|
Purpose
This policy establishes a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all members of the Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) community. It aims to prevent interpersonal abuse and ensure that all individuals feel valued and protected through timely intervention, fair resolution processes, and access to support services.
Policy Statement
Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) maintains a zero-tolerance policy for interpersonal abuse. This includes verbal, psychological, or physical abuse, such as insulting speech, actions intended to undermine an individual’s self-esteem, or any similar behavior. Such actions will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Scope
This policy is applicable to all members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, visitors (invited or uninvited), contractors, and guests at any University campus, facility or event.
Definitions
- Interpersonal abuse is abuse that occurs within the context of a relationship between two or more people. It involves abusive interactions between individuals. Including, but not limited to verbal insults during a conversation; psychological manipulation in personal or professional relationships, or physical violence or threats within an interpersonal interaction.
- PHSU community refers to all students, employees, contractors, and visitors engaged in the activities of PHSU, including all campuses and dependencies.
- Supportive Measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the complainant or respondent to restore or preserve equal access to University programs or activities. Examples include housing or class reassignments; no contact directives; and counseling referrals.
Procedures for Enforcement
Incident Reporting
Any member of the academic community who experiences or witnesses interpersonal abuse involving students should report the incident to the Vice President of Student Affairs. If the incident does not involve students (e.g., employees, faculty, visitors, or contractors), it should be reported to the Office of Human Resources. In emergencies involving a perceived risk to safety or physical integrity, immediate notification of the University’s Security Department is strongly recommended.
Investigation Process
Incidents involving students
- The Vice President of Student Affairs or their designee will gather all relevant information regarding reported cases of interpersonal abuse.
- The University’s legal counsel will be notified of each case and kept informed throughout the investigation process.
- Upon receipt of a report or Complaint of an alleged violation of this policy, the University will provide reasonable and appropriate supportive measures, including but not limited to:
- Housing reassignments (as applicable where on campus housing is offered and available);
- Class reassignments;
- No contact directives;
- Limitations on extracurricular activities;
- Removal from the University community;
- Referral to University disciplinary process;
- Training; or
- Other appropriate actions as necessary to stop sexual harassment, prevent its recurrence, or remedy its effect on the Complainant or University community.
Incidents involving employees
- The Human Resources Office will be responsible for conducting investigations related to employees and staff.
- Employees found in violation will face disciplinary actions in accordance with the policies outlined in the PHSU Employee Handbook.
Incidents involving visitors or contractors
- Visitors or contractors who violate this policy will be banned from campus and reported to the appropriate authorities as needed.
Determination of Responsibility
At the conclusion of the investigation, the Vice President of Student Affairs or their designee will review all evidence and make a final determination of responsibility. If responsibility is found, sanctions and remedies will be determined in consultation with the Human Resources Office or other relevant PHSU administrators when the involved parties are not students.
Sanctions
Violations of this policy are serious. Sanctions will be proportional to the nature and severity of the violation and may include one or more of the following:
- Written reprimand
- Class reassignments
- No contact directives
- Limitation on extracurricular activities
- Training
- Administrative Dismissal
- Disciplinary Probation
- Disciplinary Suspension
- Dismissal
- Loss of Privileges
- Restitution
Appeals
All parties have equal rights to an impartial appeal. Appeals must be filed in writing within five business days from receipt of the written determination. Filing an appeal stays any sanctions during the appeal process. Supportive measures remain available throughout. The University will notify the other party of the appeal, granting them three business days to submit a written response.
An Ad Hoc committee appointed by the President, comprising faculty, students, and/or administrators, will re-evaluate the case and recommend further action. The entire appeals process should be completed within three months.
Support and Counseling
Psychological and professional counseling services will be available for the parties involved as needed and availability.
|