THE WORKPLACE
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
George Mason University is committed to the concept of Affirmative Action and Equal
Employment Opportunity as prescribed by all federal laws, rules and regulations and as outlined
by the Commonwealth of Virginia's Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity policy
and procedures.
Affirmative action will be taken to ensure that opportunities afforded by the University are fully
available to persons with disabilities, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, women, and minorities.
The University will make every reasonable accommodation to enable students and/or employees
with disabilities to undertake work or study for which they qualify.
Questions or concerns regarding Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity may be
addressed to the Office of the Vice President and University Equity Officer, D105 Mason Hall on
the Fairfax Campus or call 703-993-8730. Documents concerning fair employment practices are
contained in Appendix A.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
Sexual Harassment is a form of misconduct that compromises the integrity of human
relationships, affects morale and performance and threatens the individual's sense of security and
well-being. The University is committed to creating and maintaining a harassment-free
environment for all of its students, employees and visitors. Behavior such as unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates
or maintains a hostile or offensive work, study, or living environment is prohibited.
The University is committed to providing an institutional environment where all persons may
pursue their studies, careers, duties and activities in an atmosphere free of all threat of sexual
assault. It strongly condemns sexual offenses and will not tolerate sexual offenders.
A student, employee or visitor may file and have a complaint redressed through either formal or
informal complaint processes by contacting the Office of the Vice President and University
Equity Officer, D105 Mason Hall on the Fairfax Campus at 703-993-8730. See Appendix A for
George Mason University’s sexual harrassment and sexual assault policies.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY
The federal National Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 sets drug-free workplace standards to be
followed by government contractors and recipients of federal funds. Virginia, seeking to
“establish and maintain a work environment free from the adverse effects of alcohol and other
drugs”, has taken the federal policy one step further by including alcohol and making the policy
applicable to all full-time and part-time employees. The policy prohibits: unlawful or
unauthorized manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of alcohol or other drugs in
the workplace; impairment from alcohol or drugs; criminal conviction for workplace alcohol or
drug violations; and failure to report convictions to your supervisor. Counseling and
rehabilitation is an integral part of the program. The State Employee Assistance Service (SEAS)
is available for counseling and referral for alcohol and other drug related problems. The program
requires that all employees receive and sign a copy of the State policy. For more information
contact the University’s Drug Education Center on the Fairfax Campus at 703-993-3686.
SMOKING POLICY
The University complies with the Virginia Clean Indoor Air Act. Smoking is only permitted in
designated smoking areas in the Student Union buildings. Faculty members are expected to
observe this policy and remind students of the smoke-free environment concerns. Questions
should be referred to the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources.
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