Violence Prevention

If you suspect an individual may become violent:

Call 911.
Try to calm the person down, but don't threaten.
Maintain an escape route and distance if a weapon is present.
If you encounter an already violent situation, evacuate and call 911. If you are unable to leave, seek shelter inside the building preferably behind a locked door in a room without windows.
Signs of distressed students or employees: (notify campus police, mental health staff, or counseling center if you notice one or more of these behaviors)
- excessive unexplained absence.
- changes in behavior, hygiene, or appearance.
- threats made against other individuals.
- threats of suicide.
- excessive or inappropriate anger.
- substance abuse.
- expressing unusual thoughts or exhibiting unusual behavior.
- plotting violence.
- behavioral or emotional changes.
- fascination with weapons.
- withdrawal.

Employee Assistance Program

The purpose of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is to provide consultation and referral for employees and their eligible family members who are experiencing personal problems which are likely to impact work performance and/or personal well-being.

All full-time and part-time employees (eligible to participate in the State of Tennessee insurance program) and their eligible family members may participate regardless of whether they participate in the State's Group Insurance Program.
Counseling services are voluntary and confidential according to federal guidelines.
EAP services are offered at no cost to employees and eligible family members.
Examples of problems that may be addressed include substance abuse, family, marital, emotional, legal, financial, elder care, workplace, stress, etc.
Workshops and seminars are offered to employees on a quarterly basis.

Best practices for handling employment actions:

Partner with ETSU Human Resources as you prepare to take actions which are corrective or disciplinary in nature.
Have another supervisor or administrative employee in the room as a witness.
If there is a past history of volatile behavior, arrangements can be made to have an ETSU public safety officer nearby during difficult meetings, such as terminations.
Give consideration to the day of the week/time of day for a difficult meeting to reduce the number of people who are potentially exposed.
Consider the location of a difficult meeting. If there is concern about volatile behavior, contact the Office of Human Resources to use their facilities.
For a difficult meeting, pre-screen the individual for behavior. Pre-screening involves observing if there are any concerning behaviors upon arrival.
Post-screen the individual upon departure. Do not allow an individual who is visibly upset to drive; call a family member or friend.
Provide a cooling off period for employees who get angry or upset during a meeting. Stop the meeting and consider rescheduling the meeting, and/or allowing the employee to use sick or annual leave.