The following are new and revised University Policies approved in August 2024.
- Fitness for Duty Policy (New): This new policy establishes the University's right to require that employees undergo a fitness for duty evaluation in situations which the employee may not be fit for duty or may present a safety risk for themselves or others (e.g., observable difficulties performing the essential functions of their position; poses an imminent or serious safety threat to self or others). The purpose of this policy is to ensure that employees are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of performing their job responsibilities effectively and safely.
- Malign Foreign Talent Program Participation Policy (New): This is a new policy intended to meet federal requirements and safeguard the University’s research and resources from potential risks associated with malign foreign talent programs. The policy prohibits participation in high-risk programs that could compromise the University’s research integrity or compliance with U.S. laws. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, and students engaged in research on any campus.
- Outdoor Activities Policy (New): This policy replaces the Division of Student Affairs Large, Outdoor, and/or Late Hours Event Policy. It expands applicability to all Storrs and Regional stakeholders, including visitors. The policy applies to scheduled and unscheduled activities, whether active or passive, specifies general activity requirements, and prohibited and permitted items.
- Outdoor Amplified and Projected Sound Policy (Revised): This policy is a revision of the previously named Speaker’s Forum and Outdoor Amplification Policy. Modifications include changes to applicable hours, limitation of the acceptable sound level to 85 decibels, as well as revision of the exclusions to permit Athletic and University events, approved practices, and performances of the Marching Band.
- The Student Code (Revised): The revisions to the Student Code includes clarifying roles, responsibilities, and defined terms, as well as updating the student conduct review process. This includes adjustments to the way hearings are conducted, how information is shared with involved parties, and the handling of student conduct records. The revisions also include updates to sanctions and probationary measures, providing more detailed descriptions of the conditions under which sanctions like University Probation and Suspension are applied and reviewed.
- University Senate Bylaws: The University Senate approved a motion to amend the University Senate Bylaws, Article II, E, 13. The approved motion is available on the Senate website.
As a reminder, any new or proposed changes to any University Policy must be reviewed and approved by the Senior Policy Council and the President. The next Senior Policy Council meeting is scheduled for October 21st, 2024. Policy submissions must be sent to policy@uconn.edu by Monday, September 23rd.
More information on the President’s Senior Policy Council and future policy submission deadlines can be found here. Policy owners may also refer to the Policy on Policies and Resources page when creating or revising University policies to be submitted for approval. For questions related to the development of and/or revisions to University policies, please e-mail policy@uconn.edu for guidance.
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For more information, contact: the Office of University Compliance Policy team at policy@uconn.edu