NSF Supported Conferences, Workshops, and Symposia Code of Conduct
The National Science Foundation (NSF) requires that all environments where NSF-supported science takes place - including conferences, workshops, and symposia - be free from harassment.
The University of Utah is likewise committed to maintaining a respectful culture. Attendees at University-sponsored events can expect a safe environment free of discrimination, harassment, and misconduct. The University has established institutional policies, reporting procedures, and support resources to uphold high standards of integrity and ethics, and to ensure that any violations are addressed appropriately.
Effective February 25, 2019, the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide PAPPG requires that any applicant requesting NSF funds to support a conference, workshop, or symposium must have a policy or code of conduct in place that addresses sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault. This policy or code of conduct must also provide clear and accessible mechanisms for reporting violations.
PI's and conference organizers can use this editable version to customize the message prior to distribution
NSF's sexual harassment prevention website includes promising practices on policies, effective codes of conduct, and standards of behavior, as well as Frequently Asked Questions
The following code of conduct statement meets all applicable NSF requirements and has been approved for distribution by the Office of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX.
This message must be provided to all participants both prior to and during any NSF-supported conference, symposium, or workshop conducted on or after February 25, 2019.
Code of Conduct Regarding Sexual and Other Forms of Harassment
Dear Participant,
This conference/workshop/symposium is supported in whole or in part by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Award No. ________.
In accordance with NSF requirements, all participants must be provided with information about the University’s policies prohibiting sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, and sexual assault, as well as clear instructions on how to report violations. For purposes of these requirements, “other forms of harassment” refers to non-gender or non-sex-based harassment of individuals protected under federal civil rights laws, as outlined in relevant policies, statutes, regulations, or executive orders.
University of Utah Commitment
The University of Utah is dedicated to fostering a community where academic excellence, creativity, and discovery can thrive in an environment free from harassment, intimidation, and exploitation. All individuals participating in University programs or activities - whether on campus or at University-sponsored events - are entitled to an atmosphere of safety and respect.
THIS POLICY APPLIES TO THIS EVENT, AND ALL EVENT ATTENDEES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY.
The University’s policies define prohibited conduct, outline institutional responsibilities, and detail the procedures used to address reported concerns. These policies apply to all employees and all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and they extend to all University campuses, medical centers, and University-sponsored activities.
Reporting to the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO/AA)
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA) works to ensure a fair and equitable environment for all members of the University community. OEO/AA responds to concerns and investigates formal complaints of discrimination, including sexual misconduct.
Confidential Resources
Confidential resources (to the extent allowed by law) are available to individuals who experience sexual harassment, sexual violence, or other prohibited conduct. Advocates can be reached through:
- SafeU
- University Confidential Reporting & Crisis Resources
- Rape Recovery Center Advocates can be reached 24 hours a day
For non-urgent questions or appointments:
- Center for Student Wellness Victim-Survivor Advocacy
- Student Affairs Community & Cultural Engagement
Law Enforcement Reporting:
- On-campus incidents:
Reports can be made to the University of Utah Department of Public Safety Crime Victim Advocates. - Off-campus incidents:
Reports should be made to the local law enforcement agency where the incident occurred. An advocate can assist in determining the correct jurisdiction.
In an emergency, dial 911.
- Local emergency services can be reached at: _________________-
Key University Policies and Reporting Resources:
The University has established policies and procedures to maintain a safe work and learning environment wherever University activities occur. Relevant policies include:
Harassment, Stalking & Sexual Misconduct
- Policy 1-012: University Non-discrimination policy
Defines the University's commitment to preventing harassment, stalking, and sexual misconduct. Applies to all individuals conducting business with or visiting the University. - Rule 1-012B: Sexual Misconduct Complaint Rule
Outlines the process for resolving complaints of sexual misconduct and describes available resources for victim-survivors.
Click for Reporting Resources
Reporting
Sexual Harassment/Misconduct (OEO). The OEO/AA is the University department charged with responding to reports and investigating formal complaints of discrimination, including sexual misconduct.
The Director of the OEO/AA serves as the University’s Title IX Coordinator.
Jess Morrison, Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Title
IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator
Phone: (801) 581-8365
Email: oeo@utah.edu
Abusive Conduct
Policy 1-012 applies to all University of Utah employees and to all academic and administrative units, including University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics.
Abusive Conduct and a Culture of Respect
The University of Utah complies with state laws prohibiting abusive conduct in the workplace. Abusive conduct includes physical, verbal, or nonverbal behavior by an employee toward another employee that a reasonable person would determine meets one or more of the following criteria;
- Intends to intimidate, humiliate, or cause unwarranted distress;
- Exploits a known physical or psychological disability; or
- Is unwarranted and results in substantial physical or psychological harm caused by intimidation, humiliation or distress.
Click for Reporting Resources
Reporting
Abusive Conduct Reporting Form
To report abusive conduct, please use the University's Abusive Conduct Reporting Form.
Reporting Abusive Conduct Involving Faculty
Health Sciences Faculty
For faculty members in Health Sciences (Dentistry, Medicine, Health, Nursing, Pharmacy,
or the Health Sciences Library), please e-mail officeforuofuhealthfaculty@hsc.utah.edu to schedule a consultation.
Academic Affairs Colleges/Schools
for faculty in Academic Affairs Colleges/Schools (all non-Health Sciences academic
colleges and schools), please e-mail officeforfaculty@utah.edu to arrange a consultation.
Hazing & Bullying
Policy 6-400: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (Student Code)
This policy prohibits physical or verbal assault, sexual harassment, hazing, threats, intimidation, coercion, or any behavior that endangers the health or safety of any member of the University community. These prohibitions apply on University premises, at University activities, and at any location where the University has supervisory responsibility under state or local law.
Click for Reporting Resources
Behavioral Misconduct Reporting
Dean of Students: Reporting Behavioral Misconduct
All reports of possible violations of the Student Code are reviewed by a student conduct
officer appointed by the Dean of Students.
Any individual directly affected by a possible violation - or any faculty, staff, or student - may submit an oral or written complaint to the Dean of Students (or designee) within 45 business days of discovering the alleged misconduct.
Reporting Obligation
Responsible Employees
Responsible employees are required by University policy 1-012 to report any information
they receive about possible sexual misconduct or discrimination to the Office of Equal
Opportunity & Affirmative Action (OEO/AA).
Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) are required to report crimes occurring on campus to University Police.
Responsible employees include (but are not limited to):
- Faculty members
- Administration and staff (excluding confidential mental-health professionals)
- Resident advisors
- Student employees in paid leadership roles
- Campus police and ecurity personnel
- Athletic coaches and assistants
Click for Reporting Resources
Mandatory Reporters
Mandatory reporting requirements apply:
-
Regardless of whether the reporter is the person harmed or the person accused
-
Regardless of where or when the incident occurred, including off-campus or before an individual joined the University community
- Regardless of how the information was conveyed (spoken, written, or reported via a third party)
Other Policies, Rules, & Guidelines
Relevant University policies include:
- Policy 1-004: Intimidation and Violence in the Academic Environment
- Policy 1-020: Required Professional Boundaries in Relationships
- Policy 5-111: Corrective Action and Termination Policy for Staff Employees
- Policy 6-316: Code of Faculty Rights and Responsibilities
- Utah Victims Bill of Rights
- Policy 7-001: Policy for Research Misconduct
- Code of Faculty Rights and Responsibilities
- Code of Conduct for Staff
- Concerning Behavior (Behavioral Intervention Team)
Click for Reporting Resources
Reporting
The University is committed to responding promptly and effectively to all reports of violence, harassment, or misconduct. Appropriate action will be taken to prevent, address, and, when necessary, discipline behavior that violates University policies or the law.