UMS Safe & Inclusive Work Environment Plan
The University of Maine System is committed to providing a safe environment which promotes the dignity and worth of each member of the community. In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. UMS, inclusive of all its campuses and faculties, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, or any other category protected by applicable law, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment, or other school administered programs. For this reason, the University will not tolerate sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or retaliation in any form. All conduct of this nature is considered a violation of policy.
The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
It is National Science Foundation (NSF) policy “to foster safe and harassment-free environment wherever science is conducted.” (NSF 2023 PAPPG II-E.9) 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.” Accordingly, for each proposal that proposes to conduct research off-campus or off site, NSF requires a certification from the AOR that the proposing organization has a plan in place for said proposal that describes how the following types of behavior will be addressed:
- 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; or
- Conduct that is unwelcome, offensive, indecent, obscene, or disorderly.
NSF requires the plan to identify steps the proposing organization will take to nurture an inclusive off-campus or off-site working environment, e.g., trainings; processes to establish shared team definitions of roles, responsibilities, and cultures, e.g., codes of conduct; and field support, such as mentor/mentee support mechanisms, regular check-ins, and/or developmental events. The plan should also consider communications within the team and to the organization, minimizing singular points within the communications pathway (e.g., a single person overseeing access to a single satellite phone), and any special circumstances such as the involvement of multiple organizations or the presence of third parties in the working environment. The process or method for making incident reports as well as how any reports received will be resolved should also be accounted for.
NSF requires this plan to be disseminated to individuals participating in the off-campus or off-site research prior to departure. The plans do not need to be submitted to NSF for review, unless requested.
NSF defines “off-campus or off-site research” as “data/information/samples being collected off-campus or off-site, such fieldwork on research vessels and aircraft.”
EFFECTIVE 3/30/2023
Key Policies and Procedures
All University employees are required by University policy to complete the mandatory UMS Academy training, including but not limited to Title IX Training, Sexual Harassment Prevention Training, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training, and Basic Safety Training. More information can be found here. The University meets NSF requirements by using the policies and procedures outlined below:
- General Equal Opportunity
- Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, Stalking and Retaliation and Title IX Sexual Harassment
- Campus Violence
- Student Conduct Code
- Hazing
- Environmental and Safety Policy
- Sexual Harassment Brochure
- Guidelines on Consenting Relationships
- UMS Safety Management Portal Page
- Fieldwork Safety Training Guide
Reporting a Concern
Report a concern here: Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services Complaint Procedure – University of Maine System.
You can also report a concern by contacting:
University of Maine System’s Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator: Elizabeth Lavoie
Phone: 207-581-5866
Email: titleix@maine.edu
More information available for reading
Responsibilities
PI is responsible for:
- Creating a plan for a safe and inclusive working environment for off-campus or off-site research.
- Disseminating said plan to all participants prior to departure.
- Updating said plan whenever necessary and disseminating updated plan to all participants.
- Keeping all plans and updated plans on file.
- If applicable, complete and submit a Fieldwork Safety Plan.
ORA is responsible for:
- Ensuring a plan is in place prior to submission.
Departments are encouraged to:
- Review and approve plans when signing off on proposals.
- Ensure PIs adhere to plans.
View the Project-Specific Plan Template
Frequently Asked Questions on Safe & Inclusive Work Environment Plans
Return to