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   from the issue of April 28, 2005

     
 
Harrassment training goes online at UNL

 BY TROY FEDDERSON, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

A web-based course is shining light into the gray areas of workplace harassment.

Aimed at strengthening the campus climate at UNL, all employees who serve in supervisory roles are being required to take an interactive Web course titled "Preventing Harassment on Campus" by May 29.

The course - which was selected by the Office of Equity, Access and Diversity Programs following a yearlong search - covers a variety of situations, from telling jokes around a water cooler and one-on-one interactions to items displayed in offices and on computers.

"Many times we find that people are not aware that the things they are doing, their behaviors fall under the definition of harassment," said Linda Crump, assistant to the chancellor for the Office of Equity, Access and Diversity Programs. "This course helps to clarify those behaviors."

Crump added that the course is unique because it covers more than just the legal definition of harassment.

"What I really like about the course is that it goes beyond what is legal and illegal," Crump said. "Many of the situations deal with behaviors that are inappropriate and don't meet the legal definition of harassment.

"I feel the course is a way to increase understanding by giving everyone a better knowledge base of the issues."

Brightline Compliance, a national employee training company, developed the course. The university signed a three-year agreement with Brightline to provide the training.

Presenting situations in a college campus setting, the course allows those taking it to interact with and respond to what has transpired on screen.

Specifically, the course shows how individuals should be aware that behaviors might offend others not directly involved. It also points out that those involved in the conversations or actions may outwardly act as if they agree, but are silently offended.

"It engages you and makes you think about your actions in the workplace," Crump said. "Most everyone believes they have some knowledge in the area of harassment. But, everybody I talk to after they have taken the course said they learned something new."

To complete the course, individuals must take a final test on workplace harassment. A passing grade is not issued until the individual logs a correct answer in 12 different question categories.

Crump said the online program was selected as the university does not have enough trainers to conduct live sessions with UNL employees. However, she believes the individual training is more beneficial as it allows employees to go at their own pace in a one-on-one situation.

Also, Crump said the course is the most comprehensive one available in the marketplace. It also allows employees to take annual refresher courses.

The course stresses that all supervisors should report any incident of potential harassment - whether they witness it or hear about it. At UNL, the Office of Equity, Access and Diversity Programs handles all such complaints.

"This course is not a substitution for us and is not meant to build a team of experts out there," Crump said. "If there is an incident it needs to be reported to us so that we can do a proper investigation. If we have to take it to court on an issue, we have to be sure that a proper investigation is completed by a properly trained individual."

Equity, Access and Diversity Programs handles at least one investigation a month. Crump said 12 in a month would be considered "very busy."

While the online course is available for all university employees who serve in a supervisory role, Crump is also asking that all faculty take time to complete a separate course that includes classroom harassment interactions and submit their opinions on it. The feedback will be gathered in June.

"We plan to use the feedback as part of a discussion on where the future of this goes," Crump said. "We feel this is a good course for the university. But, the feedback is important because we want to make sure this is a worthwhile product."

At the very least, Crump hopes the course raises awareness of the issue.

"This product will help people better understand the impact of their behavior in the workplace," Crump said. "And, that is going to make a better environment for our campus."


GO TO: ISSUE OF APRIL 28

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