Safe + inclusive fieldwork
The University of Kansas is committed to fostering safe and inclusive environments on all campuses, field sites and anywhere KU research and education are conducted.
This commitment aligns with priorities and requirements of the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) and other funding agencies and professional organizations.
The Safe + Inclusive Fieldwork web portal includes resources to help KU researchers envision, plan and maintain safe and inclusive research environments, particularly for off-campus or off-site work. Among the resources are a:
- Comprehensive checklist for safe and inclusive fieldwork
- KU SAIF card template to customize and print for field team members
- Template to meet NSF requirements for safe and inclusive working environments
- List of key KU policies
- Training and education opportunities
- Reporting mechanisms and resolution procedures for various forms of misconduct
- Care and support resources
This brief orientation video introduces resources in the web portal and aims to build your confidence in using them effectively. Please consult the Safe + Inclusive Fieldwork FAQs for KU's definition of fieldwork and other clarifying information.
Guidance, requirements + tools
Safe + inclusive fieldwork checklist
NSF requirements
Training, Reporting + Support
Training + education
Reporting + support
Key policies
- Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action Policy
- Sexual Harassment Policy
- Racial & Ethnic Harassment Policy
- Workplace Violence Policy
- ADA Resource Center for Equity & Accessibility: Accommodations
- Discrimination Complaint Resolution Process
- Title IX Resolution Process
- Mandatory Reporting
- Whistleblower Policy: Reporting Suspected Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation
- University of Kansas Code of Ethical Conduct
- Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities
- University Senate Rules & Regulations
- Kansas Board of Regents Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity & Title IX Sex Discrimination
- Kansas Board of Regents Racial, Sexual & Other Unlawful Harassment
Safe + Inclusive Fieldwork Task Force
Faculty and staff on the Safe + Inclusive Fieldwork Task Force developed and curated the resources provided on this web portal. Members (below) include KU researchers with extensive experience conducting fieldwork with diverse teams at a wide range of domestic and international sites. Several members have also published peer-reviewed papers on equitable fieldwork and broader issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in their disciplines.
- Emily Arnold
Associate Professor | Aerospace Engineering
- Brian Atkinson
Assistant Professor | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Curator-in-charge, Paleobotany | Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum
- Sara Baer
Director | Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research
Professor | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
- Reza Barati
Professor | Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
- Brad Bernet
Associate Director, Pre-Award Services | Office of Research
- Rafe Brown
Professor | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Curator-in-charge, Herpetology | Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum
- Bryan Foster
Professor | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Director, KU Field Station
Senior Scientist | Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research
- Scott Ishman
Associate Director & Senior Scientist | Kansas Geological Survey
- Jennifer Laverentz
Administrative Manager | Center for Remote Sensing & Integrated Systems
- Alison Olcott
Professor | Geology
- Mindie Paget
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Director of External Affairs | Office of Research
- Blair Schneider
Associate Researcher | Kansas Geological Survey
- Marina Suarez
Associate Professor | Geology
- Candan Tamerler
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research | Office of Research
Charles E. & Mary Jane Spahr Professor | Mechanical Engineering