| Policy Number: |
HR-405
|
|---|---|
| Effective Date: |
January 02, 2003
|
| Last Revised Date: |
July, 2025
|
| Applies To: |
Classified Staff, Appointed Personnel, University Staff, Students
|
| Responsible Units: | |
| Responsible Unit Email: | |
| Status: |
Active
|
| Reference: |
Classified Staff Human Resources Policy Manual 401.1
University Handbook for Appointed Personnel 2.21
Student Employment Manual 110.0
University Staff Manual 5-109
|
Purpose and Summary
The University of Arizona (University) is committed to promoting a productive and secure workplace for the University Community. This Policy confirms the commitment of the University to prevent, reduce, and respond to threats or acts of Violence in the Workplace and to support a positive environment in which to work and learn.
The purpose of this Policy is to prevent or respond to activities that threaten the safety of the University Community. The University respects and encourages legal expressive activity. This Policy is not intended to restrict, and should not be interpreted as restricting, the free speech rights of the University Community.
Scope
This Policy applies to all members of the University Community and the Workplace.
Definitions
For purposes of this Policy, the following definitions apply:
Harassing means conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel threatened, intimidated, alarmed, or in fear for their safety.
Intimidating means an intentional act that would cause a reasonable person to fear they are in danger of physical injury or harm.
Stalking means engaging in a course of conduct that is directed toward another person if that conduct would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress or to fear for their safety, and that person in fact fears for their safety.
Threatening means an expression, via words or actions, that reasonably conveys an intent to commit an act of Violence against a member of the University Community or their property.
Unit means any University college, school, department, program, or other operating unit.
University Community means all University employees, including student workers, graduate assistants/associates, and designated campus colleagues, when present in any Workplace.
Violence means, but is not limited to, Harassing, Threatening, Intimidating, or Stalking a person or persons, or threatening such behavior; physical acts of a violent nature; vandalism or attempted damage to University property; or possession or use of a weapon or firearm in violation of University or ABOR policy or state or federal law.
Workplace means (1) locations – physical or electronic – owned, controlled, or leased by the University, and used in direct support of the University’s educational purposes; (2) locations hosting University Community members, who are present on behalf of the University, at off-campus meetings, conferences, or events; or (3) University-owned, -controlled, or -leased vehicles.
Policy
- Prohibited Conduct
- The University prohibits any form of Violence that occurs in the Workplace to a member of the University Community. Violating this Policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge from employment and/or exclusion from University property. If a criminal act is suspected, law enforcement will be notified which may result in arrest, civil action, and/or criminal prosecution.
- The University prohibits retaliation against a good faith reporter or witness. Retaliatory action may deter a person from providing information to the University. Any member of the University Community who engages in retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge from employment.
- The University prohibits individuals from making intentionally false or misleading reports of Violence. Individuals who make such reports will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge from employment.
- Conduct prohibited by this Policy may be concurrently or directly addressed through other University policies or processes.
- Reporting Incidents of Workplace Violence
- If any person is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 to contact emergency services.
- Members of the University Community or any witness to an act of Violence should immediately report all incidents of Workplace Violence to their Supervisor or to Human Resources. A Supervisor or Unit that receives a report of Workplace Violence must contact Human Resources for guidance and assistance in addressing such situations.
- The University will process reports of Workplace Violence confidentially, except to the extent necessary to communicate to individuals who need to know pertinent information so that they may take appropriate action. The University also may be required to report such incidents to comply with state and federal laws and regulations. The University will be sensitive and responsive to the potential for fear of reprisal by members of the University Community who report threats or acts of Violence.
- Responding to Reports and Acts of Violence
- When Human Resources receives a report of Workplace Violence, Human Resources will review such information and may seek additional information as necessary.
- The report may be referred to other University offices for review and directly or concurrently addressed under other applicable University policy or procedures.
- In circumstances where an investigation is warranted by Human Resources, Human Resources will issue a formal finding under this Policy in accordance with its procedures.
- If a member of the University Community violates this Policy, the responsible Supervisor will institute appropriate disciplinary action after consulting with Human Resources and other University officials.
Human Resources will make efforts to support individuals affected by Workplace Violence by identifying appropriate resources for providing support and assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about safety, concerns about the work environment, student workers and graduate assistants/associates expected conduct, employee procedures, etc. can be found on the following websites: