Workplace Violence Prevention

Learn about workplace violence and how you can prevent it. Together, we can create a secure and supportive campus environment.

Introduction

UC San Diego strives to maintain a safe workplace, free from threats and acts of intimidation and violence. The Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) at UC San Diego enforces appropriate remedial action to protect the welfare of its employees and students:

• Any threat or violent act is unacceptable and in violation of University policy. Individuals who engage in this kind of misconduct may be subject to disciplinary/corrective action, up to and including dismissal, consistent with University Personnel Policies and collective bargaining agreements. Employees should also know that certain threats or acts of violence may violate the law and could result in criminal prosecution by the public authorities. 
• Any UC San Diego employee who is the subject of, or a witness to, a suspected violation of this policy is strongly urged to report the violation or incident to the next-in-line supervisor who is not a party to the violation or incident.
• Any supervisor, manager or administrator who receives a report of intimidation, threats, or acts of violence must take appropriate action to investigate and, when appropriate, correct the problem. This will include consultation with Human Resources, which may review and further investigate the suspected violation and consult with the WVPP team as appropriate.
• Any UC San Diego employee truthfully reporting any perceived intimidation, threats, or acts of violence will NOT face retaliation in their employment. 

What Is Workplace Violence?

Workplace violence includes any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. It can affect and involve employees, clients, customers, and visitors.

Policies and Procedures

UC San Diego has established policies and procedures to address and prevent workplace violence. Key policies include:

• The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, support victims of violence, and publicly outline the policies and procedures they have put into place to improve campus safety. Visit the UC San Diego annual campus security and fire safety report to learn more.
• A Campus Security Authority is an individual at the colleges who has an obligation to notify responsible individuals of alleged Clery Act crimes for purposes of reporting. Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) include:
  • Police Department employees;
  • Security personnel outside of the Police Department;
  • and Campus officials with significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student housing and student conduct.
  • CSAs are determined by their job function, not job title.
  • CSAs may be students, faculty, staff or volunteers.
  • CSAs usually have relationships of trust, such that they are more likely to receive reports from students who were a crime victim/witness, Associate Dean and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs
    • Residential Life Staff
    • Campus Police
    • Athletic and Recreation Staff
    • Student Activities Coordinators
    • Office of Student Conduct Staff
    • Student Advisors
    • Faculty Advisors to registered campus/student organizations

Reporting Incidents

If you experience or witness any form of workplace violence, please report it immediately using the following methods:

• The University of California takes violations of federal and state laws, and of University policy, seriously. EthicsPoint provides a confidential means for reporting suspected misconduct. You may report your concerns online or by phone. With either method, you can choose to remain anonymous. 800-403-4744.

• The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD): OPHD is responsible for assessing and investigating reports of discrimination or harassment based on race, ancestry, national origin, disability, religion, age, and other categories protected by law and University policy brought against academic personnel. OPHD is also the Title IX Office at UC San Diego. To report an incident of sexual violence, visit their page to file a report.

• For Emergency events, dial UC San Diego Police at 911 or (858) 534-4357 UC San Diego Police Departmen; for Non-Emergency events complete the Online Incident Report Form.

All reports are taken seriously and will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

Training and Related Resources

The Workplace Violence Prevention (campus) training provides an overview of how to prevent violence in the workplace on campus or general industry. Topics include: Recognition, prevention, response, and resources. This course covers California Labor Code 6401.9 and the University of California (UC) policy.

In addition, there are other various training programs and resources to help prevent workplace violence:

• Supervisor Resources: HR compiled materials and information.
• Incident Preparedness - Active Shooter Training: Prepare to respond to an active shooter situation. Visit UC Learning for more details.
• In addition, the UC San Diego Workplace Violence Employee Handbook (PDF), several brochures and handbooks, as well as safety tips are all available for faculty, staff, and students.
• Reaffirmation of UC San Diego's Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Policy
• For inspectors, complete the Inspect form using the RSS application for Workplace Investigations.

Support Services

Our university provides support services for those affected by workplace violence, including:

• Counseling: Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP): Confidential counseling and support services.
• CARE at the Sexual Assault Resource Center: UC San Diego confidential advocacy and education office for sexual violence and gender-based violence (dating violence, domestic violence, stalking). 
• Request a Safety Escort: Call (858) 534-9255, or extension 4-WALK from a campus phone, year-round between sunset and sunrise, to request that a student Community Service Official escort you to your campus destination. After 1 a.m., University Safety Officials may provide this service.
• CAPS provides counseling, workshops, and community forums for UC San Diego students: They also provide outreach programs and consultation services to the campus community. CAPS provides confidential counseling and psychiatry services for registered UC San Diego students. Call CAPS at 858-534-3755 to make an appointment or to discuss urgent concerns. For after-hours Urgent/Crisis counseling, call 858-534-3755 (Option 2). For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.