Policies

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

Utica University is committed to the maintenance of an environment that is supportive of its primary educational mission and safe for all of the University community. The University will not tolerate violence of any type.

SCOPE:

This policy applies to all members of the Utica University community including visitors to the campus and employees of vendors and contractors.

POLICY:

The University shall investigate violent felony offenses occurring at or on the grounds of the University.

DEFINITION:

Violent felony offense is defined under Article 70 of the penal law. Missing student is defined as any student of the University who resides in a facility owned or operated by the University and who is reported missing from his or her residence.

PROCEDURE:

Any employee, faculty or staff found to have been involved in a violent felony act shall be subject to disciplinary action set forth in the grievance procedure, or in the contract between Utica University and the American Association of University and College Professors (AAUP), including but not limited to, immediate suspension or dismissal. Resolution of charges may differ depending upon whether the individuals involved are students or employees of the University. Complaints against University employees will be forwarded to the Office of Human Resources for resolution within the appropriate University grievance procedure systems.

RESPONSIBILITY:

It is the responsibility of the employee or student to notify the Director of Campus Safety or the Director of Human Resources. Once notified, it is the responsibility of the University to work with the complainant to take appropriate action.

INVESTIGATION:

The Office of Campus Safety, in conjunction with the Office of Human Resources, shall investigate all complaints and allegations of violations of applicable laws, ordinances and regulations relating to violent offenses by any student, employee, invitee, or visitor to the campus or Utica University property and provide support for said external prosecution of the alleged offenders in the appropriate external judicial forums as permitted by and subject to the mandates of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including, but not limited to, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA").

ENFORCEMENT:

Enforcement of Utica University policies is the responsibility of the office or offices listed in the “Resources/Questions” section of each policy. The responsible office will contact the appropriate authority regarding faculty or staff members, students, vendors, or visitors who violate policies.

Utica University acknowledges that University policies may not anticipate every possible issue that may arise. The University therefore reserves the right to make reasonable and relevant decisions regarding the enforcement of this policy. All such decisions must be approved by an officer of the University (i.e. president, vice president for academic affairs, or vice president for financial affairs).

RESOURCES/QUESTIONS:

The University has in place an Employee Assistance program for counseling and referral services for its employees if additional assistance is needed. For any questions or additional information, please refer to the following resources:

• NYS Penal Law Article 70
• Office of Human Resources
• Employee Handbook
• Faculty Handbook
• AAUP contract

Please note that other Utica University policies may apply or be related to this policy. To search for related policies, use the Keyword Search function of the online policy manual.