NSF Plan for a Safe and Harassment-Free Working Environment for Off-Campus or Off-Site (Field/Vessel/Aircraft) Research.

It is NSF’s policy to “foster safe and harassment-free environments whenever science is conducted.” Some programs managed by the NSF Directorates for Biological Sciences (BIO) and Geosciences (GEO) now require submission of a two-page plan with proposals that include off-campus or off-site research as a supplementary document. Other NSF programs continue to require that the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) certify that the organization has a plan in place regarding safe and inclusive working environments. This plan must address:

  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; and

  2. Conduct that is unwelcome, offensive, indecent, obscene, or disorderly.

Harvard University’s mission and values align with NSF policy.  The university is committed to fostering a safe and harassment-free working environment for all staff, faculty, students, and visitors, whether working on campus or engaging in scholarly activities at an off-site location.  Field research and fieldwork are essential components of its scholarly activity; therefore, all activities, whether conducted in the field or on campus, must be consistent with community expectations and University policies. 

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR NSF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

NSF PI’s must:

  1. Confirm whether any “off-campus or off-site research” will occur on their NSF-funded proposal. Plans are only required for NSF-funded proposals containing fieldwork or research that is conducted off-site or off-campus. 

  2.  Complete the project-specific plan using the provided template below.

  3. Distribute (“the plan”) to everyone who will participate in an off-campus or off-site research activity prior to those individuals leaving campus to engage in the off-site or off-campus research. 

  4. If there are post-award additions of off-site or off-campus research and a plan did not exist for the original proposal, a plan must be developed and implemented prior to conducting the off-site or off-campus research.  

 

The plan should not exceed two pages and must include: 

  1. A brief description of the field setting and unique challenges for the team.

    Steps the applicant will take to nurture a safe and harassment free off-campus or off-site working environment, including processes to establish shared team definitions of roles, responsibilities, and culture, e.g., codes of conduct; trainings, mentor/mentee mechanisms, and field support that might include regular check-ins or developmental events.

  2. Communication process and procedures within the off-site team and to the organization that minimize singular points within the communication pathways. (ex. there should not be a single person overseeing a single satellite phone). Specify if participants will have regular internet or cellphone service available; if not, describe alternative arrangements that are in place for participants to report suspected misconduct.
  3. The Organizational mechanisms that will be used for reporting, responding, and resolving issues of harassment should they occur.
  4. The plan must be uploaded into GMAS as a part of the proposal. The plan will not be submitted to NSF unless it is requested/or required by the solicitation. 

Harvard University meets NSF requirements (as well as its own expectations) by using the policies and procedures outlined below and as further detailed by the PI in the project-specific plan.

   

KEY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

To promote a safe and harassment free culture, the University is taking the following steps: All staff, faculty, and student workers are required by University policy to complete campus-supported training addressing issues of sexual harassment and sexual violence - https://provost.harvard.edu/sexual-harassment-prevention-online-training. In addition, the university has a robust system, including Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying policies and other resources designed to enforce the expectations for a safe and healthy work environment. The following is a list of applicable policies, resources, and trainings:

REPORTING SUSPECTED MISBEHAVIOR

  • If you feel comfortable, contact your supervisor or your department’s Director of Administration
  • Report to one of the University SHARE Counselors (Confidential Hotline): (617) 495-9100, or through the website: https://csndr.harvard.edu/share 

 When an incident occurs abroad, we work with case managers at International SOS, our 24/7 global emergency response program, to advise and connect you with appropriate resources. For immediate medical advice or attention, contact International SOS by phone at +1-617-998-0000 or through the Assistance App.

 

 

Additional Resources:

NSF Safe and Harassment-Free Working Environments Plan FAQs and Scenarios

NSF Safe and Harassment-Free Working Environment Guidance and Plan

NSF Safe and Harassment-Free Working Environment Template