UMBS Code of Conduct for All Participants and Residents
As a member of the University of Michigan Biological Station community, you are expected to uphold the following code of conduct:
Expected Behavior
- Treat all station residents, visitors, and members of the wider community with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
- Extend this same respect to the non-human members of our community and to the physical space and environments you occupy.
- Alert UM personnel and/or call 911 if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress. If you are safely able to do so, provide support to someone you observe to be in distress or the victim of discrimination or harassment.
Unacceptable or Criminal Behavior
- Physical or verbal harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or abuse of any resident, visitor, or member of the wider community
- Sexual harassment or violence
- Creation of a hostile work environment and/or interfering with an individual’s participation in the program for which they are here.
This includes:
- Verbal or written comments or inquiries related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, economic status, or national origin
- Jokes based on any of these characteristics
- Slurs or lewd comments used in conversation, even when not directed at a particular person
- Verbal and nonverbal requests for sexual favors
- Repeated verbal, written and/or physical displays of unwanted affection or attention towards another person
- Persistent, unwelcome requests for dates
- Unwelcome physical contact. Includes staring, touching, or invading an individual’s personal space
- Stalking
- Blocking an individual’s movement with your body or an object
- Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in the work environment or sharing such materials with co-workers
- Implicitly or explicitly making actions of a sexual nature a term or condition of a person’s employment, academic standing, or participation in research programs and related activities
Reporting and investigative procedures:
If you suspect or experience harassment, assault, or discrimination, report at this link: https://sexualmisconduct.umich.edu/reporting-process/. You may also tell ANY staff member, resident assistant, faculty member, mentor, or administrator (including the Director or Associate Director) with whom you feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues about your concerns. Note that the Director, Associate Director, and Resident Life Staff/Advisors are Mandatory Reporters, who are required by law to immediately report any information they learn about suspected prohibited conduct, including sexual harassment or assault with U-M officials and the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office, regardless of whether a victim came forward to discuss the issue confidentially.
Your concerns will be handled with respect and support in accordance with the University of Michigan policies as described in full at https://sexualmisconduct.umich.edu/. Staff will do everything legally possible to protect anyone who reports an incident from retaliation.
Remember: Harassment can occur between persons of the same or different genders, age groups, and positions/titles. Unacceptable behaviors are unacceptable at all times -- not just when classes, fieldwork, and other professional activities are in session.
UM Contacts for Confidential Advice
• SAPAC – Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (for faculty, staff and students)
(734) 936-3333
• FASAP – Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (for faculty and staff)
(734) 936-8660
• CAPS – Counseling and Psychological Services (for students)
(734) 764-8312
• Office of the Ombuds (for students)
(734) 763-3545
• University Faculty Ombuds (for faculty)
(734) 763-2707
Important Link to University of Michigan Policies
• UM Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy
Individuals with reporting obligations (IROs)
Individuals with reporting obligations must immediately report any information they learn about suspected Prohibited Conduct to ECRT or the Title IX Coordinator, so if you bring your concern to them, they must report it. At the UM Biological Station these individuals include the Director, Associate Director, Resident Staff, and any supervisors - including faculty who supervise teaching assistants.
