The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Policy # [####]
Workplace Violence Prevention Policy (GEN 1.2.(8).)

Original Issuance Date: MMMM DD, YYYY
Last Revision Date: MMMM DD, YYYY
Next Review Date: MMMM DD, YYYY

1. PURPOSE

2. RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

3. SCOPE

4. BACKGROUND

5. DEFINITIONS

6. POLICY STATEMENT

GEN 1.2.(8). Workplace Violence Prevention Policy.

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is committed to providing a safe environment that is free from fear of violence, acts of intimidation or threats, and violent behavior. The University’s goal is to provide an atmosphere where different viewpoints can be heard, challenged and defended. To this end it becomes the obligation of those associated with the University to share in the responsibility of maintaining a sense of mutual respect and civility. This statement is the product of a cooperative effort involving administrators, faculty, staff, and students.

(1) Policy Statement.

The University will not tolerate violence, threats of violence, harassment and inappropriate behavior intended to intimidate or frighten others in the workplace. The purpose of this policy is to deal with workplace violence proactively, through education, mediation, and consultation before it escalates to the formal level of disciplinary action. Violation of this policy will be addressed by applicable policies and procedures, contracts, and statutes.

(2) Definition and Examples.

Workplace violence is any act, behavior, or communication that is abusive and could cause another person physical, emotional, or psychological harm, or which damages or threatens to damage personal or University property, or which disrupts the work, or sense of safety of any employee on campus.

Some examples of threatening behavior include, but are not restricted to, the following:

a. brandishing a weapon or an object that can be construed to be a weapon;
b. shoving, slapping, punching, or any physical assault of a person;
c. threats of physical harm to a person or the person’s family;
d. threatening phone calls or electronic messages;
e. domestic conflicts that extend into the workplace;
f. striking or throwing objects;
g. touching someone in an unwelcome manner;
h. stalking or aggravated behavior that may result in violence;
i. sabotaging equipment or intentionally damaging property;
j. suggestive or obscene language and gestures;
k. comments that a reasonable person can interpret as ethnic, religious, or sexual slurs.

7. REFERENCES

8. PROCEDURES

9. REVISION HISTORY