As part of USC’s commitment to a safe and secure environment for faculty, staff, students, alumni, volunteers, and visitors, the university maintains a Violence-Free Workplace Violence Policy, Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WPVPP), and an annual training for faculty and staff.
- What is workplace violence
- What’s expected from you
- How to report workplace violence
- Additional resources and guidance
What is workplace violence
“Workplace violence” means any act of violence or threat of violence that occurs in a place of employment. This includes any incident involving the threat or use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, including the use of common objects as weapons, regardless of whether the employee sustains an injury. “Threat of violence” refers to any verbal or physical conduct that conveys the intent to use physical force against an employee. These are situations you should not attempt to handle on your own; however, as managers and leaders at USC, there are specific responsibilities that you must uphold.
What’s expected from you
As a manager, supervisor, and/or department leader, you are responsible for ensuring that all workplace violence policies and procedures within the WPVPP, including the completion of required training, are clearly communicated and understood by all employees.
In addition to enforcing the rules fairly and uniformly, you are also expected to:
- Provide and promote a safe and secure work environment for assigned staff.
- Conduct department-specific education on risks, safeguards and preventing assaults.
- Encourage staff to report conditions that compromise safety and security without fear of retaliation.
- Ensure staff know and are familiar with the operation of their department emergency devices.
- Coordinate risk assessments within their departments, as appropriate.
How to report workplace violence
For an immediate threat of violence (emergency)
Call USC Department of Public Safety
University Park Campus (UPC)
213-740-4321
Health Sciences Campus (HSC)
323-442-1000
You may also dial 911 if off-campus. DPS may alert LAPD for additional assistance and resources as needed.
For a workplace violence incident
Report to USC Report & Response
Report online
Report by phone
Upon receipt, USC’s Office of Professionalism and Ethics will review the concern, update and maintain the Violent Incident Log, and determine the appropriate university office to help facilitate potential resolutions.
Other university offices that may be involved include Threat Assessment and Management, which supports the early identification, assessment, and management of potential threats in order to keep the campuses and community safe. This office works closely with OPE, DPS, campus counselors, mental health professionals, student life and human resources administrators, and mental health disability specialists.
Additional resources and guidance
- For resources on domestic violence, which generally doesn’t happen at work but has an impact on the workplace and is a safety issue, visit EEO-TIX’s Confidential and Private Resources webpage and be aware of USC’s policy on leave for victims of domestic violence.
- For conduct that is unprofessional, but not violent (e.g., yelling at a colleague or bullying), you may report this to USC Report & Response.
- For questions about disturbing or concerning conduct by faculty or staff, contact the Office of Professionalism and Ethics.
- For questions about disturbing or concerning conduct by students, contact Campus Support & Intervention.
- As always, faculty and staff can also reach out to the USC WorkWell Center for confidential and free counseling and other wellness-related services.