Handbook of Operating Procedures 8-1010

Prohibition of Campus Violence



Effective January 17, 2008
Executive Sponsor: Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Policy Owner: Assistant Vice President of Campus Security & Chief of Police
 

  1. Policy Statement

The University of Texas at Austin is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that is free from threatening and violent behavior. Such behavior while on University owned or controlled property, or while engaged in official University business, will not be tolerated. The University encourages students, faculty, staff, visitors and contractors to promptly report any emergency or crime to University Police (UTPD). The University will respond promptly, positively, and aggressively to deal with threatening and violent behavior.

 

  1. Reason for Policy

To establish and maintain a safe and secure campus environment; to educate employees, students, and faculty about violence awareness and prevention; to provide support and resources to those who have been affected by violence, threats of violence, or intimidation.
 

  1. Scope & Audience

This policy applies to the conduct of any person on University premises or at University sponsored activities, including faculty, students, staff, visitors or contractors while on University owned or controlled property, or while engaged in official University business.

 

  1. Definitions (specific to this policy)

Violent Behavior:

Includes any behavior, whether intentional or reckless, which results in bodily injury to one's self, another person and/or damage to property.

Threatening Behavior:

Includes any behavior, whether intentional or reckless, that by its nature would be interpreted by a reasonable person as an intent to harm one's self, another person or damage property belonging to another. Threats may be oral, written, or communicated through conventional mail, electronic, fax, or telephonic means and may be direct or implied.

Campus Violence:

Encompasses threatening and violent behavior. Campus violence can include, but is not limited, to the following:

Behavior Concern Advice Line (BCAL):

The primary means by which cases are referred for assessment is through the Behavior Concern Advice Line which serves as a portal for all behavioral concerns. BCAL staff are responsible for routing cases to the most appropriate team or office to address the concerns.

 

  1. Website (for policy)

https://secure4.compliancebridge.com/utexas/public/getdoc.php?file=8-1010
 

  1. Contacts

CONTACT

DETAILS

WEB
Behavior Concerns Advice Line Phone: 512-232-5050

Website:

https://safety.utexas.edu/behavior-concerns-advice-line

University Police Department

Phone: 512-471-4441 Ext #9

Website:

https://police.utexas.edu/contact

Human Resources Services

 Phone: 512-471-4772

Website:

https://hr.utexas.edu/index.php
Provost's Office Phone: 512-471-5934

Website:

https://facultycouncil.utexas.edu/ 

Title IX Office

Phone: 512-471-0419

Website:

https://titleix.utexas.edu/
Victims Advocate Network Phone: 512-232-9699

Website:

https://police.utexas.edu/services/victims-advocate-network
 
  1. Responsibilities & Procedures

 

  1. General Prohibition
Any person who engages in campus violence while on University owned or controlled property, or while engaged in official University business, may be removed and/or barred from the premises pending the outcome of an investigation.

 

  1. Reporting Immediate Emergencies or Crimes
Any individual who experiences, is aware of, or witnesses campus violence, or who has reason to suspect that campus violence is occurring that may be of a criminal nature or poses clear and present danger should immediately dial "911." The emergency dispatcher will direct the call to the University of Texas Police Department or the Austin Police Department as appropriate. In addition, the University department head where the incident occurred or under whom the parties involved are affiliated should be informed.

 

  1. Reporting Less Immediate Threats
Every supervisor, administrator and university official are responsible for responding promptly and thoroughly to allegations of campus violence and for reporting such behavior through normal lines of administrative responsibility. For assistance the incident may also be reported directly to the Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL) at 512-232-5050. The caller will be advised how to proceed and/or will be routed to the appropriate resource.
 
  1. Staff: Incidents involving staff may be directed to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources or through the Behavior Concerns Advice Line. The Associate Vice President for Human Resources will contact the appropriate officials and department personnel to address the potential campus violence.
  2. Students: Incidents involving students may be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students or through the Behavior Concerns Advice Line. The Dean of Students Office will contact the appropriate officials and department personnel to address the potential campus violence.
  3. Faculty: Incidents involving faculty may be directed to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost or through the Behavior Concerns Advice Line. The Provost's Office will contact the appropriate officials and department personnel to address the potential campus violence.
  1. Documentation and Confidentiality
    The University shall document the report and the investigation. Such documentation shall be retained by The University of Texas at Austin Police Department or the appropriate office listed in paragraph C above. Subject to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552, Texas Government Code, the University will maintain the confidentiality of the report and the identity of the reporting person during the investigation. The identity of the reporter and perpetrator may become apparent, or disclosed, as a result of the actions taken to resolve the investigation.
 
  1. Sanctions
    Individuals who violate this policy may be removed from campus, arrested and be subject to legal action. University employees and students who violate this policy may also be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
 
  1. Protective or Restraining Orders
    Any member of the University community who takes out a protective or restraining order against another person, or receives a protective or restraining order which lists University owned or leased premises as a protected area, shall provide their supervisor and The University of Texas at Austin Police Department with a copy of such order along with a photograph of the person against whom the order has been issued when possible.
 
  1. Filing of False Reports
    Any person who knowingly and intentionally files a false report shall be subject to disciplinary action that may include dismissal, expulsion, and/or legal action.
 
 
  1. Retaliation Prohibited
    A faculty, student, or staff member who retaliates in any way against an individual who has brought a complaint in good faith pursuant to this policy or participated in good faith in an investigation of such a complaint, is subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal.
     

 

  1. Forms & Tools

None 

 
  1. Frequently Asked Questions

For assistance: or questions regarding campus violence contact Human Resources Services or the Dean of Students Office. 
 

  1. Related Information

 The Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution Office is a team comprised of University Staff who resolve conflicts, repair workplace relationships, and improve communication so that University employees can thrive personally and professionally.

The Victims Advocate Network (VAN) is a team of volunteers comprised of University Faculty and Staff to support staff, students, and visitors impacted by crime or other distressing events on campus. VAN representatives are a 24/7 on-call network which responds, at the request of University police officers, to provide mental health first aid and linkage to the appropriate campus or community resources for on-going support.

 

  1. History

Previously HOP 12.A.1 and HOP 2.A.3

Editorial Updates: July 21, 2023

Next scheduled review date: July 2026