma-aware, consent-based teaching and learning practices. All participants have the right to make choices about their level of physical, emotional, and energetic participation in any practice.

Participants may modify, pause, or opt out of specific practices when needed, without pressure or requirement to disclose personal information.

Yoga Teacher Training is not evaluated on performance or physical capacity, but it does require sincere effort, communication, and participation in the learning process.

Because this is a professional and experiential training, ongoing engagement with embodied practice, inquiry, and reflection is expected. Regular or ongoing non-participation may impact a trainee’s ability to meet the learning objectives of the training, including readiness to teach safely and competently.

When a pattern of non-participation arises, the expectation is that:

• The trainee communicates with a lead trainer or program director

• Together, appropriate modifications, alternative practices, or learning pathways are explored

• Expectations for continued engagement and skill development are clarified

Non-participation alone does not constitute misconduct. However, persistent disengagement without communication or willingness to explore alternatives may be addressed as a training-readiness or completion concern under program policies.

This approach is intended to balance autonomy, safety, and accountability while honoring diverse needs and capacities.

Openness, Curiosity & Willingness to Learn

Yoga Teacher Training is both an educational and personal process. Participants are expected to engage with:

• Curiosity rather than defensiveness

• Willingness to examine personal assumptions and biases

• Openness to feedback from instructors and peers

• Humility during moments of challenge or growth

Ongoing resistance to participation, feedback, or core learning objectives may affect successful completion of the program.

Equity, Power & Responsibility

All participants commit to ongoing reflection on:

• Power dynamics inherent in teaching, mentoring, and leadership roles

• Cultural appropriation and respect for yoga’s historical and living traditions

• Inclusive, accessible language and teaching practices

Trainers, staff, and leadership hold heightened responsibility to model ethical behavior and uphold equitable standards.

Communication, Conflict Resolution & Timelines

• Concerns should be raised respectfully and in a timely manner

• Minor issues are encouraged to be addressed directly when appropriate

• Formal concerns should follow the Grievance Policy

• All participants are expected to cooperate in good faith during resolution processes

Attendance requirements, assignment deadlines, practicum hours, and make-up procedures must be met as outlined in the training policies.

Online Conduct & Public Representation

This Code of Conduct applies to:

• Online classes, forums, and group communications

• Social media or public representations related to the training

Participants may not misrepresent their certification status or imply program endorsement prior to completion.

Violations & Consequences

Violations of this Code of Conduct will be addressed in alignment with the Grievance Policy and may result in:

• Verbal or written warnings

• Required corrective actions

• Probation, suspension, or dismissal from the training

• Termination of teaching, mentoring, or contractual relationships

Commitment Statement

Soulage Collective affirms that ethical conduct, accountability, and care are foundational to meaningful yoga teaching and learning. This Code of Conduct exists to protect the integrity of the training, the safety of participants, and the trust required for deep study and practice.