The Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL) is a field station of the University of Washington (UW) situated on San Juan Island, ca. 80 miles north of the main Seattle Campus. Scientists from institutions worldwide visit FHL to conduct research, often bringing with them a team of co-PIs, research assistants, and students. This document provides information on FHL’s setting and associated challenges, what FHL does to address those challenges and to create a community of respect, and what is expected of all research project teams in this regard.
Field Setting and Unique Challenges
The ca. 30-acre FHL campus sits on 485 acres of forested land with extensive shoreline, all of it biological preserves. A network of primitive trails winds through the forest. Buildings on campus include a variety of housing units (with ca. 200 beds total), research labs, a dining hall, laundry building, maintenance shop, and administration building. Roads and pathways run between the buildings along terrain that is uneven and steep in some areas due to the natural topography. Field work is typically conducted along rocky and muddy shorelines in the area, on small vessels, or on the FHL research vessel.
Navigation along forest trails, at field sites, and on campus can pose difficulties for individuals with mobility limitations. Research project PIs are expected to inform team members in advance of the conditions and the campus layout, noting the location of more navigable ramps and routes. They should also inform team members of any plans for vessel use and the expectations regarding their participation in such activities. Depending on the project, individuals should be given an option for alternatives that do not require time on the vessels.
A potential barrier for those with certain disabilities is that much of the housing is not configured for wheelchairs. However, a select number of units are ADA-compliant. The project PIs should inform team members of these units and encourage members to communicate with the FHL Visitor Coordinator in advance to reserve a unit that meets their needs. The Visitor Coordinator will do their best to accommodate all such requests.
The atmosphere at FHL is informal and open, with few locked doors – a reflection of the negligible rates of property and violent crime on the island and especially on the FHL campus. Most students, researchers, and families thrive in this atmosphere but for some it generates unease. FHL provides keys to all housing units and encourages residents to lock up if they prefer.
Ethnic diversity among FHL visitors and in the surrounding island community is low relative to the general US population, so under-represented minorities may be uncomfortable. FHL works to improve representation through targeted programs and scholarship opportunities, the result of which has been a steady trend of increasing diversity over the last two decades. Diversity in other personal characteristics such as gender and sexual orientation is well represented at FHL and accommodated with flexible dorm accommodations and nongendered bathrooms. FHL programs (courses and internships) include introductory activities specifically aimed at creating a feeling of belonging, inclusion, and community among all participants, regardless of personal characteristics, socioeconomic status, abilities, or experience.
The FHL Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee works on initiatives to further increase access to the facilities and decrease barriers of entry into marine sciences and research or courses at the labs.
Creating a Community of Respect and Inclusiveness
The University of Washington is committed to fostering a culture that is professional, ethical, inclusive, and consistent with all applicable University of Washington regulations and standards of conduct, including the UW Student Conduct Code and Friday Harbor Labs Conduct Code.
All members of a research team at FHL are responsible for ensuring that everyone involved in the project feels valued, respected, listened to, and heard — with compassion, kindness, and a collaborative spirit regardless of function, level, or aspects of identity. All members are expected to abide by the Friday Harbor Labs Code of Conduct. Research PIs should distribute the Code of Conduct to team members, ideally asking for their concurrence with a signature and date on the form.
Feedback
In some circumstances, individuals may wish to remain anonymous in providing feedback. To provide feedback directly to FHL administration about one’s experience at FHL, individuals may fill out and submit the FHL Anonymous Feedback & Reporting Form. Research project PIs should also give team members an avenue (both during and upon the conclusion of the field work) through which they can provide feedback on their experiences with the project, suggest improvements, and report any inappropriate behavior.
Note that when anonymous comments are received there is no way of knowing who submitted the information and therefore there is no way to follow up to let the complainant know how comments will be addressed.
Communication Processes and Access
All members of a research team should have confidential access to their cell phones. Cellular reception is available throughout the FHL campus and across most of the island (depending on the service provider). High speed internet is also available via Wi-Fi throughout campus.
Responding and Reporting
If there is a violation of local laws, team members should contact the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office (360-378-4151). To discuss whether the Friday Harbor Labs Code of Conduct is being met, or to report a violation thereof, team members may contact the FHL Director or Operations Manager.
Incidents of inappropriate behavior will be taken seriously and addressed immediately. Complaints will be referred to the appropriate University of Washington officials for investigation and, where warranted, corrective or disciplinary actions.
Emergency Situations
If a situation arises that is an immediate or potential risk to health, safety or security, members of the research project team should take the following steps:
- Take whatever actions are necessary to assure the immediate safety of all team members.
- Call the local emergency number: 911.
- Then notify FHL: Front Office (360-378-4774). If no response, call the Caretakers (360-298-0220).
- Ensure the PI is aware of the situation.
- For more information, follow the link below.
Additional Resources
LiveWell Advocate: 206-685-4357 | lwadvoc@uw.edu
Livewell Confidential Advocates provides a safe and confidential space to help students, faculty, and staff identify what they want or need after an incident of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking or sexual harassment has occurred. Sharing information with a confidential advocate is not the same as making a report to the University for the purpose of starting an investigation. Advocates work business hours (Pacific Time) and are not available on weekends or evenings. If you have an urgent need for support after hours you can receive support on campus 24/7 at the UW Emergency Department or from MySSP (24/7 mental health crisis support available via phone, text, or chat).
UW SafeCampus: 206-685-7233
SafeCampus is the UW’s violence-prevention and response program for anonymously discussing safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others. SafeCampus is available during business hours (Pacific Time) and is not available on weekends or evenings.
For immediate support or help outside of campus business hours, contact a 24-hour hotline such as RAINN (1-800-656-4673, https://www.rainn.org/) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, https://www.thehotline.org/).
UW CareLink: 866-598-3978 (toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
An employee assistance program for PEBB-eligible employees that provides confidential access to guidance consultants who provide counseling, consultation for managers, and critical and traumatic incident response services.
UW Offices Authorized to Investigate Complaints
Title IX Investigation Office: (206) 616-5334 | tixinv@uw.edu
Responsible for investigating complaints that a University student engaged in conduct that violates any of the sexual misconduct provisions of the Student Conduct Code, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, indecent exposure, relationship violence, stalking, and domestic violence.
University Complaint Investigation and Resolution Office (UCIRO): 206-616-2028 | uciro@uw.edu
Investigates complaints that a University employee has violated the University’s non-discrimination and/or non-retaliation policies.
AUW Academic Human Resources (AHR)
AHR is responsible for working with academic units to investigate complaints involving faculty, librarians, and academic staff (e.g., Postdoctoral Scholars). This includes conflicts that may be caused by personality differences or miscommunication and behaviors that violate University policy such as discrimination or harassment.
UWHR is responsible for investigating complaints involving staff or academic student employees.
This includes conflicts that may be caused by personality differences or miscommunication and behaviors that violate University policy such as discrimination or harassment.