Non-Retaliation Policy

Title: Non-Retaliation Policy
Policy Owner: Office of the President
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Students, Contractors and Affiliated Persons
Campus Applicability:  All Campuses
Effective Date: October 22, 2012
For More Information, Contact Office of University Compliance
Contact Information: (860) 486-2530
Official Website: http://president.uconn.edu/

PURPOSE

To define how the University provides for the protection of any person or group within its community from retaliation who, in good faith, participates in investigations or reports alleged violations of policies, laws, rules or regulations applicable to the University of Connecticut.

POLICY STATEMENT

The University encourages individuals to bring forward information and/or complaints about violations of state or federal law, University policy, rules, or regulations.  Retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports and/or participates in the investigation of alleged violations, or who assists others in making such a report, is strictly forbidden.  This policy does not protect an individual who knowingly files a report or provides information as part of an investigation that is false or is filed in bad faith. The University will take appropriate action, up to and including dismissal, against any employee, student, or affiliated person who violates this policy.

DEFINITIONS

Retaliation: Any adverse action taken, or threatened against an individual because they have, in good faith, reported an allegation concerning the violation of state or federal law, University policy, rule, or regulation, or because they have participated in any manner with an investigation of such an allegation, or in an effort to deter an individual from doing so.

Examples of actions that may constitute retaliation include, but are not limited to:

  • unsubstantiated adverse performance evaluations or disciplinary action;
  • adverse decisions relating to the terms or conditions of employment or education;
  • interference with or denial of promotion or advancement opportunities (whether employment-related or academic);
  • reduction in a student’s grade;
  • interference with or denial of participation in University programs or activities;
  • unfounded negative job references or interfering with one’s job search;
  • denial or removal of co-authorship on a publication;
  • repeated intimidation or humiliation, derogatory or insulting remarks, or social isolation which may occur indirectly or directly from co-workers and/or a supervisor;
  • physical threats and/or destruction of personal or state property

Any action taken or threatened that would dissuade a reasonable person from engaging in activities protected by this policy may also be considered retaliatory.

Good Faith Report: A report made with an honest and reasonable belief that a university-related violation of law or policy may have occurred.

Bad Faith Report: A report made that is knowingly false and/or made with malicious intent.

Protected Activities: Good faith reporting, whether internally or externally, or inquiring about suspected wrongful or unlawful activity; assisting others in making such a report; and/or participating in an investigation or proceeding related to suspected wrongful or unlawful activity.

 

REPORTING PROCESS

If an individual believes that they have been subjected to retaliation, they should either contact the office to which the initial complaint was filed or any of the following University offices:

Storrs & Regional Campuses UConn Health
The Office of University Compliance
28 Professional Park, Unit 5084
Storrs, CT  06269-5084
Telephone: (860) 486-2530
Reportline: 1-888-685-2637Website: https://compliance.uconn.edu
The Office of University Compliance
Administrative Services Building
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030-5329
Telephone: (860) 679-1969
Reportline: 1-888-685-2637Website: https://compliance.uconn.edu
The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE)
241 Glenbrook Road
Wood Hall, Unit 4175
Storrs, CT  06269-4175
Telephone: (860) 486-2943
Email: equity@uconn.edu
OIE’s Discrimination Complaint Procedures:
https://equity.uconn.edu/policiesprocedures/
The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE)
Munson Building
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030-5130
Telephone: (860) 679-3563
Fax: (860) 679-3805
Email: equity@uconn.edu
OIE’s Discrimination Complaint Procedures: https://equity.uconn.edu/policiesprocedures/
Office of Faculty & Staff Labor Relations
9 Walters Avenue, Unit 5075
Storrs, CT  06269-5075
Telephone: (860) 486-5684
Website: https://lr.uconn.edu/ 
Employee/Labor Relations
Munson Building
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030 – 4035
Telephone: 860-679-8067
Website: https://health.uconn.edu/human-resources/services/employee-labor-relations/
University of Connecticut Police Department
126 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3070
Storrs, CT  06269-3070
Telephone: (860) 486-4800
Website: https://publicsafety.uconn.edu/police/
University of Connecticut Police Department
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030 – 3925
Telephone:  860-486-4800
Website: https://publicsafety.uconn.edu/police

Any individual who is covered by a collective bargaining contract are also encouraged to contact their union:

Union Contact Information
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP), University of Connecticut Chapter Telephone: (860) 487-0450

Website: http://www.uconnaaup.org/contact/

The University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA) Telephone: (860) 487-0850

Website: http://ucpea.ct.aft.org/

Maintenance and Service Unit,
Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI)
Telephone: (860) 344-0311

Website: http://ceui.org/

Administrative Clerical Unit – American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Telephone: (860) 224-4000

Website: https://www.afscme.org/

Connecticut Police and Fire Union Telephone: (860) 953-2626

Website: https://cpfu.org/

Social and Human Services Unit – American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Telephone: (860) 224-4000

Website: https://www.afscme.org/

Administrative and Residual Employees Union (A&R) Telephone: (860) 953-1316
Website: http://andr.ct.aft.org/
New England Health Care Employees Union – District 1199 Telephone: (860) 549-1199

Website: http://www.seiu1199ne.org/

University Health Professionals (UHP) Telephone: (860) 676-8444

Website: http://uhp3837.ct.aft.org/

Nothing in this policy shall be deemed to diminish the rights, privileges or remedies of a University (State) employee under other federal or state law or under any collective bargaining agreement or employment contract.

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

In addition to the resources above, the following offices may be helpful to University employees and students who believe they are experiencing retaliation.

Employee Assistant Program

Website: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-assistance-program/

University Ombuds

Website: https://ombuds.uconn.edu/

Office of the Dean of Students

Website: https://dos.uconn.edu/

UConn Cultural Centers

Website: https://diversity.uconn.edu/cultural-centers/

Office for Diversity and Inclusion:

Website: https://diversity.uconn.edu/

 

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created:  09/22/2009

Revisions:

10/22/2012 (Non-substantive revisions)

05/03/2021 (Approved by President’s Cabinet)