Northern Illinois University
Guidance on NSF-Supported Conferences, Workshops, and Symposia Requirements
It is National Science Foundation policy to foster harassment-free environments wherever science is conducted, including at NSF-sponsored conferences, workshops, and symposia. The NSF Proposal Award Policy and Procedure Guide (PAPPG) requires applicants requesting NSF funds for the purpose of carrying out conferences, workshops, and symposia to have a policy or code-of-conduct that addresses sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault, and that includes clear and accessible means of reporting violations of the policy or code-of-conduct. Consistent with NSF OECR Bulletin No. 23-02, the NSF does not fund travel to conferences that do not have such a policy or code of conduct.
Recipients of NSF funds to carry out conferences, workshops, and symposia must also provide this policy or code of conduct to all event participants prior to the event and at the conference/workshop/symposium itself.
The following message complies with the above NSF requirements and has been approved for distribution by the University’s Ethics and Compliance office. This message should be provided to all participants prior to and during NSF-supported conferences, symposia, and workshops.
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NSF Code of Conduct Regarding Sexual and Other Forms of Harassment
Dear Conference Attendee:
Northern Illinois University is committed to creating and maintaining overall an educational, working, and living environment free from discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, and retaliation, as described in its Nondiscrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Policy and Procedures.
Furthermore, in accordance with National Science Foundation (NSF) policy all NSF- funded research and learning environments (including conferences and workshops) are free from harassment, Northern Illinois University seeks to provide a safe and productive meeting environment that fosters open dialogue and the exchange of ideas, promotes equal opportunities and treatment for all participants.
The University’s Ethics and Compliance team investigates alleged violations of the above policies, recommends interim actions where advisable, and coordinates with the University’s Sponsored Programs Administration to make any required notifications to the NSF or other agencies as appropriate.
Conference attendees wishing to report an allegation of discrimination, harassment or retaliation, including sexual harassment, may file a complaint or report with Northern Illinois University through the Ethics and Compliance Office Reporting site. Attendees may also report any of the above misconduct to the NSF’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights.
If a conference attendee has immediate safety concerns and/or wishes to report the matter to law enforcement, they should contact the Northern Illinois University Department of Police and Public Safety (if on an NIU campus) or local law enforcement.