| Title: | Non-Retaliation Policy |
|---|---|
| Policy Owner: | Office of the President |
| Applies to: | University Workforce Members, Students, Affiliated Persons |
| Campus Applicability: | All UConn Campuses |
| Approval Date: | November 19, 2025 |
| Effective Date: | November 19, 2025 |
| For More Information, Contact | Office of University Compliance |
| Contact Information: | universitycompliance@uconn.edu |
| Official Website: | https://compliance.uconn.edu |
PURPOSE
To demonstrate the University of Connecticut’s responsibility and commitment to protecting individuals within the University Community from Retaliation. The University encourages community members to report suspected violations of University policy or applicable laws and reporters must be able to do so without the fear of Retaliation.
POLICY STATEMENT
The University strictly prohibits any form of Retaliation against individuals who engage in a Protected Activity as defined within this policy.
This policy does not extend protection to those who knowingly submit a Bad Faith Report.
DEFINITIONS
Retaliation: Any materially Adverse Action taken or threatened against an individual because of their actual or suspected participation in a Protected Activity or any action taken to discourage or prevent an individual from engaging in a Protected Activity.
Adverse Action: Any harmful or punitive measure intended to negatively impact an individual’s employment or academic standing, or an individual’s participation in University activities. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
- termination, demotion, or interference with or denial of promotion or advancement opportunities (whether employment or academic);
- reduction in grades or academic standing;
- denial or removal of co-authorship on a publication;
- poor performance evaluation or disciplinary action without substantiation;
- exclusion from University programs or activities;
- decisions related to the terms and conditions of employment or education that create a material disadvantage;
- physical threats or destruction of personal or University property;
- any form of harassment, intimidation, or discrimination including humiliation, derogatory or insulting remarks, or social isolation, whether direct or indirect.
Good Faith Report: A report made with an honest and reasonable belief that a violation of University policy or applicable law may have occurred, regardless of whether it is ultimately substantiated.
Bad Faith Report: A report made that is knowingly false or that is made with malicious intent.
Protected Activity: A report made in good faith whether internally or externally; inquiring about suspected violation of policy or applicable law; opposing or refusing to engage in actual or perceived violations of policy or applicable law; assisting others in making a good faith report; and/or participating in an investigation, review, or proceeding related to such reports.
REPORTING PROCESS
If an individual believes they have been subjected to Retaliation, they should contact the office to which their 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: 1-888-685-2637 or compliance.uconn.edu/reporting-concerns/ Website: compliance.uconn.edu |
The Office of University Compliance Administrative Services Building 263 Farmington Avenue Farmington, CT 06030-5329 Telephone: (860) 486-2530 Reportline: 1-888-685-2637 or compliance.uconn.edu/reporting-concerns/ Website: compliance.uconn.edu |
| The Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights (OICR) 241 Glenbrook Road Wood Hall, Unit 4175 Storrs, CT 06269-4175 Telephone: (860) 486-2943 Email: equity@uconn.edu OICR’s Discrimination Complaint Procedures: equity.uconn.edu/policiesprocedures/ |
The Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights (OICR) Munson Building 263 Farmington Avenue Farmington, CT 06030-5130 Telephone: (860) 679-3563 Email: equity@uconn.edu OICR’s Discrimination Complaint Procedures: equity.uconn.edu/policiesprocedures/ |
| Labor Relations 9 Walters Avenue, Unit 5075 Storrs, CT 06269-5075 Telephone: (860) 486-5684 Website: hr.uconn.edu/employee-relations/ |
Labor Relations Munson Building 263 Farmington Avenue Farmington, CT 06030-4035 Telephone: 860-679-8067 Website: health.uconn.edu/human-resources/services/employee-labor-relations/ |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
In addition to the resources above, the following offices may be helpful to University workforce members and students who believe they are experiencing retaliation.
Employee Assistance Program
Website: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-assistance-program/
University Ombuds
Website: https://ombuds.uconn.edu/
Dean of Students Office
Website: https://dos.uconn.edu/
UConn Cultural Centers
Website: https://provost.uconn.edu/cultural-centers-programs/
ENFORCEMENT
Violations of this policy or related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees and/or Rules of Conduct, applicable collective bargaining agreements, the University of Connecticut Student Code, or resident/fellow codes of conduct.
POLICY HISTORY
Policy Created: 9/22/2009
Policy Revised:
10/22/2012 (No substantive revisions)
05/03/2021 (Approved by President’s Cabinet)
11/19/2025 (Approved by the Senior Policy Council and President)