Michigan Technological University will follow NSF requirements whenever the term and condition regarding sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault is included in an NSF-funded award or subaward agreement. To address the requirements, Michigan Tech’s process will include the following steps.
- The Equal Opportunity Compliance and Title IX office receives a report of an allegation of sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault, as defined in the NSF Notice.
- An investigation of the allegation is conducted in accordance with the applicable University investigatory or disciplinary procedures.
- Depending on the circumstances, prior to, during, or after an investigation, an individual (respondent) may be put on administrative leave or have an administrative action imposed.
- If an administrative leave (1) or action is imposed, the Equal Opportunity Compliance and Title IX office will notify the Associate Vice President for Research Administration (AVPRA). The AVPRA will search the sponsored programs data base to ascertain whether the respondent is a PI or Co-PI on an NSF-funded award or subaward. The search will occur as soon as possible after the individual is put on administrative leave or action is imposed.
- If a finding/determination (2) is made regarding a respondent, the Equal Opportunity Compliance and Title IX office will notify the AVPRA. The AVPRA will search the sponsored programs database to find out if the individual is a PI or Co-PI on an NSF-funded award or subaward. The search will occur as soon as possible after the finding or determination is made.
- If the individual in question is a PI or Co-PI on an NSF-funded award or subaward, the Office of the AVPRA will verify if the individual has an active award.
- The Office of the AVPRA is responsible for submitting the notification to NSF, which is due within 10 business days of the date of the administrative leave/action or finding/determination.
- The Office of the AVPRA ill work with the National Science Foundation and other appropriate
offices as needed, with the primary goals of ensuring the safety and security of other
award personnel and the continued progress of the funded project. Actions that may
be necessary may include, but are not limited to:
- Replacement of the PI or Co-PI
- Review of expenditures on the award
- When necessary, transfer of unallowable charges off the award
(1) NSF definition of administrative leave or action: Any temporary/interim suspension or permanent removal of the PI or co-PI, or any administrative action imposed on the PI or co-PI by the awardee under organizational policies or codes of conduct, statutes, regulations, or executive orders, relating to activities, including but not limited to the following: teaching, advising, mentoring, research, management/administrative duties, or presence on campus.
(2) NSF definition of finding/determination: The final disposition of a matter involving sexual harassment or other form of harassment under organizational policies and processes, to include the exhaustion of permissible appeals exercised by the PI or co-PI, or a conviction of a sexual offense in a criminal court of law.