Workplace Values Policy

The policy applies to all University faculty and staff.

Actions at the University of Rochester are governed by the guidelines set forth in this policy as well as others, including, but not limited to, the University’s Non-Discrimination in Employment Policy, Policy 102, and Policy against Discrimination and Harassment, Policy 106.

I. Policy Statement

Workplace Values. As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora – ever better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share, expressed in our Vision & Values Statement: Meliora, Equity, Leadership, Integrity, Openness, Respect, and Accountability.

Meliora – We strive to be ever better, for everyone.
Equity – We commit to non-discriminatory treatment and access to opportunity and advancement for all.
Leadership – We take initiative and share responsibility for exemplifying excellence.
Integrity – We conduct ourselves with honesty, dedication, and fairness
Openness – We embrace freedom of ideas, inquiry, and expression.
Respect – We value our differences, our environment, and our individual and collective contributions.
Accountability – We are responsible for making our community ever better, through our actions, our words, and our dealings with others.

All members of the University community are expected to act professionally and treat others with respect when representing the University, whether that be internally when working with colleagues or externally with our community while engaged in a University-related activity. Professionalism requires acting conscientiously and with dignity, politeness, respect, and with appropriate regard to the perceptions of others. Appropriate paths for raising concerns related to our values include notifying an individual’s supervisor, department leadership, Human Resources, the SMD Faculty Professionalism Council, or the Provost Faculty Professionalism Academic Committee. Supervisors (including deans, department chairs, and other academic leaders) are expected to ensure that our values are upheld within their units, schools, and divisions; this includes ensuring concerns or complaints are addressed through an appropriate process.

II. Reporting and Resolution

Any staff, faculty member, student, or applicant for employment who believes they have been subjected to unprofessional or disrespectful behavior by any University employee, contractor, or vendor should report the matter. There are several options to report a concern about unprofessional or disrespectful behavior:

1. Verbally or in writing (including but not limited to electronic mail) inform your department chair, dean, director, manager, or immediate supervisor.
2. Inform a Human Resources Business Partner or the Office of Human Resources.
3. Notify an attorney in the Office of Counsel.

Reports will be reviewed as to which policy applies to the report: Policy 100 (this policy), Policy 102, Policy 106, or Title IX and then promptly referred to the applicable body for evaluation. As applicable the report will be investigated, and appropriate corrective action will be taken. Retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited.

III. Policy Review and Compliance:

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and best practices. Any updates or changes will be initiated, reviewed, and approved according to Policy on Policy-Making and will be communicated to all staff and faculty.

By fostering a culture of respect and equal opportunity, the University of Rochester reaffirms its commitment to a fair and inclusive workplace for all.