Non-Retaliation Policy | University Policies

Title:	Non-Retaliation Policy
Policy Owner:	Office of the President
Applies to:	Faculty, Staff, Students, Contractors and Affiliated Persons
Campus Applicability:	All Campuses, including UConn Health
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://hr.uconn.edu/employee-relations/	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://office.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)