Effective January 30, 2023, the National Science Foundation (NSF) requires proposers to have in place a plan for Safe and Harassment-free Fieldwork (SAHF) for projects that include off-campus or off-site research. The intent of this new requirement is to provide support and guidance for project team personnel and participants when they do not have readily available access to resources that support a safe and harassment-free working environment. Specifically, NSF wants to ensure PIs “foster safe and harassment-free environments whenever science is conducted.”

There are two ways researchers might demonstrate they have a plan in place: (1) the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) might make this certification at time of submission that a PI has created a plan prior to proposal submission and (2) certain solicitations require a 2-page upload.

If your proposal contains off-site research, you are required to have a plan in place. You may budget funds to help offset costs with necessary training associated with a SAHF plan.

Definitions

Off-site research: Off-campus or off-site research is defined as data/information/samples being collected off-campus or off-site, such as fieldwork, and research activities on vessels and aircraft. You must check the off-campus or off-site research box on your NSF cover page. Fieldwork does not include conference attendance/seminars/meetings.

Organizational Resources

Personnel should be familiar with these Rowan policies and resources:

Policies

• Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace and Educational Environment
• Disruptive Behavior and Workplace Violence Policy
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Title IX Sexual Harassment/ Sexual Assault Policy
• Reporting Compliance & Ethics Concerns (“Whistleblower Policy”)
• Research Misconduct
• Stalking Policy
• Hazing Policy

Resources

• Sexual Misconduct/Title IX
• Complaint Processes and Procedures
• Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS)
• Rowan University Police Department
• Human Resources

PI Plan (when required)

The four components of the SAHF Plan are specified below and the plan is to be no more than 2 pages:

1. A description of the field setting and unique challenges for the team.
2. Steps that will be taken to nurture a harassment-free off-campus or off-site working environment.
3. Communication processes.
4. Organizational mechanisms for reporting, responding to, and resolving issues of harassment, should they arise.

If awarded, the plan must be distributed to anyone who will participate in off-campus or off-site research activity prior to their off-campus/off-site activities. The PI should keep documentation of who received the plan for audit purposes.

Rowan offers our PIs a 2-page template to help them create a SAHF.