| Title: | Violence in the Workplace Prevention, Policy on |
|---|---|
| Policy Owner: | Human Resources |
| Applies to: | Workforce Members |
| Campus Applicability: | All UConn Campuses, excluding UConn Health |
| Approval Date: | October 6, 2026 |
| Effective Date: | October 7, 2026 |
| For More Information, Contact: | Labor Relations |
| Contact Information: | (860) 486-5684 |
| Official Website: | https://hr.uconn.edu/labor-relations/ |
BACKGROUND
The safety and security of all employees is of primary importance to the University of Connecticut. On August 4, 1999, the Governor of the State of Connecticut issued an executive order establishing a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence for all state agencies and public universities. The University of Connecticut is committed to providing a workplace that is conducive to a safe and healthy environment supportive of our educational mission.
PURPOSE
To communicate the meaning of “workplace violence”, define prohibited conduct, and establish potential consequences for violations. Additional resources are cited to provide direction on how to report incidents and offer sources of assistance and support to those impacted by workplace violence.
APPLIES TO
Applies to all University of Connecticut workforce members. This policy governs all University employees, persons who are permitted to work on University premises, at satellite locations or at University sponsored off-site events. This policy also governs persons operating state vehicles under the control of the University.
DEFINITIONS
Dangerous Instruments: Any instrument, article, or substance that, under the circumstances, is capable of causing death or serious physical injury.
Emergency Situation: A situation where an injury has occurred or there is an immediate threat of physical harm or injury.
Non-Emergency/Threatening Situation: A situation where one person, through intimidating words or gestures has induced fear and apprehension of physical or other harm in another person but there is no immediate danger of such harm being inflicted.
Threat: A communicated intent to inflict physical or other harm on another person. A threat can be communicated either verbally or by gesture, or a combination of the two.
Violent Acts: This refers to a range of inappropriate behaviors that include but are not limited to the following:
- intimidating or threatening behaviors
- physical or verbal abuse
- vandalism
- arson
- sabotage
- carrying or possessing weapons of any kind on property owned/leased or otherwise controlled or occupied by the state, unless properly authorized
- using such weapons
- any other act(s) which a reasonable person would consider as inappropriate and/or posing a danger or threat of danger/violence in the workplace
- such behavior includes, but is not limited to oral, written or e-mail statements, gestures, or expressions that communicate a direct or indirect threat of physical harm
- any comments regarding violent events and/or behaviors which a reasonable person would consider offensive, including but not limited to, comments that are insulting, inflammatory, derogatory, discriminatory, or that create a hostile work environment.
Weapon: Any firearm, including a BB gun, whether loaded or unloaded, any knife (excluding a small pen or pocket knife), including a switchblade or other knife having an automatic spring release device, a stiletto, any police baton or nightstick or any martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon.
Workplace Violence: Violent acts, including physical assaults and threats of assault, directed toward persons at work or on duty.
POLICY STATEMENT
The University of Connecticut takes any act of violence seriously. The prevention of Workplace Violence is everyone’s responsibility. It is expected that University employees will maintain a workplace atmosphere of mutual respect and civility.
No person covered by this policy may:
- Engage in conduct intended to threaten, intimidate or harass a University employee.
- Possess a weapon or dangerous instrument while on any University worksite unless required to do so as a component of their job.
- Use, attempt to use, or threaten to use a weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Cause or threaten to cause death or physical injury to any individual while at a University worksite.
The University has the right to confiscate any weapon or dangerous instrument on University property. Employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to weapons or dangerous instruments in the workplace.
ENFORCEMENT
Violations of this policy and any related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.
PROCEDURES/FORMS
In the event of a Non-Emergency/Threatening Situation, employees should contact Human Resources as soon as possible, typically the same day as the incident.
In the event of an Emergency Situation, an employee should first take the necessary steps to ensure their own safety. Then, if possible to do so safely, an employee should call emergency responders (the police, ambulance services, and fire department) if necessary. As soon as it is safe to do so an employee should inform Human Resources of the incident or their supervisor, who should then contact Human Resources.
REFERENCES
Governor Rowland’s 1999 Executive Order: exc16pdf.pdf
State of Connecticut’s Violence in the Workplace Policy and Procedures Manual: The State of Connecticut
National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety: Workplace Violence Prevention Strategies and Research Needs: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/11418
POLICY HISTORY
Policy created: 01/02/2004
Revisions:
04/02/2008
10/06/2026 (Approved by the University Senior Policy Council and President)