The University of Georgia is committed to the prevention of workplace violence and the maintenance of a respectful working environment. A safe and secure environment is a fundamental prerequisite for fulfilling the University mission of teaching, research and public service. The University reaffirms the basic right of employees to a safe and humane working environment. Every employee will be treated at all times with dignity, respect and fairness. PROHIBITED CONDUCT The University will not tolerate any type of workplace violence committed by or against employees. Workplace violence is defined as any physical assault, threatening behavior or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting. It includes but is not limited to beatings, stabbings, shootings, sexual assaults, psychological traumas such as threats, obscene phone calls, an intimidating presence, and harassment of any nature such as stalking, swearing or shouting. REPORTING PROCEDURES Employees are responsible for notifying the appropriate supervisor or the Human Resources Division of any threats which they have witnessed, received, or have been told that another person has witnessed or received. Employees should also report any behavior they have witnessed which they regard as threatening or violent when that behavior is/or might be carried out on University property or in connection with University employment. Reports or incidents warranting confidentiality will be handled appropriately and information will be disclosed to others only on a need-to-know basis. VIOLATIONS To make deliberate false accusations of workplace violence violates this policy. In such instances, the complainant will be subject to disciplinary action. However, failure to prove a claim of workplace violence does not constitute proof of a false and/or malicious accusation. Employees who, in good faith, report what they believe to be workplace violence or who cooperate in any investigation will not be subjected to retaliation. Any employee who believes he/she has been the victim of retaliation for reporting workplace violence or cooperating in an investigation should immediately contact the Human Resources Division. ENFORCEMENT Threats, threatening conduct, or any other acts of aggression or violence in the workplace will not be tolerated. Violations of the workplace violence policy will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University. Non-employees engaged in violent acts on University property will be reported to the proper civil authorities and fully prosecuted.