Students

Electronic Privacy and Disclaimer Notice

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Title: Electronic Privacy and Disclaimer Notice
Policy Owner: Information Technology Services
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Students
Campus Applicability:  Storrs and Regionals
Effective Date: June 14, 2007
For More Information, Contact Information Technology Services
Contact Information: (860) 486-4357
Official Website: https://its.uconn.edu/

 

Background and reason for the policy: The University of Connecticut maintains the University of Connecticut website (http://www.uconn.edu/) as a service to its students, employees and external constituencies.

It is the policy of the University of Connecticut to respect and protect the privacy of its website users consistent with Federal and State laws such as:

  • Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA),
  • the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA),
  • the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA),
  • the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB),
  • the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA),
  • the Connecticut Freedom of Information Action (FOIA), and
  • the Connecticut Personal Data Act.

Purpose of Policy: The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all official University of Connecticut websites include an electronic privacy statement about the information that is collected by their website (both automatically and voluntarily) and how that information is used.

Expected Institutional Outcome: It is expected that this policy will result in better protection of visitor’s privacy by clarifying the University’s commitment to privacy and to address concerns about the types of information gathered during the course of visiting any official website, and how the University uses that information.

Applicability of Policy: This policy applies to all information collected by or submitted to official websites of the University of Connecticut and to all visitors to these websites.

Definitions:

Official University Websites: Websites that are sponsored by the University of Connecticut, whether they are stored on the University’s central server, on a University distributed server, or on a hosted or managed web server provided by a third party.

Official University Webpages: Official University of Connecticut webpages are those that have been created by the University, its campuses, colleges, schools, departments or other administrative unit, for University business. Official University webpages clearly convey a relationship to the entire University and support and advance the University’s mission.

Statement of Policy:

All official University of Connecticut websites will be required to adhere to the terms and conditions employed at the University of Connecticut as outlined in this policy and inform visitors of how information at that site is managed through the posting of an electronic privacy and disclaimer statement. Individual web sites may either link to the University’s Electronic Privacy and Disclaimer Notice (University’s Notice) or develop specific notices about the collection and use of any information associated with their pages consistent with the University’s policies.

Terms and Conditions Governing Official University of Connecticut websites:

1.      Use of Social Security Number: As indicated by the Social Security Number policy, the University of Connecticut considers the social security number as registered confidential and legally protected data. Collection, storage and use of the social security number will be in accordance with the Social Security Number policy.

2.      Public and Non-Public Information: The University of Connecticut designates certain information pertaining to students as public or “Directory Information.”  The specific data that is classified as “Directory Information” can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office FERPA web page (http://ferpa.uconn.edu/). Except when requested in writing by the individual, “Directory Information” may be distributed electronically and/or made available on the web without providing any security protection for the information. Non-public information (or when requested by the individual, public information) must not be made available via the web, nor stored for internal use via the web, nor transmitted electronically, even to those who are entitled to the information, without utilizing adequate security measures.

3.      Use of Cookies: Cookies are small pieces of data passed from a web site to your hard drive usually to enable some online services to work more efficiently or to make the use of services more convenient. The University of Connecticut generally will not use cookies to track and/or retain personally-identifiable information without proper notification. However, the University reserves the right to associate personally- identifiable information with cookies. Such information will not be disclosed to outside parties unless legally required to do so in connection with legal proceedings or law enforcement investigations.

4.      Use of Email: In spite of the good intentions of the University to respect the privacy of individuals, it should be understood that it is impossible to assure the privacy of email. Not only may email be sent to someone other than the intended recipient (either through mis-addressing or forwarding), but email sent as plain text may also be intercepted as it travels over the network. In addition, as part of the University’s backup and archival practices, email may continue to exist in spite of the owner’s belief that the message had been deleted.

5.    Use of Forms: The University of Connecticut respects your privacy and does not condone providing any of your personal information to third parties without your permission, unless compelled by law or court order to do so, or to sell any personal information to third parties for purposes of marketing, advertising, or promotion.

6.    Collection and Use of Information: In the course of visiting a web site, the University of Connecticut permits the following information to be collected, stored and used:

a.       Automatic Information Collected

i.      Routing information such as IP address. Routing information is used to route the requested web page to your computer for viewing.

ii.      Essential technical information including, but not limited to: page accessed; time and date accessed; operating system used; type of browser used; information about the web site from which you accessed a University of Connecticut web site and connection statistics (e.g. ports, number of bytes, number of packets, time of 1st and last packet, etc.). Essential technical information is used for such purposes as helping to respond to your request in an appropriate format and helping to plan website improvements.

This information is not to be reported or used in any manner that would reveal personally identifying information or to be released to any outside (third) parties unless legally required. However, it should be noted that when required by law, this information, along with other information that might be available, may enable us to identify an individual involved in a specific transmission.

b.      Personal Information Voluntarily Provided by the Individual

In the course of visiting a web site (e.g. sending an email message, filling in an on-line form, etc.), individuals may choose to provide additional personally- identifying information such as name, address, email address, social security number, password, bank account information, credit card information, or any combination of data that can be used to identify an individual. Optional information, including any email communications, is retained in accordance with the University’s records retention schedules and may be subject to public inspection and copying if not protected by federal or state law.

7.      Links: The provision of links from official University of Connecticut web sites to other sites does not imply endorsement of the information or services offered by these linked sites nor does the University’s privacy policies apply to these other sites. Individuals who choose to link to any third party site should review the privacy practices of that site before providing any personally identifiable information to that site.

8.      Limits to Privacy: The use of University resources, including computing and networking equipment and services, purchased with University funds, are intended for University business. While it is not the intention of the University to actively monitor communications or files stored or transmitted on University systems or devices, individuals must understand that under certain circumstances they may not have a right to privacy to such information. Such circumstances include but are not limited to: compliance with legal requirements or process; investigation of suspected violations of law, regulation or University policy; maintaining the integrity of the University’s computing systems.

9. Freedom of Information Requests: Under the “Connecticut Freedom of Information Act,” except as otherwise provided by federal law or state statute, all records maintained or kept on file by or at the University of Connecticut are considered public records and are subject to inspection by members of the public.  As a member of the University community, your email and any information collected in the course of visiting a web site are considered public records and may be subject to Freedom of Information disclosure. In some cases, email messages about students may fall under the FERPA definition of  “education records” and therefore may be subject to the provisions of FERPA regarding the release of the information and the student’s right to inspect and review the information.

10.  Disclosure of Personal Data to Third Parties: In some cases the University may share personal data with third parties with whom we have a business arrangement. In all cases, the department entering into the agreement will ensure that the third party has formally agreed to protect the security of that data in compliance with the University’s Confidential Electronic Data Security Standard.

Responsibilities:

The Chief Information Officer has overall responsibility for this policy.

Questions concerning this policy may be directed to the IT Security Officer or to the University Privacy Officer.

The Chief Information Officer will review this policy on a bi-annual basis and respond to formal complaints resulting from the implementation of this policy.
Violations of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and Bylaws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

Health and Safety Policy

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Title: Health and Safety Policy
Policy Owner: Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Students, Others
Campus Applicability: UConn Storrs, Regionals, and the Law School
Effective Date: April 27, 2023
For More Information, Contact Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Contact Information: (860) 486-3613 or ehs@uconn.edu
Official Website: http://www.ehs.uconn.edu/

PURPOSE

The University of Connecticut is committed to providing a safe and healthful environment for all activities under the jurisdiction of the University.  Accordingly, the University has developed this top level over-arching health and safety policy to outline responsibilities and establish the framework of compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local regulations and University policies and procedures pertaining to worker safety and public health.* Compliance with this policy along with subordinate health and safety policies, programs and procedures linked at the end of this policy document is mandatory.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, researchers, and all other individuals working at the University of Connecticut Storrs, regional campuses and the Law School.

POLICY STATEMENT

The health and safety of all faculty, staff, students and visitors shall be a principal consideration in the planning and conduct of all University activities and programs, and in the design, construction, modification, or renovation of all University buildings and facilities.

This broad policy requires that health and safety regulations of Federal, State and local authorities, appropriate consensus standards of recognized organizations, and University specific policies are met.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy including, subordinate health and safety policies, programs or procedures may result in disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Individuals – Safety is the responsibility of each and every person at the University of Connecticut. All members of the University community are individually and collectively the owners of safety and share the responsibility to provide and maintain a safe environment.  Each individual is expected to comply with health and safety regulations and University policies, programs and procedures; perform work in a safe and sensible manner and to act to ensure the health and safety of self, coworkers, fellow students and all others at the University.

Individuals working for the University (employees) are required within five days of employment, transfer or job change to discuss potential hazards that they may encounter during the course of their employment with their supervisor.  That discussion shall include identification of workplace hazards along with required controls, personal protective equipment (PPE) and requisite safety training.  Completion and submission of an employee specific Employee Safety Training Assessment defines required safety training.  Individuals are responsible to comply with defined controls, wear the appropriate PPE and attend requisite safety training in a timely manner.

Principal Investigators/Unit Managers – All personnel who assign and/or oversee work are responsible to ensure that compliant work controls and procedures consistent with Federal, State and local regulations and University policies are implemented to provide for the protection of all personnel and to safeguard the environment.   PIs/Unit Managers in consultation with EHS shall respond in a timely manner to address safety complaints, non-compliances and mitigate potentially unsafe conditions.  PIs/Unit Managers should set, by example, high standards for health and safety. These standards must be consistently applied and appropriate action taken when personnel fail to meet them.

PIs/Unit Managers (supervisors) are responsible to identify hazards in the work environment along with required controls and PPE using the Workplace Hazard Assessment (WHA) form. The WHA must be kept current and reviewed regularly.

The WHA and the ESTA are generic tools that must be used by the PI/Unit Manager (or designee) to document review of hazards in the workplace along with appropriate controls, PPE and safety training.  The ESTA must be completed with the employee within five days of their arrival, transfer or job change.  Failure to complete an ESTA or to ensure that employees attend the required training may result in disciplinary action.

Deans, Directors, and Department Heads – Each Dean, Director, and Department Head is charged to ensure organizational compliance with regulations and University policies and with maintaining a healthful and safe environment for all personnel.  They are expected to take appropriate action to ensure all identified hazards are addressed and identified issues of non-compliance corrected in a timely manner.

Updates are requested from each Dean, Department Head and Director to the Building and Emergency Contact Listing (BEC List) to ensure the timely and effective communication of information to assigned contacts within each building, regarding emergencies, incidents, projects, and other activities that may impact the health and safety of building occupants.

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) – EHS is charged by the University with implementing all University health and safety policies and procedures* in the Biological, Chemical, Occupational, Public Health, Environmental, and Radiation health and safety fields. EHS has been authorized by, and is accountable to, the University President and Senior University Management to identify, assess and enforce this Health and Safety policy and subordinate health and safety regulations, policies, and procedures.

EHS is responsible for maintaining a comprehensive program that combines training, consultation, control, and inspection to protect the health and safety of all personnel in the course of University sanctioned activities.  EHS staff provides professional services to measure and evaluate hazards to which the University community may be exposed and ensure compliance with regulations and University policies.  EHS’s responsibilities include:

  • Ensure that all written policies, procedures, and training materials for applicable health and safety regulatory standards are established, current, and available for delivery to appropriate campus groups;
  • Maintain an up-to-date webpage to enhance access to health and safety policies, procedures, technical guidance documents, and compliance assistance information;
  • Facilitate health and safety communications with the University community, and stress the importance of campus wide adherence to appropriate regulations, standards, and policies;
  • Provide graded approach (risk based) inspection services to enhance campus health and safety; and facilitate timely correction of identified non-compliances through escalating notification and enforcement;
  • Verify completion, adequacy, and adherence to required health and safety tools (e.g., WHA, ESTAs);
  • Promote EHS’s role as an environmental health and safety information resource ready to meet the needs of the campus community; and
  • Take appropriate measures (including Stop Work Authority for imminent hazard situations) to maintain acceptable margins of safety and regulatory compliance over all University operations.

* Matters pertaining to public safety, fire safety, and building code compliance, are addressed by other units within the Division of University Safety.

Administrative Oversight – The Associate Vice President of University Safety and the Director of EHS review and approve health and safety policies for the University on behalf of the President and Board of Trustees.  The Associate Vice President of University Safety is the responsible Senior University Manager for EHS and oversees the implementation of these policies.

COMMITTEES

Environmental Health and Safety Committee

The Environmental Health and Safety Committee has a diverse membership appointed by the Associate Vice President of University Safety.  Members represent the administration, faculty, and staff along with collective bargaining units, and students. The Committee meets quarterly, as mandated by CT General Statute 31-40v, “Establishment of Safety and Health Committees by Certain Employers,” to fulfill its functions and responsibilities. The committee is charged with but not limited to establishing procedures for sharing ideas with the employer concerning:

  1. Safety inspections;
  2. Investigating safety incidents, accidents, illnesses, and deaths;
  3. Evaluating accident and illness prevention programs;
  4. Establishing training programs for the identification and reduction of hazards in the workplace which damage the reproductive system of employees; and
  5. Establishing training programs to assist committee members in understanding and identifying the effects of employee substance abuse on workplace accidents and safety.

Focused Subject Matter Safety Committees

A number of safety committees reporting to the Vice President of Research have been established that address aspects of health and safety specific to research activities or focused subject matter.   These committees serve as advisory boards and research protocol review boards working in partnership with EHS to fulfill University goals.  Committee and subject matter information is linked below.

Chemical Hygiene Committee
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Laser Safety Committee
Radiation Safety Committee

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Building and Emergency Contact (BEC) list
Employee Safety Training Assessment (ESTA)
Workplace Hazard Assessment (WHA)

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH and SAFETY POLICIES, PROGRAMS AND PROCEDURES

The University Health and Safety Policy is implemented through a series of policies, programs, procedures and other documents, as appropriate to the operations of UConn. These documents have been developed by EHS in response to regulatory requirements and/or University committee decisions.  These items, listed below, are mandatory in nature, and must be followed to ensure compliance.  They can also be found on the EHS website at:   http://www.ehs.uconn.edu/ppp/

Analytical X-Ray Safety Program
Arboricultural Operations Procedures
Asbestos Management Plan
Biological Safety Manual
Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
Chemical Hygiene Plan
Chemical Waste Disposal Manual
Confined Spaced Program
Contractor EHS Manual
Controlled Substances Policy
Electrical Safety Program
Excavation and Trenching Procedures
Fall Protection Program
Food Service Policies
General Workplace Health & Safety Inspection Program
Hazard Communication Program
Hearing Conservation Program
Laboratory Chemical Inventory Program
Laboratory Inspection Program
Laser Safety Manual
Lockout/Tagout Program
Occupational Health and Safety Program for Animal Handlers
PCB Management Plan
Powered Industrial Truck Program
Radiation Safety Committee Policy on Minor Modifications to an Existing Protocol
Radiation Safety Manual
Respirator Program
Rooftop Laboratory Exhaust Systems Maintenance Procedure
Silica in Construction Exposure Plan
Silica in General Industry Exposure Control Plan
Space Heaters Policy
Transportation of Biological Materials
Working Alone Policy

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: 10/14/2014 (Approved by Senior Policy Council)
Revisions: 03/10/2023 (Approved by Senior Policy Council 04/26/2023)

By-Laws, Rules, and Regulations of the University Senate

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Title: By-Laws, Rules, and Regulations of the University Senate
Policy Owner: University Senate
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Students, Others
Campus Applicability: All University Campuses, except UConn Health
Effective Date: June 9, 2025
For More Information, Contact University Senate Office
Contact Information: (860) 486-2236
Official Website: http://www.senate.uconn.edu/

The University Senate By-Laws, Rules, and Regulations are available for download as a PDF.

Driving and Motor Vehicle Policies

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Title: Fleet Services Manual
Policy Owner: Transportation Services
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Students, Others
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: October 9, 2017
For More Information, Contact Transportation Services
Contact Information: (860) 486-6685
Official Website: http://transpo.uconn.edu/

Purpose

The University of Connecticut (UConn) Fleet Services relies on the operation of UConn-owned motor vehicles to conduct official business.  UConn Fleet Services is committed to minimizing transportation costs, reducing risk, safeguarding personnel, protecting and maintaining property, and clarifying acceptable use This policy manual was developed to support these commitments.

The full Fleet Services Manual is available via PDF.

Animal Use in Research, Teaching and Testing

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Title: Animal Use in Research, Teaching and Testing
Policy Owner: Vice President for Research
Applies to: Employees, Faculty, Students, Others
Campus Applicability: All Campuses
Effective Date: May 25, 2018
For More Information, Contact Vice President for Research
Contact Information: (860) 486-3001
Official Website: https://ovpr.uconn.edu/services/rics/animal/

REASON FOR POLICY

The University of Connecticut regards the use of animals in research, teaching, and testing to be an integral component of continued progress in science, education, and agriculture. The University expects all of its animal facilities and programs to maintain high ethical standards for animal care and use, and to be operated in accordance with applicable legal requirements. This policy outlines the principles that govern the humane conduct of animal-based activities, ensures legal compliance and establishes roles and responsibilities of those individuals who are involved in the care and use of animals in research, teaching and testing.

APPLIES TO

All University faculty, employees, students, postdoctoral fellows, residents and other trainees, agents and visitors involved in the care and use of animals for research, teaching or testing at the University.

DEFINITIONS

Animal: Any live vertebrate animal, or any other animal designated by applicable law, used or intended for use in basic or applied scientific investigations (e.g., traditional biomedical, agricultural, wildlife, or aquatic research), testing, the production of biological materials, or educational activities.

Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP): The animal care and use program refers to all the components that exist in support of the University’s activities involving animals. These components include facilities, employees, researchers, policies and procedures, equipment and animals.

Attending Veterinarian (AV): The attending veterinarian is the individual with primary authority to execute the duties inherent in assuring the adequacy of veterinary care and overseeing other aspects of animal care and use, including quarantine, stabilization, clinical care and management, husbandry  and disease surveillance.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC): The IACUC is appointed by the President of the University or his or her designee, and derives its authority from the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Animal Welfare Act and the Health Research Extension Act. The IACUC is qualified through the experience and expertise of its members to oversee the University’s animal program, facilities, and procedures in accordance with the applicable legal requirements.

Institutional Official (IO): The President of the University appoints the institutional official. The IACUC reports to the IO, who has the administrative and operational authority to commit institutional resources to ensure compliance with legal requirements which govern the University’s ACUP.

POLICY STATEMENT

    1. The IO is delegated the authority to develop policies and procedures, and to implement a program for care and use of animals in research, teaching and testing that is compliant with applicable legal requirements.
    2. The IACUC shall have the responsibility to review and the authority to approve, require modifications to secure approval, or withhold approval of, all research involving animal subjects conducted by the University or anyone using University facilities, in accordance with policies and procedures established for this purpose.
    3. The IACUC, or its staff acting on behalf of the IACUC, has the authority to inspect research facilities and obtain records and other relevant information relating to projects it has approved. The IACUC may suspend or terminate approval of projects it has approved and take actions that it deems necessary to ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements and University policies or which have been associated with unexpected serious harm to subjects.
    4. No individual or University committee may approve a project involving the use of animals for research, teaching or testing that has not been reviewed and approved by the IACUC.
    5. IACUC approval must be received before the use of animals for research, teaching or testing can commence.
    6. The AV has the authority to ensure the provision of adequate veterinary care. This includes the authority to implement animal treatment or euthanasia of research animals. While all efforts shall be made to contact the responsible research staff member prior to any action, it may be necessary to act prior to contact.
    7. The transportation, care and use of animals should be in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act and other applicable legal requirements.
    8. Procedures involving animals should be designed and administered with consideration of their relevance to human or animal health, the advancement of knowledge, and the good to society.
    9. The animals selected for a procedure should be of an appropriate species and quality and the minimum number required to obtain valid results. Methods such as mathematical models, computer simulation and in vitro biological systems should be should be considered.
    10. Proper use of animals, including the avoidance or minimization of discomfort, distress and pain, when consistent with sound scientific practices, is imperative. Unless it can be established otherwise, investigators should consider that procedures that cause pain or distress in human beings may cause pain or distress in other animals.
    11. Procedures with animals that may cause more than momentary or slight pain or distress should be performed with appropriate sedation, analgesia or anesthesia, unless the IACUC has approved a scientifically justified exception.
    12. Humane endpoints should be established.
    13. The living conditions of animals should be appropriate for their species and contribute to their health and comfort. The housing, feeding and care of animals used for biomedical or agricultural purposes must be directed by a veterinarian or other scientist, trained and experienced in the proper care, handling and use of the species being maintained or studied.
    14. Investigators and other personnel will be appropriately qualified and experienced for conducting procedures on animals. Adequate arrangements will be made for their in-service training, including proper and humane care and use of laboratory animals.
    15. IACUC approval of exceptions to any standard protocols requires compelling scientific justification and should not be made solely for the purposes of convenience, teaching or demonstration.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, the University of Connecticut Student Code, and other relevant University Policies.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Animal Welfare Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. §§2131 et seq.)

Animal Welfare Standards (9 CFR parts 1, 2 and 3)

Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (HHS & NIH)

United States Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training

Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (National Research Council)

POLICY HISTORY

Revisions: 05/25/2018 (Approved by President’s Cabinet); 12/17/2014 (Approved by IACUC)

Reviewed: 02/16/2011

Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity, Policy Statement:

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Title: Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity, Policy Statement:
Policy Owner: President and Office of Institutional Equity
Applies to: Faculty, Staff
Campus Applicability: All University departments at all campuses except UConn Health
Effective Date: October 3, 2022
For More Information, Contact Office of Institutional Equity
Contact Information: (860) 486-2943
Official Website: http://www.equity.uconn.edu/

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Connecticut is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. In order to ensure that employees and job applicants are not subjected to unlawful discrimination, it is the University’s policy to comply with all State and Federal laws and regulations that prohibit employment discrimination and mandate specific actions for the purpose of eliminating the present effects of past discrimination. Equal employment opportunity is the purpose and goal of affirmative action. The University has established equal employment opportunity and affirmative action as immediate and necessary objectives because we are committed to its concepts, principles and goals.

At the University equal employment opportunity (EEO) means nondiscrimination in employment policies and practices.  The University is committed to ensuring that individual employees and applicants are not excluded from participation in the employment process based on an individual’s legally protected status which includes  race, color, ethnicity, religious creed, age, sex (including pregnancy and sexual harassment), marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities (including learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, past/present history of a mental disorder), prior conviction of a crime (or similar characteristic), veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, workplace hazards to reproductive systems, gender identity or expression, or other factors which cannot lawfully be the basis for employment actions, unless there is a bona fide occupational qualification.

Affirmative action is a positive program of purposeful activity undertaken with conviction and effort to overcome the present effects of past practices, policies and barriers to equal employment opportunity. Affirmative action plans and programs are designed to achieve the full and fair participation of all protected class members found to be underutilized in the workforce or adversely affected by past policies and practices.

Affirmative Action

Affirmative action plays a role at all stages of the employment process, including, but not limited to:  recruitment, evaluation, interview, selection, hire, promotion, demotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, termination, benefits, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in all University sponsored employee activities.  Provisions in applicable laws providing for bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity or age limitations will be adhered to by the University where appropriate. Accordingly, the University pledges to regularly reexamine all policies and procedures to identify and eliminate barriers to access, and to change practices that may have a discriminatory impact.

The University’s commitment to affirmative action requires that we make the good faith efforts that may be necessary in all aspects of personnel administration to ensure that the recruitment and hire of underrepresented individuals reflect their availability in the job market; that the causes of underutilization are identified and eliminated; that alternative approaches are explored when personnel practices have a negative impact on protected classes; and that the terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including upward and lateral mobility, are equitably administered.

The University recognizes the employment difficulties experienced by individuals with disabilities and by many older persons.  Therefore, the University will take necessary steps to identify and overcome areas of underutilization of such persons in the workforce and to achieve their full participation in all University programs, processes and services.

The University is committed to ensuring that all services and programs are provided in a fair and impartial manner and thus has established affirmative action and equal employment opportunity as immediate and necessary agency objectives.

As a Connecticut state agency, the University prepares its Affirmative Action Plan each year.  The Plan is a detailed, results-oriented set of procedures, which blueprints a strategy to combat discrimination and implement affirmative action. The objectives of the Plan are to set both quantitative and non-quantitative goals, which promote affirmative action and/or eliminate any policy or employment practice that adversely affects protected class members.

A complete version of the University’s current Affirmative Action Plan is available at the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) and may also be found online on the OIE website.

Procedure

For more information and advice regarding rights and responsibilities under the Plan, the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Officer can be contacted by telephone, email or in person during regular office hours.  All comments are welcome.

Sarah Chipman
Director of Civil Rights Compliance
ADA, Title VI, and Title IX Coordinator
Wood Hall, Unit 4175
241 Glenbrook Road
Storrs, Connecticut 06269-4175
Sarah.Chipman@uconn.edu
860-486-2943

The University’s policies against discrimination and harassment are included in the Plan along with the complaint procedures.  Employees and others wishing to file complaints of discrimination or of affirmative action policy violations may do so by contacting the Office of Institutional Equity by telephone, email or in person during regular office hours:

Office of Institutional Equity
Wood Hall, First Floor
241 Glenbrook Road
Storrs, Connecticut 06279
860-486-2943
equity@uconn.edu
www.equity.uconn.edu

Employees and others shall not be subjected to harassment, intimidation or any type of retaliation because they have (1) filed a complaint; (2) assisted or participated in an investigation, compliance review, hearing or any other activity related to the administration of any federal, state or local law requiring equal employment opportunity; (3) opposed any act or practice made unlawful by any federal, state or local law requiring equal opportunity; (4) exercised any other legal right protected by federal, state or local law requiring equal opportunity.

Accountability

As President, I commit the University and myself to make every effort to implement an effective Affirmative Action Plan within timetables set forth in the Plan.  I fully expect my managerial and supervisory staff to treat compliance with Federal and State of Connecticut affirmative action statutes as a top priority and take positive steps to ensure the successful implementation of the policies, procedures and objectives of affirmative action and equal opportunity at the University.

In issuing the University’s affirmative action policy, I reiterate the need for affirmative action and attest to the University’s determination to identify strengths and weaknesses in our employment system, resolve problems when they appear, recruit employees vigorously and affirmatively, and retain current employees while also helping them prepare for advancement.

Radenka Maric

President