Carnegie Mellon University

Workplace Threats and Violence

POLICY TITLE: Policy on Workplace Threats and Violence
DATE OF ISSUANCE: This Policy was approved by the President's Council on June 23, 2000.

ACCOUNTABLE DEPARTMENT/UNIT:

Vice President for Operations. Questions on Policy content should be directed to University Police at 412-268-6232.

ABSTRACT:

Threats or acts of violence will not be tolerated on property owned or controlled by the university.

RELATED POLICY:

Policy on Deadly Weapons


Statement

Carnegie Mellon University is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Threats or acts of violence against anyone on property owned or controlled by the university will not be tolerated. Such behavior may result in criminal arrest and prosecution and/or disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, against the perpetrators whether they are students, faculty or staff.

Dealing With Threats and Violence

Individuals should notify University Police, 412-268-2323, of any threats or violent behavior that have occurred, particularly threats or behavior they have witnessed or been subject to. Such behavior should be reported regardless of the personal or professional relationship between the apparent perpetrator and victim.

Any person who makes threats or engages in violent behavior while on property owned or controlled by the university may be removed from the premises as quickly as safety permits. They may be required to remain off university premises pending the outcome of an investigation. Any university student, faculty or staff member who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with university policies and procedures applicable to students, faculty and staff.

It is recognized that there may be activities related to the educational mission of the university (e.g., physical fitness activities or theatrical productions) that may appear to violate the letter but not the intent of this Policy. In such cases, the department or organization coordinating the activity is responsible for obtaining written approval from the Chief of Police or his designee, in advance, to conduct the activity. Such approval may extend for up to one year at a time.

Internal Sanctions

Appropriate internal sanctions may be imposed for violation of this policy. The sanctions will depend on the circumstances and gravity of the violation, and may range from reprimand to dismissal, expulsion or termination. The decision to impose sanctions and procedures for imposing them shall conform as follows:

  • In the case of regular, research or special faculty or lecturer-track appointees, to the provisions of the section on Dismissal for Cause and Other Sanctions of the Carnegie Mellon Appointment and Tenure Policy (except that action regarding such a person's administrative appointments is at the discretion of the president).
  • In the case of undergraduate, graduate or special students, to the provisions of the section on Community Standards in the Student Handbook.
  • In the case of staff, to the provisions of the section on Staff Relations in the Staff Handbook [pdf], unless superseded by the provisions of an applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Protection From Abuse/Restraining Orders

All individuals who apply for or obtain a temporary or permanent Protection From Abuse Order or Restraining Order listing any Carnegie Mellon University location as a protected area must provide University Police with a copy of the order. The University Police Department understands the sensitivity of this information and respects the privacy of the reporting person. Procedures are in place to maintain the confidentiality of the information.

Other Campus Resources

The following additional contacts are available to members of the campus community who have questions or concerns about threats or violent behavior on university premises. These contacts can provide information about established guidelines and procedures for dealing with and preventing threats and violent behavior. In the exercise of their function, these contacts will maintain the greatest degree of confidentiality consistent with their responsibilities as university representatives.

  • Director, Human Resource Services: 412-268-5081
  • Vice President and Dean, Office of Student Affairs: 412-268-2075
  • Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer: 412-268-3785
  • Director, Counseling and Psychological Services: 412-268-2922