University Policies, George Mason University

Administrative Policies

University Policy Number 2208

Subject: Workplace Violence

Responsible Parties: All University Departments, Activities, and Contracted Services

Procedures: Not Applicable

Related University Policies:
Sexual Assault Policy, Stalking Policy, Sexual Harassment and Grievance Policy; Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM):
Policy 1.60 Standards of Conduct, Policy 1.80 Workplace Violence, Policy 2.30 Workplace Harassment

Related Resources:

I. SCOPE

The policies provided herein apply to all University faculty, staff, students, visitors, and contractors.

II. POLICY STATEMENT

George Mason University endeavors to provide faculty, staff, students, and visitors a safe place in which to work, study and live. As such, George Mason University takes a zero-tolerance approach to workplace violence. This policy is designed to reduce the likelihood of workplace violence. The policy also provides information for all employees to use and identify the potential for violence, methods for prevention and intervention, and present a plan for post incident recovery. Any member of the university community who commits a violent act or threatens to commit a violent act towards other persons or property on campus or at campus sponsored events shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from employment or expulsion from the university, exclusive of any civil and/or criminal penalties that may be pursued.

Violence in the workplace can have many sources. It may be a current or former disgruntled employee or student. It may be an angry customer, spouse, or relative of an employee or student. It may also be someone without any relationship at all to the victim. The violence may result from the discipline or firing of an employee, abuse of drugs, abuse of alcohol, harassment by co-workers, mental illness, or stress. The violence also could be a random act such as robbery, terrorism, hate crimes against the University, rebellion against authority in general, or to gain public attention.

III. DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this policy, violence and threats of violence are defined as:

Any direct or indirect threat, behavior or action which suggests personal violation or endangers a person’s safety, including but not limited to sexual assault, stalking, and verbal and non-verbal threats or intimidation or harassment of any nature, in person, through electronic media, or by phone; or
Behavior likely to result in an act of aggression such as a display of escalating anger; or
Any act that is a physical assault including, but not limited to, beating, stabbing, shoving, kicking, throwing of objects, shooting, or rape; or
Acts that destroy or damage property.

IV. IMPLEMENTATION

Every administrator, faculty member, staff member and student must act to maintain a violence-free workplace, to take any threat or violent act seriously, and to report acts of violence or threats to the appropriate authorities as set forth in this policy.
In case of a violent incident, contact the University Police by dialing 911 from any campus phone. Only the University Police or other law enforcement agencies should attempt to apprehend the offender. All other persons should remain calm and cooperative.
The Associate Vice President for Human Resources will oversee the Workplace Violence Assessment and Support Group and coordinate any preventive measures.
The Chief of Police will coordinate all University actions in case of a violent incident in the workplace.
Appropriate members of the Workplace Violence Assessment and Support Group will coordinate actions in response to expressed concerns of potentially violent situations.
Instructional faculty and supervisors should ensure that persons under their charge are protected from violent confrontations. This includes reporting indications of possible hostile behavior, ensuring that the facilities are as safe as feasible, and protecting students and employees. See "Attachments A through C" for specific guidance.

V. WORKPLACE VIOLENCE ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT GROUP

A Workplace Violence Assessment and Support Group will assist faculty, staff and supervisors in handling potentially violent incidents. Information regarding potentially violent situations involving students should be directed to the Dean of Students. Information regarding potentially violent situations involving faculty or staff should be directed to the Director of Employee Relations or the Chief Human Resources Officer. The group will then assess the situation and recommend appropriate action. All reasonably feasible efforts will be made to protect the safety of anyone who comes forward with concerns about a threat or act of violence. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent allowed by the law.

Individuals from the following offices will comprise the Workplace Violence Assessment and Support Group:

- IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: Dial 911
- Counseling and Psychological Services: 993-2380
- Human Resources Office: 993-2600
- Office of the Provost: 993-8767
- University Life (Dean of Students): 993-2884
- University Police: 993-2816
- Environmental Health and Safety Office: 993-8448

VI. AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS

The Senior Vice President and the Provost will review all amendments and additions to this Administrative Policy.

VII. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPROVAL

This policy is effective July 1, 2003 and was revised August 1, 2007. This policy shall be reviewed and revised, if necessary, annually to become effective at the beginning of the University's fiscal year, unless otherwise noted.

Approved:

_______________________
Maurice W. Scherrens
Senior Vice President

________________________
Peter N. Stearns
Provost

Date approved: July 28, 2003

Revision Date: September 18, 2007