New Presidential Policy on Abusive Conduct (Bullying) in the Workplace

March 22, 2023

Dear students, staff, faculty, and other academic appointees,

We write with an update on the campus implementation of the new Presidential Policy on Abusive Conduct in the Workplace, issued on December 16, 2022. The policy went into effect on January 1, 2023 and prohibits abusive conduct. 

The University of California is committed to promoting and maintaining a healthy working and learning environment in which every individual is treated with respect. Abusive conduct (also known as bullying) interferes with individuals' ability to learn, teach, conduct research, and work. The new policy, which prohibits abusive conduct, applies uniformly to all University employees, including student employees.

What’s new:

  • website explaining the policy, defining what constitutes abusive conduct, and identifying support and reporting resources for the Berkeley campus.
  • reporting portal where you may report abusive conduct that you or another has experienced.
  • A required training for all employees. Assignments will be forthcoming from the UC Learning Center. Please complete this course at your earliest opportunity, and prior to your Due Date. It takes about 20 minutes. Your manager will be copied on all notifications after your Due Date. Note that this course was developed for the UC system as a whole and does not have the Berkeley-specific reporting information provided just above; you may wish to bookmark the Berkeley Abusive Conduct website.

Three important tips

  • Be a supportive ally if you notice abusive behavior. The Berkeley campus CARE Model provides a rich menu of actions to take, in the moment or afterwards. 
  • Know your reporting obligations. Managers and supervisors (including chairs and deans) are required to report suspected abusive conduct of which they become aware.
  • Support is available. Supervisors or HR partners are often able to assist. For confidential support if you believe that you have experienced abusive conduct, the following offices are good places to start: 

Thank you,

Carol T. Christ
Chancellor
Benjamin Hermalin
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost