The President and Senior Policy Council have approved the following policies this month:
Fitness for Duty Policy (New): This new policy establishes the University’s right to require that employees undergo a fitness for duty evaluation in situations which the employee may not be fit for duty or may present a safety risk for themselves or others (e.g., observable difficulties performing the essential functions of their position; poses an imminent or serious safety threat to self or others). The purpose of this policy is to ensure that employees are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of performing their job responsibilities effectively and safely.
Malign Foreign Talent Program Participation Policy (New): This is a new policy intended to meet federal requirements and safeguard the University’s research and resources from potential risks associated with malign foreign talent programs. The policy prohibits participation in high-risk programs that could compromise the University’s research integrity or compliance with U.S. laws. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, and students engaged in research on any campus.
Outdoor Activities Policy (New): This policy replaces the Division of Student Affairs Large, Outdoor, and/or Late Hours Event Policy. It expands applicability to all Storrs and Regional stakeholders, including visitors. The policy applies to scheduled and unscheduled activities, whether active or passive, specifies general activity requirements, and prohibited and permitted items.
Outdoor Amplified and Projected Sound Policy (Revised): This policy is a revision of the previously named Speaker’s Forum and Outdoor Amplification Policy. Modifications include changes to applicable hours, limitation of the acceptable sound level to 85 decibels, as well as revision of the exclusions to permit Athletic and University events, approved practices, and performances of the Marching Band.
Providing Information in Alternative Formats Policy (Revised): This policy was updated to include UConn Health along and revised for brevity and clarity.
The Student Code (Revised): The revisions to the Student Code includes clarifying roles, responsibilities, and defined terms, as well as updating the student conduct review process. This includes adjustments to the way hearings are conducted, how information is shared with involved parties, and the handling of student conduct records. The revisions also include updates to sanctions and probationary measures, providing more detailed descriptions of the conditions under which sanctions like University Probation and Suspension are applied and reviewed.
In addition, the University Senate approved a motion to amend the University Senate Bylaws, Article II, E, 13. The approved motion is available on the Senate website.