NSF Safe and Inclusive Working Environments Plan for Off-Campus Research
Background
NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 23-1) effective for proposals with off-campus or off-site work due on or after January 30, 2023, requires proposers to certify that they have a plan in place for creating and maintaining a Safe and Inclusive Working Environments for Off Campus and Off-Site Research for that project.
NSF 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.
For any off-site research or field work on a proposed NSF project, the Principal Investigator (PI)/Project team must establish a plan for that proposal that describes how the following types of behavior will be addressed:
The University of Oklahoma meets NSF requirements, as well as its own expectations, by using the policies and procedures cited below, and as further amplified to cover special circumstances as dictated by the PI in the plan. Principal Investigators are responsible for ensuring that any individuals working on this project in an off-site or off-campus location receive a copy of this plan prior to commencement of their work at any off-site or off-campus location.
Key Policies and Procedures
The University of Oklahoma (OU) is committed to preventing and addressing discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, age, religion, political beliefs, disability or status as a veteran. As a baseline, all new and current employees (students, temporary, part-time, and full-time) must complete the Preventing Harassment and Discrimination training within the first 30 days of employment and then again annually. OU’s Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Non-Discrimination Policy apply to all off-campus activities as well as off-campus/off-site research for members of the OU Community. These policies have been outlined in OU’s Faculty Handbook (section 3) and Staff Handbook (Section 5) as well.
Plan Submission Requirements
Any PI applying for a grant where NSF is the Direct or Prime sponsor and off-site work is anticipated must provide a Safe and Inclusive Working Environments Plan, which will constitute documentation of the required plan for a Safe and Inclusive Work environment.
The Office of Research Services (ORS) has developed a Safe and Inclusive Work Environments Plan template as a starting point for PIs for such projects. Note that plans must be individually tailored to projects and the specific off-campus or off-site location(s) and participants involved. This plan should not be submitted to NSF for review with the proposal, but it must be documented prior to submission.
Definition of Off-campus or Off-site Research
For purposes of this requirement, NSF has defined off-campus or off-site research as “data/information/samples being collected off-campus or off-site, such as fieldwork and research activities on vessels and aircraft.”
Additional Resources
