University of Nebraska Kearney

Workplace Violence Policy
Date: 6/04/07Supercedes: 05/10/04 

PurposeUniversity of Nebraska at Kearney is committed to maintaining an environment that is as free as possible from acts or threats of violence or intimidation. The safety and security of the University staff, faculty, students and visitors are of vital importance.

PolicyViolent or threatening behavior directed at staff, faculty, students, visitors, oneself or property will not be tolerated at the University of Nebraska Kearney. This policy applies to any acts of violence or threats made on property controlled by the University of Nebraska Kearney, in University vehicles, and at events sponsored by the University or under other circumstances that may negatively affect the University’s ability to conduct business. Included in this prohibition are such acts or threats of violence whether made directly or indirectly, by words, gestures or symbols that infringe on the University’s right or obligation to provide a safe workplace for its employees, students and visitors.

Prohibited BehaviorsUniversity of Nebraska at Kearney defines violence as follows and prohibits:

a.       The use of physical force with the intent to cause harm;

b.       Acts or threats in any manner or form, which are intended to intimidate, coerce, or cause fear or harm;

c.       Acts or threats  of violence made directly or indirectly by words, gestures or symbols;

d.       Property crimes that would reasonably be anticipated to have the effect of intimidating or causing harm.

e.       Property crimes intended to destroy property whether it is state or individually owned.

Possession of firearms, explosives, destructive devices, dangerous chemicals, fireworks or any other thing defined by Nebraska state statute as a deadly weapon is prohibited on property controlled by the University of Nebraska Kearney, in University vehicles and at events sponsored by the University. This prohibition applies to all members of the general public, students, and University employees, except University employees who are specifically so authorized as part of their job responsibilities and authorized law enforcement personnel performing official duties. Any exceptions to this policy including for academic or theatrical purposes may only be authorized by the Vice Chancellor of Business and Finance or his/ her designee.  Possessing and or carrying legally approved pocketknives on the campus are approved unless such knife is used in one of the actions described above.

University Property:For the purpose of this policy, the term “property controlled by the University of Nebraska” shall mean and include all property owned by the University, all property leased by or licensed to the University, and all fraternity houses, sorority houses,  or other student housing facilities recognized by the University. Further the workplace will include locations to which an employee is assigned in the performance of his or her duties, e.g., an athletic venue at another institution; and extensions of the physical workplace in the case of incidents that begin on campus and proceed off-premises, e.g.; stalking

SanctionsViolations of this policy by any employee or student will result in appropriate sanctions this can include Students being expelled, employees terminate and/or criminal prosecution for both. Violations by groups of individuals who are neither employees nor students will result in restriction from University property and/or criminal prosecution.

PROCEDURES 

Preventive MeasuresWork place violence training shall be offered through the Department of Public Safety.

Pre- and post-Employment ScreeningEmployment reference checks of prospective employees are conducted as part of the search process.  The University reserves the right to investigate employment, educational, criminal and/or other records to verify the information provided by applicants.  As a condition of employment, background checks in addition to reference checks are conducted on all candidates for positions with Public Safety, child care and for positions that have security access to residence halls.  In certain circumstances and with cause, background checks will be conducted on any employee thought to pose a threat of violence.

Incident and Pre-Incident ProceduresAny member of the university community observing behavior that is in violation of the work place violence policy, or that could reasonably be interpreted as a precursor to an act of violence, or intimidation, shall make an immediate report to Public Safety. In case of imminent danger, Public Safety will intervene. When time and circumstances permit, the supervisor of the employee-victim and/or employee-perpetrator, the Director of Human Resources and the Director of Public Safety will make a threat assessment and report to the Vice Chancellor of Business and Finance.

Action in response to Violence, Abusive or Threatening BehaviorDuring or immediately after any incident, the Public Safety Department will be called to establish order and control of the area.

The Emergency Operation Team shall insure that proper attention is given to medical, law enforcement, counseling, employment and public relations issues. If a student is involved, the post-incident team shall include a senior representative of the Dean of Students Office.

The Director of Public Safety will prepare a workplace violence report on or about July 1 of each year. The report will enumerate the number of workplace violence in the previous year and make recommendations as appropriate.

Procedures for Faculty/Staff 

1. In a classroom environment the instructor of the class is responsible to monitor the behavior of students and provide them guidance if their behavior is not appropriate.  At that time the instructor should make a memo outlining the situation for future reference.
    
2. If a students behavior is sufficiently disruptive to cause problems in the classroom but not in the instructor’s judgment sufficient to involve Public Safety the instructor may wish to make a written report to the Dean of Students.  
3. The Dean of Students may then initiate an investigation as provided for in the Student Handbook.
    
4. The instructor may also wish to seek the assistance of the Department Chair or Dean for further guidance. 
    
5. In any case the disruptive actions of the subject student must be documented accurately and completely.