Violence Prevention

Responsibility: Vice-Provost, Teaching, Learning and Student Experience 
Authorization: Board of Governors
Approval Date: Jun 23, 2000
Amended: Feb 1, 2005 | Mar 5, 2013 | Nov 7, 2017

To minimize and prevent the occurrence of threats and violent incidents, to promote a safe work, living and learning environment, and to comply with the Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

The University of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring the safety of all members of the university community.  It values the well-being of all persons using or visiting its premises and working, living or studying within its community.

This policy applies to all members of the university community including faculty and staff employed directly or indirectly at the university, students, volunteers and visitors.  This policy applies to risks, threats and incidents of violence (verbal, physical, weapons) that occur on university premises and other work and study sites under the university's control, or during the course of any university sponsored event.  This policy also applies to conduct not on university premises that has an identifiable and substantial link to the university or that affects the University learning or living environment

"Violence" as defined in this policy is consistent with The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Section 37(1):

...the attempted, threatened, or actual conduct of a person that causes or is likely to cause injury, and includes any threatening statement or behaviour that gives the worker reasonable cause to believe that the worker is at risk of injury.

In addition, for students, the Standard of Student Conduct in Non-Academic Matters also contains prohibited actions, including threats of harm or actual harm by any means (including electronic means) such as (but not limited to): assault, verbal and non-verbal aggression, physical and verbal abuse, and intimidation.

Situations involving discrimination or harassment will be handled using the procedures contained in the University of Saskatchewan Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy.

This policy does not prevent the use of reasonable force by members of Protective Services where appropriate, nor does it limit or amend the provision of any collective agreement and is not intended to discourage or prevent someone from pursuing a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, Occupational Health and Safety, or via any other legal avenues available.

The University of Saskatchewan strives to ensure the safety of all members of the university community. The university, through this policy, strives to prevent or minimize the risk of threats and violence, facilitate prompt action, and provide support and interventions for those affected.  It values the well-being of all persons utilizing its premises, whether they are visiting, studying or working within its community. The university does not condone, and will take action to address, violent behavious that interferes with the provision of a positive, productive environment for working or learning.

All members of the university community share the responsibility for creating and promoting a safe environment and are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate and responsible manner.

1.1  Human Resources is responsible for:

a)  administering and implementing the Violence Threat Prevention Policy for employees;
b)  providing a leadership role in threat assessments involving employees;
c)  providing advisory services to colleges or units in respect to risk assessments and   the development of Violence Prevention Plans; and
d)  providing advice and resources to colleges or units in response to incidents of violence involving employees.  

1.2  Student Affairs and Services is responsible for:

a)  administering and implementing the Violence Policy for students;        
b)  in collaboration with Protective Services, providing a leadership role and coordinating threat assessments involving students;
c)  providing advisory services to colleges or units in respect to risk assessments and the development of Violence Prevention Plans;
d)  providing advice and resources to colleges or units in response to incidents of violence involving students; and
e)  promoting awareness of the Violence Threat Prevention Policy among students.

1.3  Safety Resources is responsible for:

a)  initiating, coordinating, and implementing safety training programs within colleges and units;
b)  provision and updating of guides, forms for use by colleges and units in carrying out this policy;
c)  monitoring the compliance of colleges and units with their duties under this policy.

1.4  Protective Services is responsible for:

a)  providing 24-hour service and response to incidents of violence or potential violence;
b)  maintaining a campus-wide record of reports of violence or threats of violence;
c)  communicating to the AVP, Resources and/or the Vice Provost Teaching and Learning  of any concerns regarding reports or threats of violence that come to the attention of Campus Safety; and
d)  collaborating with HR, SESD, Colleges, Departments, Administrative Units and other campus stakeholders to prevent, assess, respond to and help manage any real or potential incidents of violence.    

1.5  Colleges and Units are responsible for:

a)  In collaboration with Safety Resources, orienting and training of employees and students in regard to safety and violence prevention;
b)  risk assessment and preparation of Violence Prevention Plans in partnership with HR, SESD, Protective Services and Safety Resources;
c)  advising employees and students of potential and actual hazards;
d)  taking every reasonable precaution for the protection of the employees and students, including timely reporting of violent or potentially violent situations in accordance with the procedures of this policy;
e)  ensuring that all policies and procedures involving workplace safety are clearly communicated and understood by all employees;
f)  providing assistance and training to those whose performance is deficient in complying with practices designed to maintain or promote safety and security; and
g)  enforcing policies and procedures fairly and consistently.

1.6  Occupational Health Committees are responsible for:

a)  participating and cooperating with the university in the identification and control of health and safety hazards in or at the place of employment or study;
b)  establishing, promoting and recommending the means of delivery of health and safety programs for the education and information of employees; and  
c)  carrying out the other duties of the Occupational Health Committee set out in s. 19 of The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 and in the Regulations.

1.7  Employees and Students are responsible for:

Employees and students are responsible for helping to reduce the potential for violent incidents and maintaining a safe work and learning environment by:

a)  complying with The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 and Regulations (employees);
b)  complying with the provisions of the “Standard of Student Conduct in Non-Academic Matters” (students);
c)  following approved university workplace policies and procedures;
d)  not engaging in verbal threats or physical actions which create a hazard for others in the workplace or learning environment; and
e)  reporting known workplace hazards and dangers (prompt and accurate reporting of all violent or potentially incidents in accordance with the procedures of this Policy, whether or not physical injury occurs, is required).

Following procedural fairness, the university may take action against anyone whose activities are in violation of the law or of this policy.  The actions taken may include, but are not limited to:

• disciplinary or administrative action for students as addressed under The University of Saskatchewan Act, 1995, and the Standard of Student Conduct in Non-Academic Matters and Procedures for Resolution of Complaints and Appeals through the USask Governance Office;
• disciplinary action for employees in accordance with the respective collective agreement;
• the requirement of a medical certificate before returning to the university; and
• legal action that could result in criminal or civil proceedings.