U. Appendix 4: Hostile and Intimidating Behavior

Hostile and intimidating behavior, sometimes known by the shorthand term “bullying,” is defined in university policy as “unwelcome conduct, while engaged in or relating to employment or appointment activities, that does not further the legitimate academic or operational interests of the institution.”

Hostile and intimidating behavior (HIB) can occur in both the private and public sectors, including colleges and universities. Even individual instances of such behavior can have a significant effect on the person it’s aimed at, and can take a physical and emotional toll, reduce the effectiveness of a person’s work, and hamper the ability of individuals – and entire units – to do their work. It is a significant reason for unhealthy workplace climate and culture, and should be addressed immediately.

Hostile and intimidating behavior can occur both within and across employment sectors – faculty on faculty, faculty on staff, etc. – and power differentials, and in any university setting (the office, the lab, in the halls, at meetings; it can happen in groups or one-on-one). Regardless of when and how it happens, it must be addressed and corrected. Hostile and intimidating behavior is prohibited by university policy.

The two links below provide official UW–Madison information related to Hostile and Intimidating Behavior.

• Principles of UW–Madison’s policies on HIB
• Hostile and Intimidating Behavior

School of Pharmacy Hostile and Intimidating Behavior

Within the School of Pharmacy, graduate students sometimes experience hostile and intimidating behavior from faculty members. If you are a student who is experiencing such behavior, you are entitled to support as a university employee through the Ombuds office, the Dean of Students office, and (if a grad student) the Graduate School. Graduate student workers should also consult with Graduate Coordinators, TAA Stewards, and/or the Graduate School.

• https://ombuds.wisc.edu/
• https://doso.students.wisc.edu/
• https://grad.wisc.edu/contacts/

Students with concerns may contact Lisa Imhoff, the Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence, at lisa.imhoff@wisc.edu, (608) 265-3962, 1121 D Rennebohm Hall.

School of Pharmacy Contacts

Other individuals within the School of Pharmacy who may be contacted include the Associate Dean for Research, the Assistant Dean for Graduate Education, and the appropriate program Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).

School-Level Contacts

Directors of Graduate Studies

Contact information is current as of July 2026.