Supporting a Respectful, Safe, and Inclusive Workplace
Workplace investigations support UCLA's commitment to maintaining a respectful, professional, and inclusive work environment. Investigations are conducted to review concerns fairly, objectively, and promptly while treating all participants with dignity and respect.
Overview
Workplace investigations help address concerns involving potential violations of University policy, procedures, and work rules. The purpose of an investigation is to gather relevant information, evaluate the facts, and determine whether University policies have been violated.
UCLA is committed to fostering a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, workplace violence, and other inappropriate conduct. When concerns are reported, they are routed to the appropriate University office and evaluated.
Investigation Process
- Report Received: A workplace concern may be reported by an employee, supervisor, manager, or another member of the UCLA community.
- Initial Assessment: The appropriate University office reviews the information to determine the nature of the concern and whether a formal workplace investigation is appropriate.
- Fact Finding: An investigator may:
- Interview complainants, respondents, and witnesses
- Review relevant documents and records
- Gather and evaluate available evidence
- Assess information in accordance with applicable University policies
- Findings
After reviewing all available information, the investigator prepares a summary of findings for the appropriate University decision-makers. Notices of outcome are shared with relevant parties.
When appropriate, corrective actions or other administrative steps may follow.
What Participants Can Expect
Participants in a workplace investigation can expect:
- A fair and impartial review of reported concerns
- Respectful treatment throughout the process
- Confidentiality maintained to the extent possible
- An opportunity to provide relevant information and documentationProtection against retaliation for reporting concerns or participating in an investigation
- Communication regarding the process when appropriate
Participant Responsibilities
Employees participating in an investigation are expected to:
- Provide truthful and complete information
- Cooperate with the investigation process
- Maintain confidentiality or exercise appropriate discretion
- Treat others professionally and respectfully throughout the process
Common Workplace Concerns
Examples of concerns that may warrant review include:
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Retaliation
- Workplace violence
- Inappropriate workplace conduct
- Policy violations
- Interpersonal workplace conflicts
- Misconduct affecting the work environment
Confidentiality
The University makes reasonable efforts to protect the privacy of all participants and maintains confidentiality to the extent possible while conducting a thorough and fair investigation. Information is shared only with individuals who have a legitimate business need to know.
Commitment to Fairness
UCLA strives to ensure that workplace investigations are:
- Objective
- Thorough
- Timely
- Impartial
- Respectful of all participants
- Consistent with applicable University policies and procedures
The goal of every investigation is to gather facts, evaluate evidence fairly, and support an equitable resolution of workplace concerns.
Additional Resources
Depending on the nature of the concern, workplace matters may be reviewed by Campus Human Resources, Employee & Labor Relations, the Civil Rights Office, or other appropriate University offices. For additional information, employees are encouraged to consult CHR Employee & Labor Relations.