Workplace Violence Policy and Procedures

Workplace Violence Definition

An act or threat of violence will be considered to be within the University community if and when it occurs on University property and is undertaken by one member of the University community against another. Members of the University community include: students, employees, and outside person(s) doing business with the University such as customers, vendors, or others.

University Guidelines and Procedures

The University takes a strong and unequivocal position against intimidation, threats, or violence in the workplace. We will investigate complaints of threatening, intimidating, or violent acts including hostile behavior, physical abuse, vandalism, arson, sabotage, use of weapons, carrying weapons onto University property, or any other act which, in the University management's opinion, is inappropriate to the workplace. This guideline extends to persons doing business with the University including customers, vendors and others who interact with University employees and students.

We request the support and cooperation of all employees and students in helping to keep our University a safe and healthy place to work. Employees and students should immediately report any behavior which may constitute a potentially violent situation to University management.

Procedures

1. Upon witnessing or hearing of an act or threat of violence, the appropriate manager may immediately act to suspend the individual(s) involved, pending the results of an investigation. If the individual(s) refuse to leave, the manager should call Campus Safety at extension 13000 to escort the individual(s) off campus.
2. The manager should notify the Human Resources Department immediately. Human Resources will help in determining the appropriate action to be taken.
3. Should the alleged perpetrator of violence be a student, Student Judicial Affairs will handle the matter in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
4. The University will conduct any required investigation in a discreet manner. During the course of the investigation, the University may find it necessary to talk to a number of employees, particularly to the alleged perpetrator. As a result, the University will not guarantee the confidentiality of reported complaints.
5. At the conclusion of the investigation, the employee will be notified of the action to be taken. The action to be taken must be reviewed by Human Resources and/or University Legal Counsel before it is communicated to the employee.
6. Documentation of the incident, and action taken, will be kept in the employee's personnel file.

See other topics in the Employee Handbook