NSF Safe and Inclusive Working Environment Plan for Off-Campus or Off-Site Research

Effective January 30, 2023

Overview

It is NSF policy to foster safe and harassment-free environments wherever science is conducted. NSF’s policy recognizes that a community effort is essential to eliminate sexual and other forms of harassment in science and to build inclusive scientific climates where people can learn, grow, and thrive.

NSF Definition of Off-Campus or Off-Site Research

Research is defined as data/information/samples being collected off-campus or off-site, such as fieldwork and research activities on vessels and aircraft. This definition is not based on whether the off-campus F&A/Overhead rate is being used.

Elements of the Plan

Each proposal that proposes to conduct research off-campus or off site, the AOR must certify that the organization has a plan in place for that proposal that describes how the following types of behavior will be addressed:

  1. Abuse of any person, including, but not limited to, harassment, stalking, bullying, or hazing of any kind, whether the behavior is carried out verbally, physically, electronically, or in written form.
  2. Conduct that is unwelcome, offensive, indecent, obscene, or disorderly. .
  3. Identify steps the proposing organization will take to nurture an inclusive off-campus or off-site working environment. .
  4. Discuss how communications within team and to the organization should be handled in the plan, minimizing singular points within the communications pathway. .
  5. Address any special circumstances such as the involvement of multiple organizations or the presence of third parties in the working environment should be taken into account. .
  6. Specify the process or method for making incident reports as well as how any reports received will be resolved should also be accounted for.

For items 1 and 2 we recommend you reference FAU’s Anti-discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy – Regulation 7.008.

Proposal Stage – PI’s Responsibilities
Award Stage – PI’s Responsibilities
  • Disseminate and discuss the plan PRIOR to the team leaving campus to participate in any off-campus/off-site activity
  • Review with team FAU Code of Conduct
  • Make all participants aware of FAU reporting tools for incidents of harassment
  • Ensure the team has completed all safety training which include health, safety and how to reach medical facilities in the area and contacting law enforcement
  • International off-campus/off-site review should include review of the region, culture and current mindset of location to discuss any risks that may occur for the team
  • Update the form to reflect any changes that occur during the performance period
Resources