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Workplace Violence Prevention

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Stanford University strives to provide a safe work environment free from threats or acts of violence. With this in mind, and in accordance with state laws, Administrative Guide (AGM) 2.2.4: Violence in the Workplace provides guidelines for responding to violence or threats of violence in the workplace, including all university locations.

Additionally, AGM 2.2.4 complies with California employment law, Senate Bill 553, which requires employers to create and publish a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and to provide annual training on recognizing and addressing workplace violence. Below, you will find more information about the university’s prevention plan and training.

Stanford University’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan

Stanford employees should become familiar with the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan.

View the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan in Google 

Report a threat or act of workplace violence  

Any person experiencing or observing actual or imminent violence should immediately call 9-1-1 or 9-9-1-1 from a university telephone. 

Employees should report any acts or threats of violence to:

  • Either their immediate supervisor or other manager in the applicable school or unit, or
  • Their local Human Resources Office, or
  • University Human Resources–Employee & Labor Relations at (650) 721-4272 or stanfordelr@stanford.edu

Incident log 

University Human Resources–Employee & Labor Relations maintains a specific workplace violence incident log to track all reports of threats or acts of workplace violence. To obtain a copy, please email stanfordelr@stanford.edu.

Workplace Violence Prevention Annual Training

California Senate Bill 553 mandates that all employees take an annual training on workplace violence prevention, which includes how to spot and report behaviors of concern and strategies for preventing workplace violence.  

Who is required to take the course?

This course is required training for all employees and postdoctoral scholars, including:

  • Non-academic staff (supervisors and non-supervisors)
  • Academic staff
  • Faculty
  • Casual, temporary, and student employees
  • Postdoctoral scholars 
When and how often must I complete the training?

As required by the State of California and Stanford, you must complete the training upon hire and annually thereafter. 

How do I register?

You will receive an enrollment notification by email from STARS.

How long is the course?

The course will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. 

Will I receive a certificate of completion?

Upon completion, you will receive a course completion notification email from STARS with a link to download a certificate of completion for your records.

Are there other trainings I am required to take?

Yes, we've compiled a list of required and recommended training as part of your onboarding process and to introduce you to Stanford. View required and recommended training >>

Please note: this is not a comprehensive list as each school/unit and/or position may require additional training. Be sure to check with your manager for required training specific to your position and/or area. 

Who should I contact with questions or concerns?

For questions about training content, the Plan, or accessibility concerns, please email stanfordelr@stanford.edu.

Share Your Feedback

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback about the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and training, please contact University Human Resources–Employee & Labor Relations at stanfordelr@stanford.edu