Plan to Promote Safe Environments

The University of Rochester (URochester) is committed to providing a safe environment, free of harassment and discrimination. Participants in URochester programs and activities (including this Workshop and Symposium) must comply with URochester’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy and Anti-Discrimination Policy. Please review the following information regarding URochester’s non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, as well as how to report any violations of these policies, how to make a complaint, and how any complaints will be resolved. Individuals who have questions, concerns, or complaints related to harassment are also encouraged to contact the conference organizer.

URochester can provide supportive measures and other resources with or without the filing of a formal complaint. Confidential resources are available to assist those who have experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence. In an emergency, please dial 911. Non-emergency reports to law enforcement can be made to the University Public Safety for on-campus incidents (585-275-3333) or to the local police department where the incident occurred.

Expectations of Behavior for Measuring Micro and 
Nanoplastics in Environmental Samples Workshop

All attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and organizers are expected to:

• Treat everyone with respect and consideration.
• Communicate openly and thoughtfully, valuing diverse perspectives.
• Be mindful of their surroundings and fellow participants.
• Respect the rules and policies of the conference venue.

University of Rochester Notice of Non-Discrimination, 
Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation

The University prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability, height, marital status, political persuasion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight in its programs and

activities. URochester also prohibits retaliation against those who report discrimination or harassment, or who participate in the University’s investigation and handling of such reports. URochester independently investigates allegations of retaliation and will take strong responsive actions if retaliation occurs.

Some examples of harassing behaviors may be:

• Unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors;
• Unwelcome comments or behavior, including but not limited to drawings, written statements, social media posts, or verbal statements, related to an individual’s race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability, height, marital status, political persuasion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight
• Unwelcome teasing, joking, or flirting based on actual or perceived gender identity, gender expression, or sexual identity/orientation

Any student, employee, patient or third party who believes he or she has been discriminated against or harassed is encouraged to report the incident(s) to the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment. The University will respond promptly, including by offering supportive measures, informing parties about the available complaint and investigation processes, and taking reasonable care to prevent and promptly correct discrimination or harassment.

URochester’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy provides the grievance process for complaints alleging sexual harassment as defined by Title IX, as well as prohibited relationship violence, sexual misconduct, stalking and retaliation. The Anti-Discrimination Policy provides the grievance procedure for complaints alleging all other forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The Office of University Engagement and Enrichment is responsible for receiving reports of discrimination, harassment or retaliation, and facilitating the filing of complaints under these policies, connecting affected individuals with supportive measures, accommodations, interim measures and other assistive resources, and for conducting investigations of alleged violations of both policies.

URochester is committed to conducting prompt and equitable investigations and will appropriately address violations of university policy. Upon completion of an investigation, students and employees found to have engaged in acts of harassment, discrimination or retaliation will be promptly disciplined. If circumstances warrant, discipline for UofR students or employees may include suspension, expulsion, or termination and corrective action may be pursued related to individuals who are not URochester students or employees.

Any person may report discrimination, harassment or retaliation in person, by mail, by telephone or by electronic mail, using the links and contact information listed below. Reports may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number, email, online reporting form, or by mail to the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment address, listed below. Reports may be submitted in person at the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment during business hours or by appointment if after business hours. Questions about URochester’s non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies may be referred to the University Title IX Education and Compliance.

Office of University Engagement and Enrichment
University of Rochester
147 Wallis Hall
Box 270016
Rochester, NY 14627-0016
(585) 276-7652
oee@rochester.edu

Individuals can also notify NIH (https://public.era.nih.gov/shape/public/notificationForm.era or (301) 480-6701) or file a complaint with HHS OCR at the address below about concerns of harassment, including sexual harassment, discrimination, and other forms of inappropriate conduct at NIH-supported conferences.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, D.C. 20201
1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD)
https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/about-us/contact-us/index.html

Filing a complaint with URochester is not required before filing a complaint of discrimination with HHS OCR, and seeking assistance from the Workshop and Symposium organizers and/or URochester does not prohibit filing complaints with HHS OCR.

Code of Conduct

The University of Rochester’s Code of Conduct is intended to guide the University community in adhering to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct. This Code addresses sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, discrimination, and sexual assault. It provides clear and accessible means of reporting violations of the Code, and addresses the investigation and enforcement processes. This Code applies to all activities that are, or may reasonably be perceived to be, related to University programs and services, whether on or off University property, including this Workshop and Symposium. The Code of Conduct can be found on the URochester’s Policies and Procedures webpage (https://www.rochester.edu/policies/policy/code-of-conduct/).

Communicating the Safety Plan to Conference Attendees

This Safety Plan and the Code of Conduct will be disseminated to conference participants prior to attendance via the event webpage, as well as made available at the conference either digitally or in print. Documentation of allegations and possible actions will be performed by the Workshop and Symposium organizers in consultation with those involved. Any allegation that arises from an incident at the conference will be documented and addressed in accordance with the procedures described in the Safety Plan.

Ensuring A Safe and Respectful Environment

The Workshop and Symposium will be held at accessible sites, as outlined by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and, as applicable, the Americans with Disabilities Act. At the time of registration, participants with disabilities may voluntarily disclose their special needs so the organizers can plan to accommodate them.

University of Rochester 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 Office of University Engagement and Enrichment. This message should be provided to all participants prior to and during NSF-supported conferences, symposia, and workshops.