Office of the Executive VP for Administration & CFO

Residential Rental Properties, Policy on

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Title: Residential Rental Properties, Policy on
Policy Owner: Facilities Operations
Applies to: Existing and Potential: Faculty, Staff, Visiting Scholars and Guests
Campus Applicability: Storrs Currently. If the University acquires residential rental property at any other campus it will apply to such property
Effective Date: May 3, 2019
For More Information, Contact Lynn Hallarin, Director, Business Services Center
Contact Information: 860-486-3632
Official Website: https://rentalproperties.uconn.edu/

REASON FOR POLICY

It is strategically important for UConn to provide and manage short- and long-term housing options for the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff, visiting scholars and other UConn guests. Accordingly, it is University policy to provide housing that is well maintained, attractive and marketable. It is also important that all University owned rental housing be maintained and operated in an economically efficient manner.

POLICY STATEMENT

The Rental Properties Unit of UConn’s Facilities Operations & Building Services maintains a portfolio of rental properties with rental rates designed to support the expenses and improvements necessary to sustain and maintain the portfolio.  Rental properties shall only be made available to Storrs Campus Faculty and Staff, Visiting Scholars and other guests.

The portfolio is comprised of two categories of units: (1) apartments in The Oaks on the Square in Storrs Center; and (2) University-owned houses.   The first category is established to support institutional recruitment and retention objectives, while the second category is to be maintained as a long-term, self-sustaining University asset.

The allocation of rental properties shall be managed in a fair, equitable and open manner.  Rental requests can be initiated in one of two ways: (a) by a Host (defined below); or (b)  by an individual who is a member of the Storrs Campus faculty or staff, a visiting scholar or other UConn guest, as applicable.

Rent will be paid for all rental properties. The amount of rent that is charged will be determined on a market basis through an appropriate analysis.  Rent will be paid either by the individual occupying the property or by the Host.

All rentals must be memorialized in a written agreement signed by an authorized UConn representative and the licensee. The agreement must specify the licensee, the rent, who is paying the rent and the duration of the rental period..

If a Host is paying the rent, that must be reflected in the written agreement and the agreement must be signed by an authorized representative of the Host.

If the occupant does not pay rent, the fair market value of the rent may be taxable income to the occupant subject to withholding and tax reporting.  The occupant will be responsible for all associated tax liability. To facilitate compliance with tax laws, the Rental Properties Unit of Facilities Operations will notify UConn’s Tax & Compliance Office of all rentals where the occupant is not paying rent (e.g. rents is being paid by Host or no rent is paid).

The Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer (or the successor in function) , in consultation with the Real Estate Working Group, establishes, and approves  any changes to, procedures to implement this Policy.

APPLIES TO

Property covered:  All residential rental properties managed by Facilities Operations.  It does not apply to property managed by Residential Life.

Persons covered:  Storrs Campus Faculty and Staff, visiting scholars and other UConn guests. This policy will apply in the event that UConn acquires residential properties at other campuses.  Residential rental properties are not intended for use by students enrolled in UConn undergraduate, graduate or other programs.

DEFINITIONS

“Host” means the UConn Administration, department or academic unit sponsoring the individual who is seeking UConn housing.

“Guest” means Special Payroll employees, long-term consultants, candidates for employment, guest performers (e.g. CRT actors), guest speakers and others similarly situated.

“Storrs Campus Faculty and Staff” means individuals who are regular UConn employees and are employed to work at the Storrs Campus.

“Visiting Scholar” means an expert in an academic discipline or disciplines with a short-term residency at UConn for mutual intellectual enrichment and collaboration.  These individuals are typically scholars or artists on leave from other institutions. However, “Visiting Scholars” also may be unaffiliated and distinguished in their fields, or they may be representatives of governments, higher education institutions or other institutions on official business.  Undergraduate and graduate students are not visiting scholars.

WAIVER AUTHORITY

The President’s office may make exceptions to this Policy or waive the Rental Criteria when it is in the best interest of the University.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with UConn By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for all UConn Employees, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

SUPERCEDENCE

This policy supersedes and replaces the present “Policy on Residential Rental Properties” which was effective on August 28, 2017.

INFORMATION/FORMS

Information and forms can be found at http://rentalproperties.uconn.edu/.

Pricing and other information about rental properties (not including The Oaks) can be found at http://rentalproperties.uconn.edu/ under the “Houses” link.

Pricing and other information about The Oaks can be found at http://rentalproperties.uconn.edu/apartments/.

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created:  Approved by the President’s Cabinet (8/28/2017)

Policy revised: 5/3/2019

Space Management Policy

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Title: Space Management Policy
Policy Owner: University Planning, Design & Construction (UPDC)
Applies to: Faculty, Staff
Campus Applicability: All campuses except UConn Health
Effective Date: June 12, 2017
For More Information, Contact University Planning, Design & Construction (UPDC)
Contact Information: (860) 486-2776
Official Website: https://space.uconn.edu/

REASON FOR POLICY

The availability of facilities and space plays an important role in advancing the mission and goals of the University of Connecticut. It is in the University’s best interest to allocate space in an objective and consistent manner based on the University‘s mission and priorities.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to the Storrs and all regional campuses and designated affiliates or approved units of the University of Connecticut at those campuses. This policy does not apply to UConn Health.

POLICY STATEMENT

All space belongs to the University and is assigned to units, schools, departments or programs based on University’s priorities and the functional requirements of each user group.  The University may reallocate space at any time as needs and priorities change.

Decisions regarding the allocation of occupied and unoccupied space are based on campus and program priorities, Academic and Strategic Plans, the Master Plan for the campus, and overall need.

The President of the University has ultimate authority over space assignments. The Provost, Vice Presidents, and Division of Athletics Director are responsible for allocating and managing space occupied by activities under their control or within their divisions in accordance with the University’s Space Planning Guidelines.

The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs has overall responsibility for the equitable and optimal use of academic and research space resources, with final authority over all UConn academic and research space assignments and designations in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer.

The Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer has final jurisdiction over all UConn non-academic and non-research spaces in collaboration with the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs except for those spaces identified below.

All space occupied  by the Division of Student Affairs (e.g. Student Union, Recreation Center) will be the responsibility of the Vice President for Student Affairs in collaboration with the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer.

All space occupied  by the Division of Athletics will be the responsibility of the Director of Athletics in collaboration with the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer.

The University Planning office within University Planning, Design and Construction is responsible for reviewing space requests and making recommendations to the appropriate authority.

The four officers with authority over space will coordinate all significant space decisions with the Office of the President.   The President as the chief executive and administrative officer of the University has the authority and responsibility to make all final decisions regarding space.

PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

For roles and responsibilities: Space Planning Procedures.

For assigning space: Space is assigned in accordance with the Space Planning Guidelines.

Requesting additional space or making modifications to existing space is governed by Space Planning via the Space Planning & Management Request Form. 

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

POLICY HISTORY:

Policy created:  6/12/2017 (Approved by Cabinet)

Lactation Policy

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Title: UConn Lactation Policy
Policy Owner: Human Resources and Office of Institutional Equity
Applies to: Employees, Graduate Assistants, Students
Campus Applicability: All Campuses, Including UConn Health
Effective Date: 12/20/2016
For More Information, Contact Human Resources and Student Health Services/Student Services
Contact Information: Storrs/Regionals: (860) 486-3034 (HR) and (860) 486-0765 (SHS)
UConn Health: (860) 679-2426 (HR and (860) 679-1364 (Student Services Center)
Official Website: http://hr.uconn.edu/worklife/


Reason for Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide employees and students who are breastfeeding a private place and reasonable break time to express breast milk for their nursing child.  This policy is in accordance with relevant laws and regulations regarding breastfeeding in the workplace.

Applies to

All breastfeeding employees and students on the Storrs, UConn Health and Regional campuses.

Definitions:

Lactation Area: A space on the University of Connecticut campus that is either dedicated or temporarily established to accommodate the needs of those who are breastfeeding. The room must be a clean, private (the ability to be shielded from view and free from intrusion), comfortable space with electrical outlet, chair, table for breast pump, and nearby access to clean running water.

Lactation Breaks: Breaks during the work day for employees who have requested lactation accommodations.

Policy Statement

The University of Connecticut is committed to providing a supportive environment that enables employees and students to express breast milk in a private place, with reasonable break time and in a location within five minutes of their work and study areas.

Consistent with Connecticut Laws (Chapter 939, Section 53-34b and Chapter 814c, Section 46a-64), a person may breastfeed their infant in any public or private location on campus where they and their child are authorized to be. This includes all campus locations open to the public and other campus locations where infants are allowed.

Additionally, Connecticut law (Connecticut General Statutes, Section 31-40w) Breastfeeding in the Workplace states that employers must allow employees to breastfeed or express breast milk at work.

Consistent with federal law, the University of Connecticut shall provide to employee breastfeeding persons reasonable break time (“lactation break”) as well as space that is shielded from view and free from intrusion in order to breastfeed their infants or to express breast milk.

The University of Connecticut prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against breastfeeding persons who exercise their rights under this policy.  For more information, see University Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal Violence.

Enforcement

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Policy History

Adopted 12/20/2016 (Approved by President’s Cabinet)

Procedures

Storrs and Regional Campuses: UConn Lactation Procedures

UConn Health: UConn Health Lactation Procedures

 

Consumable Supplies Inventory Procedure

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Title: Consumable Supplies Inventory Procedure
Procedure Owner: Office of the Controller, Accounting Office
Applies to: All University Departments
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: 09/01/2016
For More Information, Contact Associate Controller and Director of Accounting
Contact Information: (860) 486-3780
Official Website: http://accountingoffice.uconn.edu/

BACKGROUND AND REASON FOR PROCEDURE

An inventory of consumable supplies is reported annually to the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) on the Annual Inventory Report of all Real and Personal Property (CO-59) form. Consumable supplies must be safeguarded and managed in order to prevent excessive spending and loss.

DEFINITIONS

Consumable supplies are defined as stock items used and consumed in the daily operations of a UConn department, such as food, cleaning supplies, lab animals, perishables, table or bed linens, repair parts, small tools, small appliances, and articles of a similar nature. Items should be new and unopened, and which will be used up within a year. Consumable supplies does not include capital equipment or controllable property equipment.

PROCEDURE

  1.  For all departments with a consumable supplies inventory of $5,000 or more, a separate perpetual (continuous) inventory should be maintained.
  2. A physical inventory must be performed annually and reconciled to the inventory records by June 30th.
  3. A listing of consumable supplies must be reported to the Accounting Office within the Office of the Controller by July 15th. The inventory listing should include an item description, cost, unit of measure, quantity on hand, and a total cost for each item, by location/building.
  4. The inventory listing and signed Inventory Certificate Form may be sent by email or through the University mail service to the Accounting Office at U-1074.

FORMS/TEMPLATES

An Inventory Worksheet (Excel template) may be used to report inventory. Alternatively, departments may submit a report generated from an inventory system maintained by the department.

The Inventory Certificate Form is available on the Inventory Control website.

Prevention and Reporting of Fraud and Fiscal Irregularities

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Title: Prevention and Reporting of Fraud and Fiscal Irregularities
Policy Owner: Executive VP for Administration and Chief Financial Officer
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, and Others
Campus Applicability: All
Effective Date: March 23, 2016
For More Information, Contact: EVP for Administration and CFO: (860) 486-3455
UConn Health CFO: (860) 679-3162
Audit and Management Advisory Services (860) 486-4526
Official Website: http://evpacfo.uconn.edu/ 

PURPOSE

The University of Connecticut is committed to upholding the highest standards of honest behavior, ethical conduct, and fiduciary responsibility with respect to all assets of the University and assets entrusted to the University, including all funds, resources, and property. The purpose of this policy is both to inform the University community of each member’s responsibility to safeguard University resources and to establish standards for the reporting of suspected or known fraud or fiscal irregularities to the appropriate officials.

This policy applies to all units of the University including Storrs and the Regional Campuses, Professional Schools and UConn Health.  It applies to members of the University community including faculty, staff, contractors, business associates, and others involved in the activities of the University.

DEFINITIONS

Fraud and fiscal irregularities generally involve an intentional or deliberate act, omission or concealment with the intent of obtaining an unauthorized benefit, such as money, property or other personal or business advantage, by deception or other unethical means.  Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Misappropriation, misapplication, removal, or concealment of University property
  • Forgery, falsification, or alteration of documents and/or information (e.g., checks, bank drafts, deposit tickets, promissory notes, time cards, travel expense reports, contractor agreements, purchase orders, etc.)
  • Theft or misappropriation of funds, securities, supplies, inventory, or any other University assets including furniture, fixtures, equipment, data, and intellectual property
  • Billing customers, patients and third party payers for services when it is known that the services were not provided
  • Authorizing payment to vendors when it is known that the goods were not received or services were not performed
  • Misuse of University facilities, such as vehicles, telephones, mail systems, or computer-related equipment
  • Engaging in bribery, accepting kickbacks, or seeking unauthorized rebates
  • Actions related to concealing or perpetuating any fraud or fiscal irregularity


POLICY STATEMENT

All members of the University community are responsible for safeguarding University resources in their units and for ensuring that those resources are used for authorized purposes and in accordance with University rules and policies, and as required by applicable laws. In addition, all members of the University community should promptly report any known or suspected fraudulent activity or fiscal irregularities involving University and affiliated entity funds resources, property, or employees. Each unit manager should be familiar with the types of improprieties that might occur in the manager’s area of responsibility and ensure that all reasonable internal controls are in place and operating effectively to prevent and detect the occurrence of fraudulent activity or fiscal irregularities.

Nothing in this policy relieves faculty and staff from reporting responsibilities under professional codes of conduct, licensing, or other requirements applicable to them individually or to their function.

Process for Reporting Detected or Suspected Fraud and Irregularities

Individual Reporting Obligations

All members of the University community are obligated to report any known or suspected fraudulent activity or fiscal irregularities. Generally, an individual may discuss the concern directly with a supervisor. However, in the event that the individual is not comfortable speaking with the supervisor or is dissatisfied with the supervisor’s response, the individual should report the concern directly to Audit and Management Advisory Services (AMAS) and/or Campus Police.  Individuals should not investigate suspected fraudulent activity independently.

Individuals who wish to report suspected fraudulent activity or fiscal irregularities anonymously may utilize the University’s REPORTLINE using the contact information below. The REPORTLINE is operated by a private (non-University) company. No effort is made to identify the person reporting and no trace of the call is performed. Information received is provided to Audit and Management Advisory Services for review and appropriate action. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by independent specialists trained to obtain complete and accurate information in a confidential manner. To contact the REPORTLINE:

Phone:  All University campus including UConn Health: Phone: 1-888-685-2637
Web reporting address: https://uconncares.alertline.com/gcs/welcome

At a minimum, individuals should provide key information such as a description of the incident, the time frame in which the incident occurred, and names of individual(s) involved. Audit and Management Advisory Services will make every effort to handle all information received in a confidential manner, to the extent permitted by law.

University policy prohibits retaliation when an individual reports, in good faith, suspected fraudulent activity or fiscal irregularities to any supervisor, faculty, administrator, AMAS, University Police, the REPORTLINE, or any appropriate agency outside of the University. An individual who believes he or she has been subjected to retaliation, should contact AMAS immediately.  This policy is not intended to preclude the reporting of suspected fraudulent activity or fiscal irregularities to appropriate external authorities[1].

Institutional Obligations:

Departments are obligated to notify Audit and Management Advisory Services of suspected or known fraudulent activity or fiscal irregularities as soon as they become known.   AMAS will evaluate the information provided and determine an appropriate strategy for investigating and resolving the allegation.   Additional University officials may be asked to conduct or participate in an investigation as appropriate. When sufficient facts and circumstances exist to establish a reasonable suspicion that fraudulent activity or fiscal irregularity has occurred, AMAS will consult with the Office of the General Counsel (Storrs, Regional Campuses and the Professional schools), Senior Counsel (UConn Health) and other University officials regarding federal, state and other external reporting requirements.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

[1]Other Reporting Options:

  • State Auditors of Public Accounts

The Whistle Blower Act, Section 4-61dd of the Connecticut General Statutes, authorizes the Auditors of Public Accounts to receive information concerning matters involving corruption, unethical practices, violation of State laws or regulations, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority or danger to the public safety occurring in any State department or agency. Upon receiving such information the Auditors are required to review such matter and report their findings and any recommendations to the Attorney General. The Auditors shall not, after receipt of any information from a person under the provisions of this section, disclose the identity of such person without his/her consent unless the Auditors determine that such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the review. Complaints may be filed with the State Auditors:

    • by calling (959) 710-5605 or toll free at (800) 797-1702
    • by email at wbcomplaints@ctauditors.gov, or
    • in writing to:
      • Auditors of Public Accounts 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106 Attention:  Maura Pardo, Administrative Auditor
  • Federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729-3733)

This act permits a person with knowledge of fraud against the federal government to file a lawsuit on behalf of the government against those that committed the fraud. The person filing the lawsuit is also known as the “whistleblower” or “qui tam” plaintiff. The “qui tam” plaintiff must notify the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) of all information regarding the fraud. If the DOJ takes the case and fraud is proven the “qui tam” plaintiff is entitled to a portion of the money recovered by the federal government. Under the False Claims Act the “qui tam” plaintiff is protected from retaliation that may result from his or her involvement in the case. This is known as Whistleblower Protection.

Protection of Minors and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect Policy

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Title: Protection of Minors and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect, Policy on
Policy Owner: Department of Human Resources
Applies to: All personnel associated with the University including faculty, staff, volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students, interns, residents and fellows.
Campus Applicability: All University campuses including Storrs, regional campuses, the Law School and UConn Health (University)
Effective Date: August 9, 2018
For More Information, Contact Minor Protection Coordinator / Department of Human Resources
Contact Information: minorprotection@uconn.edu or (860) 486-4510
Official Website: http://hr.uconn.edu/minor-protection

1.  Reason for Policy

The University of Connecticut is committed to promoting a high quality, secure and safe environment for minors who are active in the University community. This policy and the accompanying procedures establish consistent standards intended to support the University in meeting its commitments to promote protection of minors who participate in activities sponsored by the University and to inform all members of the University community of their obligation to report any instances of known or suspected child abuse or neglect.

2.  Applies to

This policy applies to all University employees, including faculty, staff, volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students, interns, residents and fellows. Except as provided below, it also applies to any activity that takes place on University property or is sponsored by the University and is open to the participation of minors.

This policy does not apply to: (1) events open to the public where parents/guardians or adult chaperones are expected to accompany and supervise their children; (2) undergraduate and graduate programs in which minors are enrolled for academic credit or have been accepted for enrollment for academic credit; (3) students who are dually enrolled in University credit-bearing courses while also enrolled in elementary, middle, and/or high school, UNLESS such enrollment includes overnight housing in University facilities; (4) minors employed by the University; (5) field trips or visits to the University that are solely supervised by a minor’s school or organization; (6) patient-care related activities relating to minors; (7) non-University programs undertaking activities in or on University land or facilities under the sole supervision of said program; (8) University programs that take place outside of the University under the supervision of a separate organization; (9) licensed child care facilities; and (10) other activities granted advance and written exemption from part or all of this policy.

3.  Definitions[1]

A. Authorized Adult: A University employee, student, or volunteer (paid or unpaid) who has (1) successfully passed a Background Screening within the last four years, (2) completed the University minor’s protection training within the last year, and (3) has been registered with the University’s Minor Protection Coordinator.

B. University Sponsored Activities Involving Minors: A program or activity open to the participation of minors that is sponsored, operated, or supported by the University and where minors, who are not enrolled or accepted for enrollment in credit-granting courses at the University or who are not an employee of the University, are under the supervision of the University or its representatives.

C. Background Screening: A criminal history search that is consistent with University criminal background check policies and that has been successfully completed within the past four years. Such criminal history search must include the following searches by a nationally recognized background check vendor:

i.    Social Security Number verification/past address trace;

ii.   federal criminal history record search for felony and misdemeanor convictions covering, at minimum, the last seven years in all states lived in;

iii.   a statewide or county level criminal history record search for felony and misdemeanor convictions covering, at minimum, the last seven years in all states lived in; an;

iv.   sex offender registry searches at the county level in every jurisdiction where the candidate currently resides or has resided.

D. Child Abuse: A non-accidental physical injury to a minor, or an injury that is inconsistent with the history given of it, or a condition resulting in maltreatment. Examples include but are not limited to, malnutrition, sexual molestation or exploitation, deprivation of necessities, emotional maltreatment, or cruel punishment.

E. Child Neglect: The abandonment or denial of proper care and attention (physically, emotionally, or morally) of a minor, or the permitting of a minor to live under conditions, circumstances, or associations injurious to the minor’s well-being.

F. Minor: Any individual under the age of 18, who has not been legally emancipated.

G. Mandated Reporter: An individual designated by the Connecticut law as required to report or cause a report to be made of Child Abuse or Child Neglect. All employees of the University, except student employees, are Mandated Reporters under state law.

H. Minor Protection Coordinator: An individual designated by the University to develop procedures to implement this policy and best practices for the protection of minors involved in University Sponsored Activities Involving Minors, and to provide coordination, training, and monitoring in order to promote the effective implementation of this policy.

4.  Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect

Pursuant to state law, all University employees (except student employees) are Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse and/or Child Neglect and must comply with the reporting requirements in Connecticut’s mandated reporting laws. See Conn. Gen. Stat. §§17a-101a to 17a-101d.

Connecticut state law, requires that reports of known or suspected child abuse or neglect be made orally, as soon as possible (but no later than 12 hours), to law enforcement or the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), and followed up in writing within 48 hours.

DCF’s 24-hour hotline for reporting suspected Child Abuse or Child Neglect is (800) 842-2288, and additional guidance on these reporting requirements may be found here:

https://portal.ct.gov/DCF/1-DCF/Reporting-Child-Abuse-and-Neglect (Last accessed July 23, 2018).

University employees are protected under state law for the good faith reporting of suspected Child Abuse or Child Neglect, even if a later investigation fails to substantiate the allegations.

In addition to this statutory reporting requirement, University employees must also comply with any other University policies that impose additional reporting obligations, such as the Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence.

5.  Requirements for University Sponsored Activities Involving Minors

To better protect Minors participating in activities sponsored by the University, all University Sponsored Activities Involving Minors must meet the following requirements, in addition to any applicable federal, state, or local law, and all University policies. Please Note: A more comprehensive description of the following requirements are detailed in the accompanying procedures.

A.   University Sponsored Activities Involving Minors must register with the University’s Minor Protection Coordinator with sufficient advance notice to confirm the requirements of this policy have been met.

B.   No individual, paid or unpaid, shall be allowed to supervise, chaperone, or otherwise oversee any Minor who participates in University Sponsored Activities Involving Minors unless he or she is an Authorized Adult.

C. All University Sponsored Activities Involving Minors must implement standards to safeguard the welfare of participating Minors. At minimum, all University Sponsored Activities Involving Minors must implement and comply with University standards of conduct included in the accompanying procedures.

D. All University Sponsored Activities Involving Minors are subject to periodic audits to verify compliance with this policy and the accompanying procedures.

E. Any exceptions to these requirements must be requested with sufficient notice and approved in writing by the Minor Protection Coordinator, in consultation with Minor Protection Oversight Committee prior to the start of program operations.

6.  Enforcement

Violations of this policy and accompanying procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and applicable Student Code.

Policy History

Policy Created: April 1, 2016 [Approved by the President’s Cabinet]

Revisions:  August 9, 2018

Procedures

Procedures for the Protection of Minors and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect can be found at: http://minorprotection.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1652/2016/03/Procedures-for-the-Protection-of-Minors-and-Reporting-of-Child-Abuse-and-Neglect.pdf. 

 

Footnotes

[1] Several of these definitions are adapted in whole or in part from the Connecticut General Statutes. See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 120. For additional guidance from the Connecticut Department of Children and Family Services about the definitions of child abuse and neglect, see https://portal.ct.gov/DCF/1-DCF/Reporting-Child-Abuse-and-Neglect. (Last accessed 7/23/2018.) Back

Alternate Work Arrangements

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Title: Alternative Work Arrangements
Policy Owner: Department of Human Resources
Applies to: All Employees
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: October 11, 2016
For More Information, Contact Department of Human Resources and the Office of Faculty & Staff Labor Relations
Contact Information: (860) 486-3034
Official Website: http://hr.uconn.edu/alternate-work-arrangements/

POLICY AND PURPOSE:   This policy describes and establishes guidelines for alternate work arrangements for employees at the University of Connecticut, in accordance with relevant state statute, applicable collective bargaining agreements and in keeping with university practices. This policy is designed to achieve the following goals: (1) Increase worker efficiency and productivity; (2) reduce travel time.

In order to support the mutual benefits of flexible work environments, the university has implemented this voluntary Alternative Work Arrangement program for all employees.

References:

  • CGS § 5-248i. Telecommuting and Work-at-home programs
  • Article 16 of the UCPEA Contract – Work Schedules
  • Article 17 of the NP3 Contract – Hours of Work, Work Schedules and Overtime
  • Article 18 of the NP5 Contract – Hours of Work, Work Schedules and Overtime
  • Article 18 of the NP2 Contract – Hours of Work, Work Schedules and Overtime
  • Request for Temporary Flexible Schedule Agreement Form
  • Request for Temporary Telecommuting Agreement Form
  • Exhibit 2-1 Auditors of Public Accounts Work Schedule Election Form

Scope:

This policy applies to all employees at the Storrs and Regional Campuses.

Definitions:

Telecommuting – Voluntary work arrangement in which some or all of the work is performed at an off-campus work site such as the home or in an office space near home.

Flexible Schedule – A flexible schedule allows an employee to vary the span of the workday, while ensuring that the standard workweek hours are completed.

Policy Statement:

The University Alternate Work Arrangement Program offers employees two options for alternate work arrangements.  Each option contains specific requirements for the employee.

Approval for participation is at the discretion of the employee’s supervisor.

Telecommuting[1]:

Generally, work suitable for telecommuting will have defined tasks with clearly measurable results, tasks requiring concentration when the employee works independently and minimal requirements for frequent access to hard copy files or special equipment.

Telecommuting may also be suitable for those occasions when employees must attend off-site university meetings or events during portions of the day that make travel to their normal duty station impractical during the balance of the day.

Employees best suited for telecommuting are self-motivated, self-disciplined, have a proven ability to perform and a desire to make telecommuting work.

In order to participate, an employee’s regular duties must be such that they can be accomplished via telecommuting; employees whose regular duties necessitate their presence at their duty station may not telecommute.

Guidelines for Participation

  • Any equipment or supplies purchased by the University and used at the alternate work location will remain the University’s property and must be returned at the conclusion of the telecommuting period. University owned equipment at the alternate location may not be used for personal purposes.  The University does not assume responsibility for damage or wear of personally owned equipment or supplies used while telecommuting.
  • Participants will take all precautions necessary to secure privileged information and prevent unauthorized access to any University system.
  • Participants may not submit nor receive reimbursement for travel if requested to report to their normal work site.

Employees who wish to request permission to telecommute should submit a formal request through the University’s Telecommuting Agreement Form to their supervisor, which will include a description of the scope of work that will be undertaken and accomplished off-site at least five business days in advance, when possible. This description may be general or include specific tasks.

The supervisor will review the request with the employee and must approve or deny the request in writing within three business days prior to the requested telecommuting period, or sooner if the request is made due to unforeseen circumstances. For employees who are members of a bargaining unit, approval must be from a supervisor that is outside of the bargaining unit.

The employee and supervisor must mutually agree to and sign the Telecommuting Agreement Form available at http://hr.uconn.edu/alternate-work-arrangements/.

Please note: It is understood that unforeseen circumstances may necessitate the request for short-term telecommuting arrangements to be made with limited advance notice.  Temporary changes to existing telecommuting agreements may also be necessary to accommodate unexpected work obligations.  In these circumstances an email approval from a supervisor is sufficient.

[1] Note: This section is not applicable to Classified Employees. Telecommuting arrangements for Classified employees must be made in accordance with the Telecommuting Guidelines established by the State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services.

Flexible Schedule:

Guidelines for Participation

Flexible Schedules may be approved by the appropriate supervisor, with the following understanding:

  1. There must be minimal on-site coverage of most university offices during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
  2. Managerial and confidential employees are expected to work the equivalent of 40 hours each week.  Work schedules for UCPEA and Classified employees are in accordance with the relevant collective bargaining agreement. Please note: additional hours may be necessary in order to complete job responsibilities.
  3. The supervisor should consider cross training/back-up assignments to ensure adequate service during normal office hours.

A Flexible Schedule can be established by mutual agreement between an employee and their supervisor. For employees who are members of a bargaining unit, approval must be from a supervisor that is outside of the bargaining unit.  In order to approve a request for a flexible schedule, supervisors must determine that an employee operating under a flexible schedule will not have a negative impact on the employee’s work or the work of the given office, unit or department.

Supervisors will determine whether or not a flexible schedule request is reasonable and justified. In general, a flexible schedule is intended to allow employees to deviate from their standard work schedule within reason, i.e. arriving earlier and leaving earlier or arriving later and leaving later, or accommodating a single especially long work day (to attend an evening work-related event, for example) by arriving later the following day, etc. It is not intended to allow employees to work unorthodox or impractical schedules, i.e. working weekends instead of two weekdays or working a full work week within a four day period each week, etc.

Employee requests for a flexible schedule may apply to a single day during the week, each day during the week, or certain days or weeks depending on the time of year. Supervisors should document each employee’s flexible schedule in writing using the appropriate University form available at http://hr.uconn.edu/alternate-work-arrangements/.  Flexible schedules may be adjusted or revoked by management at any time.  Where possible, employees will be given a minimum of two weeks’ notice regarding any changes to their approved flexible schedule.

Procedure:    

  1. Employee submits request to supervisor;
  2. Supervisor provides written approval or denial;
  3. Supervisor and employee mutually sign the applicable form;
  4. Forward a copy of the signed agreement to the Office of Faculty and Staff Labor Relations.

This policy is not intended to add to or subtract from provisions of any applicable collective bargaining agreements.

 

 

Adopted Effective Date 3/3/2016 [Approved by the Office of the President]

Revised Effective Date 10/11/2016 [Approved by the Office of the President]

Contractor Parking Policy

Posted on by
Title: Contractor Parking Policy
Policy Owner: Parking Services
Applies to: Contractors/Vendors, Construction Managers, and Contracted Workers
Campus Applicability: Storrs and all Regional Campuses, except UConn Health
Effective Date: May 10, 2024
For More Information, Contact Parking Services
Contact Information: (860) 486-4930
Official Website: park.uconn.edu

PURPOSE

Parking on UConn’s Storrs and Regional campuses is limited and in high demand.  Parking privileges must therefore be judiciously allocated among institutional stakeholders and contractors to maximize the benefits to each.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all general and trade contractors, construction managers, trucking and delivery drivers and workers while conducting University-contracted business at the Storrs and Regional Campuses except UConn Health.

DEFINITIONS

Construction Delivery Vehicles: A Construction Delivery Vehicle is one that is primarily used to transport materials or personnel to or from a worksite. Examples include dump trucks, tractor trailers, flatbed trailers and shuttles.

Construction Equipment: Construction Equipment is a vehicle that is owned, leased or rented by a University-contracted business primarily for use on a construction site to perform specific construction work or specific construction activity.  Examples include cranes, mobile cranes, backhoes, front-loaders and rollers.

Contractor Vehicle: A Contractor Vehicle is a business-owned vehicle used by contractors, subcontractors, and service providers specifically for conducting University-contracted business. This includes vehicles such as pick-up trucks, work vans, and company cars with business identification permanently displayed that are distinct from vehicles used for direct construction purposes or material delivery.

Personal Vehicle: A Personal (or worker) Vehicle is one that is owned by an individual and primarily used to transport an individual or a group of individuals to and from a worksite or place of employment.

POLICY STATEMENT

All Contractor or Personal Vehicles that are parked at the University of Connecticut’s campuses, or any other University property are required to obtain a University parking permit.

Parking permits and their associated parking privileges are specifically issued either to an individual worker or a contractor.  Any vehicle that is not registered with a valid parking permit will be subject to ticketing and/or towing at the vehicle owner’s expense.  Egregious or repeated parking policy violations can also lead to the suspension, withdrawal or withholding of parking permits and privileges at the University’s sole discretion.  Parking by contractors or workers at the North Garage or South Garage, or overnight parking of personal or Contractor Vehicles on University property is prohibited, unless previously approved by the University Representative in conjunction with Parking Services.

Location of Parking for Workers

There is no Personal Vehicle parking on the main Storrs campus for workers during the University’s academic year, except as specified herein. During the University’s academic year, from mid-August to mid-May, workers can request parking permits for Personal Vehicles in designated parking areas on the Storrs and Mansfield Depot campuses and the Bergin Property.  Parking permits are issued on a space-available and first-come, first-served basis.

During the University’s summer term (mid-May to mid-August), workers can request and receive parking permits for Personal Vehicles at designated parking lots on the perimeter of the main Storrs campus on a space-available basis.  University Parking Services will assign separate and distinct contractor parking permits based on availability at locations in closer proximity to worksites, most typically in student parking lots such as Lots C, W and X. Contractors should not park in off-campus garages or parking lots, public or private, while working on University projects.

Additionally, to mitigate traffic congestion and other local impacts throughout the calendar year, the University strongly encourages carpools, vanpools and other rideshare programs to/from the worksite that originate from the contractor's property or State-owned commuter lots.

Parking locations at the regional campuses will be communicated by the University representative associated with the contracted work.

Transportation

It is the worker’s and/or the contractor’s responsibility to arrange for transportation between the parking areas and the worksites when needed.  Use of the University shuttle bus by workers for daily transportation is prohibited.

The contractor may provide shuttle services for workers if it deems it necessary or desirable.  Shuttles shall not be parked on University property overnight unless there is prior approval from the University representative in conjunction with Parking Services. The daytime shuttle bus parking location, whether operating or unattended, must have prior approval from the University representative in conjunction with Parking Services.

Day Permits

Construction workers or contractors who are on worksites no more than once per week may request day parking permits for their Personal or Contractor Vehicles.   Day parking permits authorize parking in a specific parking lot and will be issued on a space-available basis.   Day parking permits generally authorize parking in close proximity to the worksite when possible and their privileges may include specific University employee and/or student parking locations.  At the University’s discretion, day permit issuance may be suspended for any contractor.

Limits of Liability 

Workers and contractors with parking permits should recognize that the lighting in parking lots varies greatly between locations and that the permit holder accepts the conditions of the lots in “as is” condition.  The University provides no security in the parking lots and makes no representations regarding the security of the premises.  All workers and contractors park and use the lots at their own risk and the University is not responsible for any damages or theft that occur to vehicles or persons while utilizing the parking permits or lots.  The contractor and/or worker shall be responsible for any damage or harm it causes to others or the property of others and for any damage it causes to University property (except normal wear and tear from use of the parking lots).

Parking of Vehicles inside the Perimeter of a Worksite

The University understands that a certain number of vehicles are required on worksites in order to conduct the work.  However, the University does not support and will actively work to prevent oversizing the perimeter of a worksite in order to accommodate daily worker parking inside the worksite.  This is particularly true when a project’s site logistics plans specify the use or loss of University parking capacity.  The parking of Personal Vehicles on a worksite is highly discouraged, and only Contractor Vehicles, Construction Equipment, and Construction Delivery Vehicles should be on the worksite.

Construction Equipment parked on the worksite does not require a parking permit.  If not in use, the long-term storage of Construction Equipment on worksites or University property without specific written permission by the University Representative and Parking Services is prohibited.  Construction Equipment is expected to remain on the designated worksite within the perimeter of the worksite.

Contractor Vehicles making occasional or periodic material deliveries or being used in conjunction with specific work on the worksite do not require a parking permit when they are idle within the perimeter of a worksite.

Parking of Vehicles at Construction Field Offices

For each worksite, the primary general contractor or construction manager may request up to three (3) worksite parking permits for Contractor Vehicles to park at construction trailers.  There is no cost for these three worksite parking permits and these permits allow the parking of Contractor Vehicles for administration of the project.  The three worksite parking permits are intended to satisfy the needs of the contractors and subcontractors combined on most projects.

For large projects, the general contractor or construction manager may need additional worksite parking permits for Contractor Vehicles associated with the administration of a project.  These additional Contractor Vehicles are intended to be situated adjacent to a project field office.  Requests for additional permits will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the University representative in conjunction with Parking Services.  Additional contractor parking permits will be issued at the sole discretion of the University.  When bidding work, the contractor shall not assume such an increase in allowable worksite parking permits will be granted.

Worksite Logistics Considerations

When reviewing the site logistics for a project and determining the perimeter of a worksite, non-Construction Equipment parking capacity should be excluded or minimized to the extent possible.  The use of parking capacity for the long-term storage of material is strongly discouraged.  If any existing parking areas are to be utilized during construction, the contractor shall take photographs of the area prior to utilization and restore the areas to “like new” condition, including the parking surfaces, curbs, sidewalks, lawn, soil de-compaction, plantings and any other surrounding area or items that are damaged during use.

The parking of Personal Vehicles at construction trailers without a worksite parking permit is prohibited.  The general contractor or construction manager may utilize its worksite parking permits for parking at worksite trailers if approved in advance as part of its site logistics plans.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

PROCEDURES

Permitting Process

All parking permits can be registered at the University’s Parking Services office located at 3 Discovery Drive in Storrs, CT.  The Parking Services office is open on all non-holiday business days, typically from 8am to 4:00pm.  Parking Services can be reached by telephone at (860) 486-4930 and by email sent to parkingservices@uconn.edu.

In order to obtain a parking permit, the University requires a valid driver’s license, current vehicle registration and proof of automobile insurance.  Parking permits are issued for a fixed term and any associated fees must be paid at the time of permit issuance.  Each calendar year is divided into three semesters: Spring semester (January – May), Fall semester (August-December), and Summer semester (June – August).  An expiration date for all University parking permits is established at the time of their issuance.  Permit holders are responsible for obtaining new parking permits prior to their expiration date when the extension of their privileges is needed.

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: January 2016 (approved by President’s Cabinet)

Revisions: 05/10/2024

Office of Treasury Services Policy and Procedure Manual

Posted on by
Title: Office of Treasury Services Policy and Procedure Manual
Policy Owner: Office of the Associate Vice President of Financial Operations and Controller
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, State, Public and Private Entities
Campus Applicability:  All University Campuses
Effective Date: March 2013
For More Information, Contact Associate Vice President of Financial Operations and Controller
Contact Information: www.controller.uconn.edu
Official Website: http://ots.uconn.edu/ 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Office of Treasury Services (“OTS”) serves as UConn’s public finance department, and professionally and prudently issues, invests and disburses UCONN 2000 bond funds, and also acts as the compliance department for UCONN 2000 and other tax-exempt debt pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Internal Revenue Service, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, State Law, and other entities. OTS’ clients include the University, the State Government, and Connecticut taxpayers. OTS strives to promote public confidence in the University’s Treasury Operations and the UCONN 2000 bonds through effective management of resources, high standards of professionalism and integrity, and skillfully acting on opportunity for the University’s debt programs in the public and private markets. These policies and procedures may apply to faculty, staff, and private entities and other on all University of Connecticut campuses. The policies and procedures listed below are not meant to be exhaustive.

Policies and Procedures

Debt Investment and Disbursements OTS actively manages the issuance of UCONN 2000 debt programs, including supplemental indenture authorization, bond issuance, disposition, bank account creation, deposits, investments and disbursements of UCONN 2000 debt proceeds totaling billions of dollars pursuant to the indentures, state law, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory requirements. For further information please visit:

Investment Responsibilities A major responsibility of OTS is to invest bond funds with the objective of realizing risk adjusted investment return, consistent with the legal, safety, liquidity, tax-exempt and indenture compliance; and other constraints. For further information please visit:

Indenture Compliance While compliance is ultimately the responsibility of Senior Management, OTS working with bond counsel and others, performs much of the UCONN 2000 debt program’s compliance function including compliance with the General Obligation and Special Obligation Indentures.

The Master Indentures are available on the following links:

Tax-Exempt Debt Compliance – Including Ongoing Ongoing Compliance responsibilities include overseeing the required IRS, SEC, Indenture and other compliance. OTS has been delegated the responsibility to make the Municipal Service Rulemaking Board disclosure filings, and performing the appropriate Electronic Municipal Market Access system filings pursuant to the MSRB and SEC rules and regulations. OTS works closely with the Office of the State Treasurer and bond counsel on disclosure. For further information please visit:

Other Connecticut General Statute Compliance Treasury Services works with the UConn and UConn Health’s Initiating Department, General Counsel, and the UConn Health, the Office of the State Treasurer, and Attorney General’s Office for the sales or leases of assets including land pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. 4-b 38(g) and the tax compliance of any UCONN tax-exempt debt (including lease financings), pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes 3-20d. For further information please visit:

Members of the Bargaining Unit Medical Leave Guidelines

Posted on by
Title: Members of the Bargaining Unit Medical Leave Guidelines
Policy Owner: Department of Human Resources (Absence Management)
Applies to: Applicable members of the AAUP Bargaining Unit
Campus Applicability: Storrs, the 4 Regional Campuses, and UConn Law
Effective Date: June 27, 2023
For More Information, Contact Department of Human Resources (Absence Management)
Contact Information: (860) 486-3034 or hr@uconn.edu
Official Website: Faculty Leave of Absence | Human Resources

 

Faculty medical leaves have historically been at the discretion of the University and administered in accordance with the Article XIV, L, 4 of the By-Laws of the University of Connecticut (the “By-Laws”) titled “Sick Leave for Faculty With or Without Pay,” which provides that “[e]ach case is considered separately and involves careful consideration of length of service, nature of illness, and anticipated length of disability.” These guidelines are intended to clarify the By-Laws and provide better guidance and general parameters to University administrators in evaluating requests for medical leave.

These guidelines are for a bargaining unit member’s own long term illnesses only (e.g. federal and/or state FMLA qualifying medical leaves) and apply only to tenured and tenure-track faculty and non-tenure track bargaining unit members who are on multi-year appointments or annual appointment with at least three (3) years of service in a non-tenure track position. Absences for short-term illness and caregiver leave, and for members of the bargaining unit that are on temporary appointments will be administered at the school or departmental level. In no case shall a medical leave extend a temporary appointment beyond its end-date. For non-tenure track bargaining members not on a multiyear appointment, leave under this Appendix will cease on the member’s appointment end date. If the non-tenure track bargaining unit member is renewed for a consecutive appointment in the same position, the balance of leave under this Appendix may be extended into the new appointment with approval of the Dean and the Provost.

A. Bargaining unit members with Less than Three (3) Years of Service (up to six months paid sick leave)

  1. Bargaining unit members with less than three (3) years of service will be eligible to be paid for a qualifying medical leave under the federal FMLA and/or the state FMLA medical leave law, up to the period provided for in the medical certification, not to exceed six (6) months. [1] Sick leave must be supported by medical certification and be approved by the Department of Human Resources, with notification provided to the department head or equivalent official and the Dean.
  2. If after six (6) months of continuous leave the member of the bargaining unit is still medically unable to return to work, an extension of unpaid sick leave may be requested with proper medical certification and is subject to the approval of the Dean and the Provost. Extensions of medical leave after the initial six (6) months provided for in Paragraph A.1 shall be in conformity with the By-Laws (as set forth in Article 8.3) with an emphasis on the bargaining unit member’s length of service and the likelihood, based on acceptable medical evidence, that they will be able return to full employment.
    If the bargaining unit member with less than three years of service is an ARP participant and is eligible to collect long-term disability (LTD) benefits during a period of approved unpaid leave, the University will not supplement the LTD benefit.
  3. If medical leave has been exhausted and no extension has been approved, the bargaining unit member will be medically separated in good standing. Post-employment benefits will be determined by the rules of the retirement plan that the faculty member has elected.

 

B. Bargaining unit members with 3 to 6 Years of Service (up to twelve months paid sick leave)

  1. Bargaining unit members with 3 to 6 years of service will be eligible to be paid for a qualifying medical leave under the federal FMLA and/or the state FMLA medical leave law, up to the period provided for in the medical certification, not to exceed six (6) months. Sick leave must be supported by medical certification and be approved by the Department of Human Resources, with notification provided to the department head or equivalent official and the Dean.
  2. If after six (6) months of continuous leave the bargaining unit member is still medically unable to return to work, an extension of six (6) months paid sick leave may be requested with proper medical certification and is subject to the approval of the Dean and the Provost. Extensions of medical leave after the initial six (6) month period provided for in Paragraph B.1 shall be in conformity with the By-Laws (as set forth in Article 8.3) with an emphasis on the bargaining unit member’s length of service and the likelihood, based on acceptable medical evidence, that they will be able return to full employment.
    If the leave is approved as paid, and the bargaining unit member is an ARP participant, the leave will be converted to LTD leave in accordance with Article 19.G. The University will supplement the disability benefit so that the bargaining unit member receives the same rate of pay as if fully employed for six (6) additional months. If the leave is approved as paid, and the bargaining unit member is a SERS or Hybrid participant, they will be eligible for six (6) months of additional paid sick leave.
  3. If after one (1) year of continuous leave the bargaining unit member is still medically unable to return to work, an extension of unpaid sick leave may be requested with proper medical certification and is subject to the approval of the Dean and the Provost. Extensions of medical leave after the initial one (1) year period provided for in Paragraphs B.1 and B.2 shall be in conformity with By-Laws (as set forth in Article 8.3) with an emphasis on the bargaining unit member’s length of service and the likelihood, based on acceptable medical evidence, that they will be able return to full employment.
  4. If medical leave has been exhausted and no extension has been approved, the bargaining unit member will be medically separated in good standing. Post-employment benefits will be determined by the rules of the retirement plan that the bargaining unit member has elected.

 

C. Bargaining unit with 7 to 10 Years of Service (up to eighteen months of paid sick leave)

  1. Bargaining unit members with 7 to 10 years of service will be eligible to be paid for a qualifying medical leave under the federal FMLA and/or the state FMLA medical leave law, up to the period provided for in the medical certification, not to exceed six (6) months. Sick leave must be supported by medical certification and be approved by the Department of Human Resources, with notification provided to the department head or equivalent official and the Dean.
  2. If after six (6) months of continuous leave the bargaining unit member is still unable to return to work, an extension of six (6) months paid sick leave may be requested with proper medical certification and is subject to the approval of the Dean and the Provost. Extensions of medical leave after the initial six (6) month period provided for in Paragraph C.1 shall be in conformity with the By-Laws (as set forth in Article 8.3) with an emphasis on the bargaining unit member’s length of service and the likelihood, based on acceptable medical evidence, that they will be able return to full employment.
    If the leave is approved as paid, and the bargaining unit member is an ARP participant, the leave will be converted to LTD leave in accordance with Article 19.G. The University will supplement the LTD benefit so that the bargaining unit member receives the same rate of pay as if fully employed for six (6) additional months. If the leave is approved as paid, and the bargaining unit member is a SERS or Hybrid participant, they will be eligible for six (6) months of additional paid sick leave.
  3. If after one (1) year of continuous leave the bargaining unit member is still unable to return to work, an extension of six (6) months paid sick leave may be requested with proper medical certification and is subject to the approval of the Dean and the Provost. Extensions
    of medical leave after the initial one (1) year period provided for in Paragraphs C.1 and C.2 shall be in conformity with the By-Laws (as set forth in Article 8.3) with an emphasis on the bargaining unit member’s length of service and the likelihood, based on acceptable medical evidence, that they will be able return to full employment.
    If the leave is approved as paid, the University will continue to supplement the LTD benefit so that the bargaining unit member receives the same rate of pay as if fully employed for an additional six (6) months. If the leave is approved as paid, and the bargaining unit member is a SERS or Hybrid participant, they will be eligible for six (6) months of additional paid sick leave.
  4. If medical leave has been exhausted and no extension has been approved, the bargaining unit member will be medically separated in good standing. Post-employment benefits will be determined by the rules of the retirement plan that the bargaining unit member has elected.

 

D. Bargaining unit with More Than 10 Years of Service (up to twenty-four months paid sick leave)

  1. Bargaining unit members with more than 10 years of service will be eligible to be paid for a qualifying medical leave under the federal FMLA and/or the state FMLA medical leave law, up to the period provided for in the medical certification, not to exceed six (6) months. Sick leave must be supported by medical certification and be approved by the Department of Human Resources, with notification provided to the department head or equivalent official and the Dean.
  2. If after six (6) months of continuous leave the bargaining unit member is still unable to return to work, an extension of six (6) months paid sick leave may be requested with proper medical certification and is subject to the approval of the Dean and the Provost. Extensions
    of medical leave after the initial six (6) month period provided for in Paragraph D.1 shall be in conformity with the By-Laws (as set forth in Article 8.3) with an emphasis on the bargaining unit member’s length of service and the likelihood, based on acceptable medical evidence, that they will be able return to full employment.
    If the leave is approved as paid, and the bargaining unit member is an ARP participant, the leave will be converted to LTD leave in accordance with Article 19.G. The University will supplement the LTD benefit so that the bargaining unit member receives the same rate of pay as if fully employed for six (6) additional months. If the leave is approved as paid, and the bargaining unit member is a SERS or Hybrid participant, they will be eligible for six (6) months of additional paid sick leave.
  3. If after one (1) year of continuous leave the bargaining unit member is still unable to return to work, an extension of twelve (12) months paid sick leave may be requested with proper medical certification and is subject to the approval of the Dean and the Provost. Extensions
    of medical leave after the initial one (1) year period provided for in Paragraphs D.1 and D.2 shall be in conformity with the By-Laws (as set forth in Article 8.3) with an emphasis on the bargaining unit member’s length of service and the likelihood, based on acceptable medical evidence, that they will be able return to full employment.
    If the leave is approved as paid, the University will continue to supplement the LTD benefit so that the bargaining unit member receives the same rate of pay as if fully employed for the additional twelve (12) months. If the leave is approved as paid, and the bargaining unit member is a SERS or Hybrid participant, they will be eligible for twelve (12) months of additional paid sick leave.
  4. If medical leave has been exhausted and no extension has been approved, the bargaining unit member will be medically separated in good standing. Post-employment benefits will be determined by the rules of the retirement plan that the bargaining unit member has elected.

 

E. Maximum Continuous Medical Leave

Unless otherwise required by law, any continuous period of medical leave (paid, unpaid or a combination of paid/unpaid) shall not exceed two (2) years.

 

F. Concurrent Leaves and Entitlements

  1. All medical leaves under these guidelines shall run concurrently with federal FMLA and other legal entitlements, including ADA accommodations arranged through the Department of Human Resources.
  2. Bargaining unit members who are afforded paid time off under the collective bargaining agreement must use such time concurrently with any paid leave provided in accordance with this Appendix.

 

G. Reinstatement of Bargaining unit Members Who Are Medically Separated In Good Standing

If a bargaining unit member who is medically separated in good standing becomes medically able to return to University employment, they shall be eligible for rehire. Rehire shall be subject to approval of the Dean and the Provost. In determining whether to rehire the bargaining unit member, emphasis shall be placed on the qualification of the bargaining unit member at the time of rehire; the likelihood that the bargaining unit member will be able to resume teaching, scholarship and service at a level commensurate with their position; and the needs of the University, School or College, and Department.

 

H. Calculation of Supplemental Disability Pay

For bargaining unit members enrolled in the ARP and eligible to receive a disability supplement in accordance with these guidelines, the University shall supplement the disability insurance such that the bargaining unit member’s bi-weekly gross pay (disability benefit plus
supplement) while receiving the supplement equals the bi-weekly gross pay the bargaining unit member would have received if they were fully employed less the ARP contribution being paid by the disability carrier on behalf of the bargaining unit member.

 

I. Multiple Access to Paid Sick Leave

Bargaining unit members may only access the paid medical leave benefits described in this policy once every three (3) years unless otherwise approved by the Dean and the Provost, with an emphasis on whether the total amount of paid sick leave taken in any three (3) year period is less than the maximum paid sick leave available to the bargaining unit member under these guidelines.

Whenever a bargaining unit member utilizes paid sick leave under these guidelines, the bargaining unit member’s years of service shall be determined from the bargaining unit member’s University hire date. If the bargaining unit member accesses the benefit a second or subsequent time within the three (3) year period from the date the bargaining unit member initially accessed the paid sick leave, then the bargaining unit member shall be limited to the remaining paid sick leave eligibility for that three (3) year period.

If a bargaining unit member is not eligible for paid sick leave in accordance with this paragraph, they still may take as unpaid any medical leave to which they are entitled in accordance with their rights under federal and/or state medical leave laws.

 

REFERENCES

[1] The term “months” is intended to mean calendar months.

 

POLICY HISTORY

Revised and approved July 1, 2021