Violence in the Workplace

The University of committed to preventing workplace violence and to maintaining a safe work environment. All employees, customers, vendors, students, and business associates must be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. Employees are expected to refrain from conduct that may be dangerous to others. 

Conduct that threatens, intimidates, or coerces another employee, customer, vendor, student, or business associate will not be tolerated. Greenville University resources may not be used to threaten, stalk, or harass anyone at the workplace or outside the workplace. Greenville University treats threats coming from an abusive personal relationship as it does other forms of violence.

Indirect or direct threats of violence, incidents of actual violence and suspicious individuals or activities should be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor, security personnel, Human Resources, or any Vice President. When reporting a threat or incident of violence, the employee should be as specific and detailed as possible. Employees should not place themselves in peril, nor should they attempt to intercede during an incident

Employees should promptly inform the Human Resource Department of any protective or restraining order that they have obtained that lists the workplace as a protected area. Employees are encouraged to report safety concerns with regard to intimate partner violence. Greenville University will not retaliate against employees making good faith reports. Greenville University is committed to supporting victims of intimate partner violence by providing referrals to Greenville University’s employee assistance program (EAP) and community resources and providing time off for reasons related to intimate partner violence.  

Greenville University will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of threats of violence or incidents of actual violence and of suspicious individuals or activities. The identity of the individual making a report will be protected as much as possible. Greenville University will not retaliate against employees making good faith reports of violence, threats, or suspicious individuals or activities. In order to maintain workplace safety and the integrity of its investigation, Greenville University may suspend employees suspected of workplace violence or threats of violence, either with or without pay, pending investigation. 

Anyone found to be responsible for threats of or actual violence or other conduct that is in violation of these guidelines will be subject to prompt disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. 

Greenville University encourages employees to bring their disputes to the attention of their supervisor or Human Resources before the situation escalates. Greenville University will not discipline employees for raising such concerns.