SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) employees are expected to interact with each other and with those with whom they have business dealings on behalf of SDSURF with respect and civility. SDSURF does not tolerate acts or threats of violence against the life, health, well-being, family or property of any individuals anywhere, at any time. Additionally, SDSURF does not tolerate intimidation or coercion of another employee, customer, vendor, or business associate. SDSURF resources may not be used to threaten, stalk or harass anyone in or outside of the workplace.

Every threat of violence is serious and must be treated as such. Threatening behavior can include actions such as:

• Intimidating actions which promote a hostile working environment
• Making a verbal threat to harm another individual or destroy property
• Demeaning acts based on gender, race, sexual identity, or any other personal characteristic
• Stalking
• Attempting to intimidate or harass other individuals
• Behavior that may pose a danger
• Volatile or violent personal situations.

SDSURF treats threats coming from an abusive personal relationship as it does other forms of violence. Employees should promptly inform the Department of Human Resources of any protective or restraining order that they have obtained that lists the workplace as a protected area. SDSURF is committed to supporting victims of domestic violence and is available to assist with employee referrals to employee assistance programs (EAP).

Employees are encouraged to report indirect or direct threats of violence, acts of violence, and suspicious individuals or activities to their supervisor as soon as possible (or contact University Police, Human Resources, or any member of SDSURF’s senior management if their supervisor is unavailable). The supervisor is responsible for notifying Human Resources, who will consult with the appropriate resources in order to complete an assessment of the situation.

In the case of actual violence, imminent violence, or threat of imminent violence, employees should obtain emergency assistance by immediately contacting SDSU University Police at 619-594-1991 or local law enforcement by dialing 911. Employees should not place themselves in peril, nor should they attempt to intervene during an incident. Immediately thereafter, employees should report the incident to their supervisor, or contact Human Resources at 619-594-4139 if their supervisor is unavailable.

SDSURF will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of threats of violence, incidents of actual violence, and suspicious individuals or activities. When reporting a threat or incident of violence, employees should be as specific and detailed as possible. The identity of employees making a report will be protected as much as possible. SDSURF 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, SDSURF may place employees suspected of workplace violence or threats of violence on Administrative Leave of Absence, either with or without pay, pending investigation. Anyone found to be responsible for threats of violence, actual violence, or other conduct that is in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

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