10.1 GENERAL.
(Amended 3/07)

a. IN AN EMERGENCY: If a member of the University community believes that he or she, or someone else, is in immediate physical danger, he or she should call 911 or contact the Department of Public Safety, 335-5022.

b. In other situations: Appropriate University officials are available to coordinate a response to concerns of violence or verbal threats, whether current or potential, as indicated below.

(1) For student concerns, assistance is available through:
(a) the Office of the Vice President for Student Services, 249 Iowa Memorial Union, 335-3557, or

(b) the Department of Public Safety, 100 Public Safety, 335-5022.

(2) For faculty and staff concerns, assistance is available through:
(a) Faculty and Staff Services, 121-50 University Services Building, 335-2085, or

(b) the Department of Public Safety, 100 Public Safety, 335-5022.

(3) For any complaint believed to be related to sexual harassment or discrimination, assistance is available through the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 202 Jessup Hall, 335-0705.
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The faculty, staff, and students of The University of Iowa make up a community whose common commitment is to learning. This commitment requires that the highest value be placed on the use of reason and that violence involving the University community be renounced as inimical to its goals. Violence, whether actual or threatened, destroys the mutual trust which must bind members of the community if they are to be successful in pursuing truth. The University therefore wishes to make clear that it considers acts and threats of violence to constitute serious violations of University policy, because they may undermine the University's status as a community of learning. Particularly heinous is volence which harms or demeans members of the community because of personal characteristics such as race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preference.
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10.3 DEFINITIONS.
(3/07)

Terms used in this policy:

a. "Academic or administrative officer" includes the following:
(1) Collegiate deans (including associate deans and assistant deans);

(2) Faculty members with administrative responsibilities at the level of departmental executive officer (DEO) or above;

(3) Any staff member whose primary job responsibility is to provide advice regarding a student's academic pursuits;

(4) A faculty member serving as departmental (or collegiate) director of undergraduate or graduate studies;

(5) The President, Special Assistant to the President for Equal Opportunity and Diversity, vice presidents (including assistant and associate vice presidents), and Executive Vice President and Provost (including assistant, associate, and vice provosts), and those persons' designees;

(6) Directors and supervisors in an employment context, other than Department of Public Safety personnel when receiving criminal complaints or reports; and

(7) Human resource representatives.

b. "Alleged victim": a person who allegedly has been harmed in violation of this policy.

c. "Complainant": the person who brings a complaint of violation of this policy, who could be an alleged victim, a third party, or an academic or administrative officer of the University.

d. "Graduate assistant": a graduate student employed by the University as a research assistant or teaching assistant.

e. "Human resources representative": the individual designated as departmental authority on human resource policies and procedures, and all central human resources staff.

f. "Member of the University community": any University student, faculty, or staff member.

g. "Protected interests": University employment, education, on-campus living, or participation in a University activity.

h. "Respondent": a person who has been accused of violence in a formal complaint.

i. "Specific and credible allegations": allegations that provide factual details such as, but not limited to, time, place, actions, participants, and witnesses. Allegations do not necessarily have to be based on first-hand observation of events to be "specific and credible," but direct observation normally results in greater specificity and credibility than indirect knowledge.

j. "Supervisor": a person who has authority to either: 1) undertake or recommend tangible employment decisions (those that significantly change an employee's employment status, such as, but not limited to, hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, reassigning, and compensation decisions) affecting an employee; or 2) direct the employee's daily work activities.

k. "Third-party complainant": a person who brings a complaint alleging that someone else has been harmed or demeaned in violation of this policy.

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10.4 SCOPE OF POLICY.
(Amended 3/07)

a. Acts by employees and students. This policy covers acts of University community members occurring in one or more of the following circumstances:
(1) on property owned or controlled by the University or by a student organization; or

(2) at any location and involving any University faculty, staff, or students, provided that:

(a) the incident occurs at a University-sponsored activity;

(b) the accused or the complainant was acting in an official capacity for the University during the incident;

(c) the accused or the complainant was conducting University business during the incident;

(d) the conduct has the purpose or reasonably foreseeable effect of unreasonably interfering with a UI student or UI staff or faculty member's protected interests; or

(e) the conduct demonstrates that the individual poses a reasonable threat to campus safety and security.

b. Acts by visitors to campus. The University will make reasonable efforts to prevent and address harassment of its faculty, staff, or students by persons conducting business with or visiting the University, even though such persons are not directly affiliated with the University.
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a. Any one of these acts, when committed under one of the circumstances described in II-10.4 above, will trigger University action, including interim sanctions as appropriate:
(1) physical assault or abuse;

(2) sexual assault or abuse;

(3) threats with a weapon (display of a weapon accompanied by statements or actions which cause justifiable fear or apprehension; see Regents Policy Manual 4.30B, which prohibits use or possession on the campus of dangerous weapons);

(4) verbal or other threats of physical or sexual assault;

(5) intentional damage or destruction of public or private property; or

(6) violent conduct prohibited by the Code of Iowa. A student, staff, or faculty member charged with criminal misconduct under the Iowa Criminal Code, including but not limited to the examples of such criminal conduct listed below, will be considered guilty of assaultive or threatening behavior and therefore subject to disciplinary sanctions upon conviction in criminal court:

(a) Chapter 707 (Homicide and Related Crimes);

(b) Chapter 708A (Terrorism, Threat of Terrorism, and Support of Terrorism);

(c) Chapter 708 (Assault and Harassment);

(d) Chapter 709 (Sexual Abuse);

(e) Chapter 711 (Robbery and Extortion);

(f) Those sections of Chapter 710 which deal with kidnapping and false imprisonment;

(g) Chapter 712 (Arson);

(h) Those acts under Chapter 713 (Burglary) when accompanied by an element of assault;

(i) Chapter 729.4 (Infringement of Civil Rights in employment);

(j) Chapter 729.5 (Infringement of Civil Rights by violence);

(k) Chapter 723 (Riot, Unlawful Assembly, Failure to Disperse, and Disorderly Conduct).

b. Concurrent criminal charges. For purposes of these procedures, a "conviction" includes a guilty plea, jury verdict, judicial decision, or deferred judgment. In the event a convicted student, staff, or faculty member files a criminal appeal, the University will consider the question of criminal guilt to be final only after the matters on appeal have been resolved, although appropriate University officials may impose interim sanctions pending the outcome of the appeal.

c. Non-criminal misconduct. University regulations and procedures are distinct from criminal statutes and procedures. Ordinarily, a less stringent standard of proof is required under administrative procedures. Regardless of whether criminal charges are filed, students, staff, and faculty members who commit assaultive or threatening behavior listed in paragraph a above will be subject to disciplinary sanctions when the misconduct was committed under one of the circumstances described in II-10.4. In those cases where criminal charges filed in connection with the same incident are dismissed in court, the outcome in the criminal proceeding is not dispositive of the question of whether this Policy on Violence was violated in all cases.

a. A complaint that this policy has been violated may be brought through informal or formal channels by any member of the University community, including a third party, or by the University itself. A complaint must state specific and credible allegations to warrant an investigation. There is no time limit for bringing a complaint; however, it may be difficult to substantiate the allegations made in a complaint brought after significant time has passed. Therefore, prompt reporting of complaints is strongly encouraged.

b. Substantial weight will be given to the wishes of the alleged victim when determining whether to investigate a complaint, but the University may investigate a complaint even without the alleged victim's consent if circumstances warrant (such as when there are multiple complaints against the same person or allegations are particularly egregious).

c. Persons who wish to consult with someone about a specific situation on a confidential basis or learn more about enforcement of this Policy on Violence may contact any of the following offices or organizations:

(1) Office of the Ombudsperson, C108 Seashore Hall (for faculty, staff, or students)
(2) Faculty and Staff Services, 121-50 University Services Building (for faculty or staff)
(3) University Counseling Service, 3223 Westlawn (for students)
(4) Student Health Service, 4189 Westlawn (for students)
(5) Women's Resource and Action Center (for faculty, staff, or students)
(6) Rape Victim Advocacy Program, 320 Linn Street Building (for faculty, staff, or students)

These offices are exempt from the reporting requirements set forth in II-10.7e below. Other offices may be required to report allegations as described in II-10.7e.

Representatives of these offices or other support persons may accompany an alleged victim during the investigation process if the alleged victim so desires.
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a. A complaint may be brought informally to any academic or administrative officer of the University (as defined in II-10.3a). If the complaint alleges violence based on a protected classification as defined by II-3 Human Rights (race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity), the complaint may be brought to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 202 Jessup Hall.

b. The academic or administrative officer will:

(1) counsel the complainant as to the options available under this policy and, at the complainant's request, will help the complainant resolve the complaint informally and/or refer the complainant to the appropriate office as described in II-10.8a below so that the complainant may bring a formal complaint; and

(2) take appropriate interim action, which may include those actions described in II-10.9 below, to address the alleged behavior and protect the health or safety of the alleged victim, complainant, and/or witnesses.

c. The following assistance is available to the academic or administrative officer:
(1) The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 202 Jessup Hall (335-0705), will assist in determining whether there is a potential policy violation related to a protected classification, and whether reporting pursuant to paragraph e below is required.

(2) For situations involving faculty and/or staff, the Behavior Risk Management team is available to assist with assessing situations, planning the actions needed, and carrying out those actions. This team may be accessed by contacting Faculty and Staff Services, 121-50 University Services Building (335-2085).

(3) For situations involving students, contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Services, 249 Iowa Memorial Union (335-3557).

d. When a complaint is brought informally, the person(s) charged in the complaint will not ordinarily be informed of the complaint without the consent of the alleged victim unless circumstances require (such as when there are multiple complaints against the same person or allegations are particularly egregious). No disciplinary action can be taken against a person charged in an informal complaint, and there will be no record of the complaint in the person's employment or student disciplinary file, unless the person is notified of the charges and given an opportunity to respond.

e. Any academic or administrative officer of the University who becomes aware of specific and credible allegations of violence based on a protected classification (race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity), whether through the report of a complainant (including a third party) or otherwise, shall report the allegations promptly to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (except for allegations against a student regarding conduct occurring in the residence halls, which shall be reported to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services) for assistance in evaluating the situation and determining an appropriate course of action, even if the alleged victim has requested that no action be taken. If there is a supervisory relationship between the complainant and/or victim and the respondent, the appropriate course of action will include development of a plan to avoid any perceived or actual conflict of interest until the complaint is resolved.

The initial report should be made verbally in person or by telephone, but a written report also must be made after the complaint is resolved using the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Informal Violence Complaint Resolution form, which requires disclosure of the employment or student status of the alleged victim(s), the complainant(s) (if other than the alleged victim), and the person(s) charged; the department(s) with which those persons are affiliated; a summary of the allegations; and a description of the steps taken to resolve the complaint. If the person charged is informed of the existence of the informal complaint, the names of the parties must be provided to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. If the person charged is not informed of the complaint, then the names of the parties shall not be provided to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.

f. Reasonable efforts will be made to process complaints in a timely manner, giving consideration to the nature of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the complaint process.

g. It is the responsibility of the academic or administrative officer who facilitates the informal resolution of the complaint to monitor compliance with the terms of the informal resolution. Sanctions up to and including termination of employment or separation from the University may be imposed in the event that an individual fails to comply with the terms of the informal resolution.
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a. A formal complaint pursuant to this policy must be brought to one of the following offices for investigation depending upon the status of the respondent and the nature of the allegations:
(1) Protected class violence. If the complaint alleges violence based on a classification covered by II-3 Human Rights (race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual), a formal complaint should be brought to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity regardless of the status of the respondent.

(2) Other violence. If the complaint alleges violence that is not based on a classification covered by the II-3 Human Rights (race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual), a person should bring a formal complaint to one of the following offices depending on the status of the respondent:

(a) Faculty or instructor. If the respondent is a faculty member, teaching assistant, or other instructor, a formal complaint should be brought to an academic or administrative officer (including the complainant's DEO or collegiate dean). The investigation will be conducted by the respondent's collegiate dean or by the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.

(b) Staff member. If the respondent is a staff member (professional and scientific, organized merit staff, or non-organized merit staff), a formal complaint should be brought to an academic or administrative officer (including the complainant's human resources unit representative) or to University Human Resources. The investigation will be conducted by the Senior Human Resources Leadership Representative for the unit employing the respondent.

(c) Student. If the respondent is a student, a formal complaint should be brought to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students.

b. A formal complaint may be brought after an informal resolution was not successfully reached, or may be brought immediately without pursuing informal resolution.

c. The purpose of the investigation is to establish whether there is a reasonable basis for believing that a violation of this policy has occurred. In conducting the investigation, the investigating office will make reasonable efforts to interview the alleged victim, the complainant (if other than the alleged victim), and the respondent, and may interview other persons believed to have pertinent factual knowledge, as well as review any relevant documentary evidence. At all times, the investigating office will take steps to ensure confidentiality to the extent possible.

d. When a formal complaint is brought, the respondent will be informed of the allegations, the identity of the complainant, and the facts surrounding the allegations. The investigation will afford the respondent an opportunity to respond to the allegations and evidence provided by the complainant and/or alleged victim, and to provide a statement of the facts as perceived by the respondent.

e. At the conclusion of the investigation, the investigating office will issue a written finding which will summarize the evidence gathered and state whether or not there is a reasonable basis for believing that a violation of this policy has occurred. The written finding will normally be issued within 45 days of when the complaint was filed. When it is not reasonably possible to issue the finding within that time, the investigating office will notify the alleged victim and the respondent that the finding will be delayed and indicate the reasons for the delay. The alleged victim and the respondent will receive a copy of the written finding, which is to remain confidential as defined by II-10.13c. Third-party complainants will be notified only that the proceedings are concluded.

f. If the investigating office finds a reasonable basis for believing that a violation of this policy has occurred, the matter will be referred to the appropriate administrator for further consideration as outlined in II-10.9 below.
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a. The following administrators will review the finding of the investigating office:
(1) the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, if the respondent is a faculty member or other instructional personnel (except graduate assistants);

(2) the office of the vice president or dean responsible for the unit employing the person charged, if the respondent is a staff member;

(3) the Office of the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students, if the respondent is a student;

(4) the appointing dean/vice president, if the respondent is a graduate assistant.

b. The administrator may:
(1) accept all or any part of the findings of the investigating office;

(2) not accept all or any part of the findings of the investigating office;

(3) reach a negotiated settlement of the complaint with the respondent; or

(4) initiate formal disciplinary action.

c. Violations of this Policy on Violence may lead to disciplinary sanctions up to and including termination or separation from the University. Sanctions for violations of this policy should be commensurate with the nature of the violation and the respondent's disciplinary history. Those who violate this policy should bear the consequences of their actions, even if factors such as substance abuse or personal problems contribute to misconduct. When the offense is serious, it is appropriate to consider separation from the University even in cases of first offense, and even when the respondent experiences remorse and/or did not intend to cause the resulting degree of harm.

d. In addition to other disciplinary action, persons who are found to have violated this policy may be required to participate in group counseling or personal therapy sessions, complete community service, enroll in a specific academic course, attend an educational workshop, and/or make restitution for economic damages caused by their behavior. When the respondent is a faculty or staff member, the Office of Faculty and Staff Services, 121-50 University Services Building, is available to assist with locating appropriate resources. When the respondent is a student, University Counseling Service, 3223 Westlawn, is available to assist with locating appropriate resources.

e. It is the responsibility of the appropriate administrator to monitor compliance with the disciplinary and/or remedial sanctions imposed. More serious sanctions, up to and including termination of employment or separation from the University, may be imposed in the event that the individual fails to comply with the sanctions initially imposed.
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Formal disciplinary action resulting from violations of this policy by:

a. faculty members will be governed by III-29 Faculty Dispute Procedures and that portion of those procedures dealing with faculty ethics (III-29.7).

b. staff members will be governed by applicable University policies, including III-16 Ethics and Responsibilities for University Staff, and the applicable discipline and/or grievance procedures (see III-28) and/or relevant collective bargaining agreement.

c. graduate assistants, when dismissal is sought, will be governed by III-12.4 Graduate Assistant Dismissal. When disciplinary action other than dismissal is taken by the appointing dean/vice president, a graduate assistant may appeal through any existing contractual grievance procedures.

d. students will be governed by Judicial Procedure for Alleged Violations of the Code of Student Life. Both the Code of Student Life and the Judicial Procedure are published and distributed to students annually in Policies and Regulations Affecting Students.
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a. Alleged victims will be informed of relevant procedural steps taken during the investigation and any interim protective measures taken.

b. Throughout the investigation and resolution of a complaint, reasonable steps will be taken to protect alleged victims, complainants, witnesses, and others from harm associated with the complaint.

c. Retaliation against alleged victims, complainants, and/or witnesses who provide information during an investigation pursuant to this policy is prohibited by II-11 Anti-Retaliation. Reasonable action will be taken to assure that alleged victims, complainants, and/or witnesses suffer no retaliation as a result of their activities with regard to the process.

d. Steps that may be taken to protect alleged victims, complainants, witnesses, and others from continued violence and/or retaliation might include:

(1) lateral transfers of one or more of the parties in an employment setting and a comparable move if a classroom setting is involved, and

(2) arrangement that academic and/or employment evaluations concerning complainants or others be made by an appropriate individual other than the respondent.

e. Any retaliation against alleged victims, complainants, or witnesses should be reported pursuant to II-11 Anti-Retaliation. Retaliation may result in disciplinary action against the person committing the retaliatory act(s).

f. The Executive Vice President and Provost, a dean, a DEO, or any vice president may, at any time during or after an investigation of a violence complaint, suspend or partially restrict from employment any employee accused of violence if the Executive Vice President and Provost, dean, DEO, or vice president finds that it is reasonably certain that:

(1) the alleged violence has occurred, and
(2) serious and immediate harm will ensue if the person continues his or her employment.

Similarly, if the respondent is a student, interim sanctions may be imposed pursuant to Section 10 of the Judicial Procedure for Alleged Violation of the Code of Student Life.
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10.12 PROTECTION OF THE RESPONDENT.
(3/07)

a. This policy shall not be used to bring knowingly false charges. Bringing such a charge constitutes a violation of this policy, and may subject the complaining party to remedial and/or disciplinary action up to and including termination or separation from the University. Any such disciplinary action will be initiated by the appropriate administrator overseeing the complainant(s).

b. In the event the allegations are not substantiated, the respondent may consult with the investigating office to discuss possible steps to address the restoration of the reputation of the respondent.
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a. In order to empower community members to voice concerns and bring complaints, the confidentiality of all parties will be protected to the greatest extent possible. However, legal obligations may require the University to take some action once it is made aware that violence has occurred, even when the alleged victim is reluctant to proceed. Appropriate University officials will be consulted, including the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity when the complaint alleges violence based on a protected classification (see II-10.7e above), and information will be shared only with those individuals who need to know it to implement this policy.

b. The parties to a complaint (alleged victims, third-party complainants, and respondents) and witnesses who provide information during an investigation are expected to maintain confidentiality as well, in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and the confidentiality interests of the parties. The matter should not be discussed with individuals who are involved in the complaint except as necessary to pursue an appeal or grievance or as part of another legal or administrative proceeding.

c. Dissemination of documents relating to a complaint and/or investigation, other than as necessary to pursue an appeal or grievance or as part of another legal or administrative proceeding, is prohibited.

d. Failure to maintain confidentiality by a respondent may be considered to be a form of retaliation in violation of II-10.11c of this policy. Failure to maintain confidentiality by any party (alleged victim, third-party complainant, or respondent) or witness may result in disciplinary action.
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a. The Office of the Vice President for Student Services is responsible for informing all students of this University Policy on Violence. The policy will be distributed to all students annually and discussed with new students as part of their orientation to campus.

b. The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost is responsible for informing all current faculty members of this University Policy on Violence. The policy will be distributed to all faculty annually and distributed to new faculty members as part of their orientation.

c. The Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations is responsible for informing all current staff members of this University Policy on Violence. The policy will be distributed to all staff annually and distributed to new staff members as part of their orientation.

d. Periodic training on managing workplace security will be available.
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a. In addition to the policies and procedures contained in this chapter that pertain to violent acts committed by University community members, the following policies may be helpful in determining a course of action to follow when responding to behavior of concern:
(1) II-4 Sexual Harassment
(2) II-14 Anti-Harassment
(3) III-15 Professional Ethics and Academic Responsibility
(4) III-16 Ethics and Responsibilities for University Staff
(5) IV-1 General Regulations Applying to Students
IV-2 Sexual Misconduct Involving Students, Including Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment

b. In addition, the following Operations Manual chapters may be of assistance when considering the best course of action with regard to a concern that may fall under this chapter:
(1) III-28 Conflict Management Resources for University Staff
(2) III-29 Faculty Dispute Procedures
(3) V-16 Critical Incident Management Plan (guidelines for institutional management of disruptions caused by violent behavior)
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