Bullying & Cyberbullying Policy
Ponce Health Sciences University, PHSU, is dedicated to fostering a working, learning, and social environment where the rights and dignity of all staff, faculty, and students are respected. This policy outlines the University’s stance on bullying and cyberbullying, detailing the steps to assess and address such behavior through informal or formal complaint resolution procedures as stated in the Grievance Policy.
Policy
Under this University policy, bullying is prohibited. Bullying is defined as the conduct of any sort directed at another that is severe, pervasive, or persistent. It is of a nature that causes a reasonable person in the victim's position substantial emotional distress and undermines their ability to work, study or participate in their regular life activities. This policy is not intended to and will not be applied in a way that would violate rights to academic freedom and freedom of expression, nor will it be interpreted in a way that undermines a supervisor’s authority to appropriately manage their work unit. This definition reserves to the University, in furtherance of its educational mission, the right to address conduct that would not necessarily be unlawful. It is not intended to create individual or group rights, whether contractual or otherwise, that do not exist under law.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying involves the use of information and communication technologies (for example, cellular phones, digital cameras, computers and PDAs) for the purpose of engaging in deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group with the intention of harming others. Cyberbullying may include cyber harassment, cyberstalking, and the invasion of privacy, all of which constitute violations of the Student Honor Code and the Interpersonal Abuse Policy. Cyberbullying can cause significant harm to students, including loss of reputation, humiliation and embarrassment, clinical depression, fear,anxiety, loss of self-esteem, and even self -injurious and suicidal behavior.
Cyberbullying in any form will not be tolerated, and any student found responsible for engaging in cyberbullying will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, which may result in suspension or permanent separation or dismissal from Ponce Health Sciences University. If a case of cyberbullying is determined to be of a criminal nature, it will be referred to local authorities in addition to being adjudicated as a Code of Conduct violation.
Cyberbullying is inconsistent with the Mission of PHSU and unacceptable for any member of the Iona Community to harass another for personal reasons and/or based on their race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. Complaints of cyberbullying must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs using the Grievance Policy Procedure. The Office of Student Affairs will collaborate with the IT Office to evaluate and analyze cyberbullying cases.
Procedure
Prior to Filing a Complaint
Bullying often escalates over time, making early intervention important. If you experience or witness bullying, contact the Office of Student Affairs at studentcomplaints@psm.edu. The Vice President of Student Affairs or a designee will listen to your concerns, help identify the type of conflict, discuss options for informal resolution, and refer you to formal resolution processes if necessary.
Filing a Complaint
If informal resolution is insufficient, complaints of alleged bullying must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs in writing. The complaint should include:
- Specific examples of the conduct directed at the victim.
- Evidence of emotional distress caused by the conduct.
- Detailed impact on the victim’s work, study, or personal life.
Commitment to Resolution
PHSU is committed to addressing complaints of bullying thoroughly, with the goal of maintaining a respectful and inclusive community where all members feel safe and valued.
PHSU reserves the right to review this policy when necessary and make the corresponding changes. Any changes to the Policy will be posted to the entire community by the official communication means of the Institution. Violations of this Policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.