Pre-Employment Background Check Policy

January 14, 2014

Title: Pre-Employment Background Check Policy
Policy Owner: Department of Human Resources
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Others
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Approval Date: February 27, 2024
Effective Date: February 29, 2024
For More Information, Contact Department of Human Resources
Contact Information: 860-486-3034 ; hr-cbc@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://hr.uconn.edu/cbc/

BACKGROUND

The University of Connecticut prides itself on hiring qualified employees who are prepared to work in the best interests of the University and its students.  Pre-employment background checks serve as an important element of the University’s ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and secure campus and workplace.

PURPOSE

To ensure a safe and secure campus and workplace

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to the following:

  • All full-time and part-time final candidates for employment in regular payroll positions, whether newly hired, rehired, or a transfer from another state agency.
  • All individuals selected for temporary appointments as Adjunct Faculty, Special Payroll Lecturers, Instructional Specialists, Academic Specialists, Academic Technicians, Clinical Supervisors, Graduate Instructional Specialists, and Graduate Special payroll Lecturers that are newly hired or rehired after a break in University service of a year or more and are not currently on the regular payroll.
  • Other special payroll titles that have direct teaching or advising responsibilities, or are deemed to be in a position of trust, e.g., working with minors.
  • Graduate students who are working in a teaching capacity as a Special Payroll Lecturer, Instructional Specialist, or other special payroll appointment that has direct teaching or advising responsibilities.

Prospective special payroll appointees or volunteers may be subject to a background check if (1) required by law; (2) required by a third party as a condition for the position, or (3) when considered a position of trust.

POLICY STATEMENT

It will be a condition of employment at the University of Connecticut to submit to a background check.  Offers of employment will be conditional pending the result of a background check, which may include the following:

  • Social Security Number Verification / Past Address Trace
  • Consent Based Social Security Verification (CBSV) (as applicable)
  • County/Statewide Criminal (as applicable)
  • National Criminal/Multi-Jurisdictional Criminal
  • Federal Criminal
  • Statewide Sex Offender
  • Nationwide Sex Offender
  • International Criminal (as applicable)
  • Education Verifications
  • Credit Checks (only required in very limited circumstances)

ENFORCEMENT

Pre-Employment background checks will be centrally administered by the Department of Human Resources.

Pre-employment background checks and the use of information obtained will be in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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/FORMS

Procedures on the pre-employment background check process are available at: http://hr.uconn.edu/cbc/

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: January 8, 2014

Revisions: February 27, 2024 (Approved by the Senior Policy Council and the President)

The Provost’s Professional Internship Program for Public Outreach, Service, and Engagement

October 30, 2013

Title: The Provost’s Professional Internship Program for Public Outreach, Service, and Engagement
Policy Owner: The Graduate School
Applies to: Graduate Students
Campus Applicability:
Effective Date: January 9, 2013
For More Information, Contact Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean
Contact Information: 860-486-3617
Official Website: http://grad.uconn.edu/

Graduate students are often supported by a graduate assistantship awarded for performing research or teaching functions at the University. The University covers tuition expenses for those students. In addition, the University may cover tuition expenses of students who are funded by a grant that does not cover the cost of the student’s tuition.

The University recognizes the value of supporting graduate student professional development activities that extend beyond on-campus research and teaching. The Provost may determine that the University will cover tuition expenses for graduate students engaged in other activities directly related to the University’s mission and directly aligned to a student’s academic program of study. The circumstances under which the University will cover tuition expenses and provide a health insurance subsidy for such students are very limited and based on compelling evidence that the activity supports important academic objectives, such as professional internships required as an integral component of a graduate educational program. The Provost will evaluate such activities on a case-by-case basis using the following criteria:

  • The substantive focus of the graduate internship must serve a clear public service, public outreach, or engagement purpose.
  • The graduate internship’s objectives must support the academic mission of the University and align directly with the goals of the University’s Academic Plan.
  • The graduate internship must be established as a required component of the academic program in which the participating students are enrolled.
  • It must be demonstrated that the viability of the internship program is threatened if tuition is not covered.
  • The graduate internship must be credit-bearing, be directed by an instructor of record, and must require students to produce an academic work product.
  • The paid internship experience for the student must include compensation equivalent to or higher than that of a Level I graduate assistant for the academic year.
  • The graduate student interns must be placed in a sponsoring organization that provides at least partial support for the graduate student, including paying the student’s stipend and benefits.
  • The graduate students participating in the internship must serve their internships in public or nonprofit organizations with a clear public service mission.
  • The term of tuition coverage associated with a graduate internship will not exceed four semesters per student.
  • The graduate students participating in the internship must be in good academic standing.

For student tuition to be covered and for a health insurance subsidy to be provided by the University under this program, the Dean of the School or College that houses the internship program must present appropriate justification to the Provost.

The academic programs currently included in this program are available here.

Relocation and Moving Policy

August 7, 2013

Title: Relocation and Moving Policy
Policy Owner: Office of the Provost / Department of Human Resources
Applies to: Designated Full-time Faculty, Athletics, Librarians, Management Exempt, and Management Exempt positions with faculty titles
Campus Applicability:  All Campuses except UConn Health
Effective Date: February 25, 2021
For More Information, Contact Office of the Provost or Human Resources
Contact Information: Provost@uconn.edu / HR@uconn.edu
Official Website: http://www.policy.uconn.edu

REASON FOR POLICY

The University recognizes the competitive nature of the hiring process and therefore grants the flexibility to reimburse or pay for actual relocation expenses for designated full-time faculty, athletics, management-exempt administrators.

POLICY STATEMENT

The relocation policy and procedures establishes the nature of expenses that can be direct billed or reimbursed from the University, limits on these expenses, and a timeframe of when these expenses can occur.

POLICY

  1. In the offer of employment, the University may include an offer to reimburse and/or provide direct payment for allowable moving expenses required for relocation up to the amount specified in the table set forth in paragraph 15 herein.
  2. All reimbursement or direct payments for relocation expenses are includable in the employee’s taxable wages.
  3. Designated faculty includes tenured and tenure-track faculty, management-exempt employees with a base faculty appointment, in-residence faculty, clinical faculty, extension faculty, and  librarians.
  4. Direct billing cannot be used for moves that occur during November or December.
  5. The hiring process includes three phases: interview, offer and acceptance, and move. The final phase, the move, begins the date of the final one-way trip of the selected candidate and their  family to their new residence. The move phase ends upon the day of arrival. Only expenses incurred in connection with the move phase are covered by this policy. Common relocation expenses include (where relevant, this covers the employee and one immediate family member, defined as spouse or child):
    • Transportation of household goods
    • Airfare, in accordance with the University Travel Policy
    • Car rental (through the day of arrival), or mileage at the standard IRS medical/moving mileage rate, in accordance with the University Travel Policy
    • Lodging (only during the one-way trip of the move phase, ending on the day of arrival), in accordance with the University Travel Policy
    • Meals during travel (excluding alcohol), in accordance with the University Travel Policy
    • Shipping of car
    • Storage of household goods after arrival; not to exceed 30 consecutive days after date goods are moved from the former residence
  6. Employees will be reimbursed for the shortest, most direct route available. Travel incurred for side trips or vacations en route, etc. may proportionally reduce the amount of moving  expenses an employee is eligible to receive.
  7. The following types of non-business expenses, included but not limited to, will not be paid or reimbursed as part of relocation expenses:
    • Entertainment
    • Side trips, sightseeing
    • Violations (parking tickets, moving violations, )
    • Return trips to former residence
    • Expenses related to former residence
    • General repairs or maintenance of vehicle resulting from self-move
    • Temporary accommodation in the new location beyond the day of arrival
  8. Individuals should refer to the Reimbursement of Recruitment Expenses Policy for guidance regarding appropriate payment or reimbursement of expenses related to the “interview” and  “offer and acceptance” phases. Relocation payments are not intended to cover any travel expenses incurred during these two earlier phases.
  9. The cost associated with the relocation of a laboratory, professional library, scholarly collection and/or equipment (scientific, musical, etc.) are excluded from this policy as they are not   considered household goods or personal effects. If relevant for business purposes, costs associated with moving such materials should be negotiated separately.
  10. This policy applies to new employees whose move exceeds 50 miles and who are moving to within 35 miles of the primary campus at which they will be working. Exceptions to this rule may   be made by a Dean, the Director of Athletics, or by the appropriate EVP if a) they think that a move is reasonable given the commuting distance that the new employee would be facing, or b)   the new residence of the employee will be close enough to the primary campus at which they will be working so that they will reasonably be able to relocate there and perform their duties.
  11. Relocation expenses will only be covered by this policy if they occur within 12 months of the new start date of an employee.
  12. If employment with the University ends in a voluntary separation prior to working at least thirty-nine (39) weeks on a full-time basis in the first twelve months after starting employment,   the employee must reimburse the University the full amount of relocation expenses paid by the University.
  13. Exceptions to extend applicability beyond these employees require a business justification and must be explicitly approved by the Director of Athletics, EVP, or President as appropriate.
  14. The President will recommend an amount for reimbursement and/or direct payment for the Executive Vice Presidents/Provost to the Board. The Chairman of the Board will recommend an   amount for reimbursement and/or direct payment for the President to the Board.
  15. The formula for determining the amount to be reimbursed is based on the distance of the move. This figure represents the maximum reimbursement allowed. The allowance for a move   constitutes the maximum commitment for reimbursement of University and/or Foundation funds, rather than an entitlement of the employee. The figure is also the maximum amount the   University will pay when the direct bill option is selected. The formula is calculated according to the distance of the move, as follows:
Mileage Reimbursement of expenses up to:
≤ 1,000 miles $2,000
≤ 1,500 miles $2,500
≤ 2,000 miles $3,000
≤ 2,500 miles $3,500
≤ 3,000 miles $4,000
  1. It may be the case that the competitive hiring practices of a specific field require exceptions to this policy. Exceptions that involve costs of up to 200% of the standard formula may be approved by the Dean, Director of Athletics, or EVP as appropriate. Exceptions above 200% of the standard formula or involving other requirements of the policy will require documentation of the business justification for the requested exception and these require approval by the EVP or President as appropriate.

PROCEDURES

Relocation and Moving Procedures are located here. Upon acceptance, the University’s contracted relocation services provider, Signature Relocation, will contact the employee directly to assist the employee with their relocation.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy or associated 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, the University of Connecticut Student Code, or other applicable University Policies.

RELATED POLICIES

Reimbursement of Recruitment Expenses, Policy on

POLICY HISTORY

Policy Created:  07/01/2003 (Reimbursement of Recruitment and Moving Expenses Policy approved by Board of Trustees)

Revisions:

08/07/2013 (Reimbursement of Moving Expenses Policy and Procedures approved by Board of Trustees)

11/21/2014 (Procedural revisions to Reimbursement of Moving Expenses Policy and Procedures)

02/24/2021 (Relocation and Moving Policy approved by Board of Trustees)

Separation Policy for Unclassified Board of Trustees Exempt Managers and Confidential Employees

July 24, 2013

Title: Separation Policy for Unclassified Board of Trustees Exempt Managers and Confidential Employees
Policy Owner: Board of Trustees
Applies to: June 26, 2013
Campus Applicability: All Campuses
Effective Date: June 26, 2013
For More Information, Contact Office of Faculty and Staff Labor Relations
Contact Information: (860) 486-5684
Official Website:   https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-relations/

POLICY STATEMENT

This policy applies to the University of Connecticut at Storrs, all regional campuses including the Schools of Law and Social Work and the University of Connecticut Health Center. Managerial and Confidential employees of the University of Connecticut who do not have academic tenure are generally employed at-will and may be separated from employment for any lawful reason without advance notice. Management and Confidential employees who are involuntarily separated from the University of Connecticut for reasons  unrelated to their job performance such as lay off, position elimination, or management reorganization  may, at the sole and exclusive discretion of the University, be eligible for  separation benefits in accordance with this policy. This policy does not apply to: (i) separation of an employee due to voluntary resignation or retirement; (ii) separation of an employee as the result of disciplinary action or for misconduct; or (iii) separation of an employee due to job performance.

SEPARATION BENEFITS

The separation benefits, if offered, will be in accordance with the guidelines provided below.
1.  Release
In order to receive separation benefits, the employee must execute a separation agreement and general release in a form acceptable to the University.  Typically, the University will require a non-disparagement provision.
2. Notice and/or Lump Sum Payment
At the discretion of the employer, the University may offer one of the following:
(a)     written notice in advance of the effective date of separation, based on years of credited service at the University as shown below;
OR
(b)     lump sum payment of salary in lieu of notice according to years of credited service at the University as shown below;
OR
(c)    a combination of written notice and lump sum payment up to the maximum allowable limit, based on years of credited service at the University as shown below.
Less than
 Years of Service

1 year
 Notice Period or Lump Sum Payment

–0–
Minimum

 1 year

 2 months
Minimum

 2 years

 3 months
Minimum

 4 years

 4 months
Minimum

 6 years

 5 months
Minimum

 8 years

 6 months
3.  Health Insurance:
If the separating employee is receiving health insurance through the University, the  University may extend the employee’s health insurance beyond the date of separation until the earlier of (a) up to six months (or such shorter time as the University specifies) or  (b) when the separated employee becomes employed with an employer who offers health insurance.
Upon expiration of University-subsidized health insurance, the separated employee may elect to purchase additional health insurance continuation by paying the employee and employer share of the premium as provided by relevant state and/or federal law.
4.  Outplacement Counseling
The University may choose, in its discretion, to offer job search assistance, career counseling or outplacement services.

EXCEPTIONS

Compensation or benefits in excess of this Policy may only be extended for good cause and only with the written approval of both the relevant Vice President or Vice Provost and the Director of Labor Relations.

POLICY HISTORY

Policy Created: 6-26-2013 (BOT Approved)

Vendor Code of Conduct

February 12, 2013

Title: Vendor Code of Conduct
Policy Owner: President’s Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility
Applies to: Others
Campus Applicability:  Storrs, and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: January 9, 2013
For More Information, Contact Director of Contracting and Compliance
Contact Information: (860) 486-5898
Official Website: http://www.csr.uconn.edu/

The University of Connecticut (“UConn”) has a longstanding commitment to the protection and advancement of socially responsible practices that reflect respect for fundamental human rights and the dignity of all people. UConn strives to promote basic human rights and appropriate labor standards for all people throughout its supply chain. Promoting these values in concrete practice is the central charge of the President’s Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility (http://csr.uconn.edu/).

UConn is also committed to  building a safe, healthy and sustainable environment through the conservation of natural resources, increasing its use of environmentally responsible products, materials and services (including renewable resources), and preventing pollution and minimizing waste through reduction, reuse and recycling. UConn is proactive about purchasing products that have these environmental attributes or meet recognized environmental standards, when practicable, and buying from entities committed to the support of campus sustainability goals.  The University seeks to partner and contract with vendors that demonstrate a similar commitment to these values. Selected vendors may be required to provide a comprehensive summary report of their corporate social and environmental practices.

Principal Expectations

The principal expectations set forth below reflect the minimal standards UConn’s vendors are required to meet.

Nondiscrimination. It is expected that vendors will not discriminate in hiring, employment, salary, benefits, advancement, discipline, termination or retirement on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, nationality, ethnicity, alienage, age, disability or marital status, and will comply with all federal nondiscrimination laws and state nondiscrimination laws[1], including Chapter 814c of the Connecticut General Statutes (Human Rights and Opportunities), as applicable, and further will provide equal employment opportunity irrespective of such characteristics, including complying, if applicable, with Federal Executive Order 1124b, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining. It is expected that vendors will respect their employees’ rights of free association and collective bargaining, including, if applicable, complying with the National Labor Relations Act, and, if applicable, Chapters 561 and 562 of the Connecticut General Statutes (Labor Relations Act, Labor Disputes) and Chapters 67 and 68 of the Connecticut General Statutes (State Personnel Act, Collective Bargaining for State Employees).

Labor Standard Regarding Wages, Hours, Leaves and Child Labor. It is expected that vendors will respect their employees’ rights regarding minimum and prevailing wages, payment of wages, maximum hours and overtime, legally mandated family, child birth and medical leaves, and return to work thereafter, and limitations on child labor, including, if applicable, the rights set forth in the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, the Federal Davis-Bacon Act and Chapters 557 and 558 of the Connecticut General Statutes (Employment Regulation, Wages).

Health and Safety. It is expected that vendors will provide safe and healthful working and training environments in order to prevent accidents and injury to health, including reproductive health, arising out of or related to or occurring during the course of the work vendors perform or resulting from the operation of vendors’ facilities. Accordingly, it is expected that vendors and their subcontractors will perform work pursuant to UConn contracts in compliance with, as applicable, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act and Chapter 571 of the Connecticut General Statutes (Occupational Safety and Health Act).

Forced Labor. It is expected that vendors will not use or purchase supplies or materials that are produced using any illegal form of forced labor.

Harassment or Abuse. It is expected that vendors will treat all employees with dignity and respect, and that no employee will be subjected to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal abuse or harassment.  It is further expected that vendors will not use or tolerate the use of any form of corporal punishment.

Environmental Compliance. It is expected that vendors will comply with all applicable federal and state environmental laws and Executive Orders, including but not limited to Titles 22a and 25 of the Connecticut General Statutes (Environmental Protection and Water Resources protection) and Executive Order 14 (concerning safe cleaning products and services). UConn expects vendors will employ environmentally responsible practices in the provision of their products and services.

Preferential Standards

The preferential standards set forth below reflect UConn’s core values. UConn will seek to uphold these values by considering them as relevant factors in selecting vendors.

Living Wages. UConn recognizes and affirms that reasonable living wages are vital to ensuring that the essential needs of employees and their families can be met, and that such needs include basic food, shelter, clothing, health care, education and transportation.  UConn seeks to do business with vendors that provide living wages so as to meet these basic needs, and further recognizes that compensation may need to be periodically adjusted to ensure maintenance of such living wages.  Vendors are encouraged to demonstrate that they pay such living wages.

International Human Rights. For UConn, respect for human rights is a core value.  UConn seeks to do business with vendors who do not contribute to or benefit from systemic violations of recognized international human rights and labor standards, as exemplified by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Foreign Law. UConn encourages vendors and vendors’ suppliers operating under foreign law to comply with those foreign laws that address the subject matters of this code, provided such foreign laws are consistent with this code. Vendors and their suppliers operating under foreign law are similarly encouraged to comply with the provisions of this code to the extent they can do so without violating the foreign law(s) they operate under.

Environmental Sustainability. UConn will prefer products and services that conserve resources, save energy and use safer chemicals, such as recycled, recyclable, reusable, energy efficient, carbon-neutral, organic, biodegradable or plant-based, in addition to products that are durable and easily reparable, and that meet relevant certification standards above and beyond those required by law. While UConn is not legally bound to comply with Connecticut General Statutes 4a-67a through 4a-67h concerning environmental sustainability standards in purchasing, it will nevertheless consider vendors’ ability to meet those standards in rendering its purchasing decisions. Vendors are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Compliance Procedures

Anyone who believes a vendor doing business with UConn has not complied or is not complying with this code may contact the University’s REPORTLINE at 1-888-685-2637 or https://uconncares.alertline.com/gcs/welcome.  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 given to the Office of Audit, Compliance and Ethics, who will evaluate the concerns raised and, if necessary, refer the matter to the most appropriate University office for review.

The Office of University Compliance has the authority to investigate such matters, and if warranted, recommend remedial action to the UConn administration.

[1] Wherever this code refers to compliance with federal or state laws, that term includes compliance with any regulations duly promulgated pursuant to such laws.

Policy Created: January 7, 2013 (Approved by the President’s Cabinet)

Revised: July 14, 2015

Policy Relating to Low Speed Vehicles

February 4, 2013

Title: Policy Relating to Low Speed Vehicles
Policy Owner: Logistics Administration
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Students
Campus Applicability:
Effective Date: February 1, 2013
For More Information, Contact Logistics Administration
Contact Information: (860) 486-3029
Official Website: https://park.uconn.edu/

Policy Relating to Low Speed Vehicles
This policy supersedes Utility Cart Policy 4/11/2008

1. Introduction

This policy establishes requirements for the procurement, maintenance and operation of golf carts and other low speed vehicles (hereinafter “LSVs”) (i.e., “Club Cars,” “Golf Carts,” “Cushman Carts,” and comparable utility vehicles) on the grounds of the University of Connecticut.

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles does not register LSVs. Effective with the enactment of Section 14-300g of the Connecticut General Statutes, the traffic authority of a city, town, or borough may decide to allow the operation of LSVs on roadways within its jurisdiction that have speed limits of twenty-five (25) mph or below. Pursuant to Section 10a-139 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the University of Connecticut constitutes a traffic authority which can establish policy for the use, purchase, and maintenance of LSVs on its grounds.

2. Purpose and Applicability

The purpose of this policy is to regulate the procurement and use of LSVs and enhance the safety of our faculty, staff employees, students, visitors, and University property. All members of the University of Connecticut community are subject to this policy including students, staff, and faculty. Employees of University contractors who utilize LSVs owned or leased by the University shall be subject to this policy as well. The policy:

  • Discusses the appropriate use of LSVs;
  • Establishes requirements pertaining to the operation of LSVs;
  • Establishes requirements for maintenance and repair of LSVs;
  • Establishes requirements for LSV identification; and
  • Establishes operator and supervisor responsibility.

3. Definition

Low Speed Vehicle: A four-wheeled motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating (“GVWR”) of less than 3000 pounds and whose speed attainable in one (1) mile is more than twenty (20) miles per hour and not more than twenty-five (25) miles per hour on a paved level surface.

4. Use of Low Speed Vehicles

LSVs may be used at the University for a variety of purposes for which larger vehicles may be less well-suited, including, but not limited to:

  • Transportation of persons with physical disabilities;
  • Transportation of items long distances that are too large/bulky to be carried by hand;
  • Transportation of University guests or VIPs;
  • Emergency response;
  • Access to areas where a licensed vehicle may have difficulty navigating;
  • Avoidance of damage to sidewalks, landscaping or other property that may occur with traditional licensed road-use vehicles; and
  • Landscape, maintenance and agricultural use.

5. Operator Requirements

All operators of LSVs shall meet the following requirements before operating an LSV on the grounds of the University of Connecticut:

  • Operators must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and be at least eighteen (18) years of age. Approved operators shall immediately notify their supervisor if and when their driver’s license is suspended or revoked. Operators who are contractor employees shall immediately notify their supervisor if their driver’s license is suspended or revoked.
  • Operators shall have knowledge of and comply with the state of Connecticut motor vehicle laws;
  • Employees of University contractors may not operate University-owned or leased LSVs unless the contractor, in an existing agreement with the University, is contractually obligated to indemnify the University against all suits, actions, claims, demands and liabilities arising out of or in connection with the operation of the LSVs or has signed a separate indemnification agreement obligating it to do so.
  • Contractors/vendors may not operate University-owned or leased LSVs unless and until they have signed a copy of the “Low Speed Vehicle Operator Acknowledgment” form, available on the web at https://transpo.uconn.edu/low-speed-vehicles/.
  • undergraduate students may operate LSVs with the following additional restrictions:

° Undergraduate students assigned to operate LSVs must be employed by the University through the Office of Student Employment.

° Undergraduate students operating LSVs will be subject to all the requirements of the LSV Policy applicable to University employees.

° In addition, students will be subject to the University Student Code of Conduct. Any violations will be reported to the Office of Community Standards.

Volunteers, visitors, and all other individuals shall not be permitted to operate LSVs on University grounds.

6. Safety Devices

Each LSV shall be equipped with:

  • a horn and an automatic audible back up warning device;
  • a flag that is positioned to assist operators of motor vehicles in observing the location and operation of such LSV;
  • a side and rear view mirror;
  • a flashing yellow hazard light on the top of those LSVs equipped with cabs;
  • electric wipers on LSVs equipped with windshields;
  • a window defroster/defogger on LSVs equipped with windshields; and
  • a three point seat belt or a lap belt.

LSVs shall not be modified in any manner that affects the manufacturer’s recommended mode of operation, speed or safety of the vehicle without the manufacturer’s prior written approval.

Any person who operates an LSV in violation of these requirements, in violation of any insurance requirement, or in violation of any other condition or limitation established by the local traffic authority shall have committed an infraction.

7. Vehicle Operating Standards

The following standards shall apply to the operation of LSVs on University property:

  • The operator of any LSV shall carry his or her valid Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license while operating such LSV.
  • Operation of LSVs shall be limited to daylight hours.
  • No LSV shall be operated on any street or highway where the posted speed limit is more than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.
  • The speed limit for LSVs operating on pedestrian ways and bike ways shall be five (5) MPH. LSVs shall be operated at speeds not greater than fifteen (15) MPH on roadways, and shall be operated at lesser speeds as conditions dictate.
  • Operators shall consider the terrain, weather conditions, visibility, and existing pedestrian and other vehicular traffic which may affect the safe operation of the vehicle.
  • Although LSVs may be operated off-road when being used for official business, they should be operated on roadways or walkways whenever possible. When operated off- road, LSVs shall be operated at low speeds (not exceeding five (5) MPH) that allow stopping time in the event of unexpected pedestrians or other obstacles.
  • Operators shall stop at all blind intersections. They will also stop when rounding the corners of buildings when the LSV is being operated off-road or on walkways.
  • Pedestrians shall be given the right-of-way at all times. LSVs shall be operated with the utmost courtesy, care, and consideration for the safety of pedestrians.
  • LSV operators shall be diligent and pay particular attentions to the needs of disabled persons, as limitations in vision, hearing and/or mobility may impair the ability of such persons to see, hear, or move out of the way of vehicles.
  • Operators shall be responsible for the security of the ignition key while an LSV is assigned to them. Anytime an LSV is unattended, the key shall be removed from the ignition and kept in the possession of the authorized operator.
  • LSV operators shall not be permitted to drive while wearing devices that impede hearing, such as stereo headsets or earplugs. LSV operators shall not talk on the phone or text while driving.
  • LSV operators may cross roadways only at intersections or at pedestrian crosswalks by slowly driving alongside the pedestrian crosswalk. LSVs shall only cross roadways in areas that are clearly visible from all directions. During low light conditions, LSVs shall cross only in well-lighted areas.
  • LSV operators shall come to a complete stop before crossing a roadway or proceeding through intersecting sidewalks or other areas that may have blind spots.
  • All passengers shall be seated in seats designed for such use. No passenger shall be allowed to be transported on the bed, back or side of the LSV except for medical emergency transportation.
  • LSVs shall never carry more passengers than the number of seat belts in the vehicle, except for medical emergency transportation.
  • LSVs shall not be parked:
    ° in handicap accessible or otherwise reserved spaces;
    ° on any walkway that constitutes a pedestrian travel route except when temporarily parked on walkways while the operator is performing work-related duties inside the building; or
    ° in such a way that blocks any building entrance or exit.

8. Department Administrative Responsibilities

Department supervisors shall:

  • Advise each employee under his or her supervision who operates an LSV of this policy.
  • Arrange for all operators to review the pertinent LSV owner’s manual and receive appropriate hands-on training prior to operating an LSV.
  • Obtain from each operator a fully-executed copy of the “Low Speed Vehicle Operator Acknowledgment” form https://transpo.uconn.edu/low-speed-vehicles/ and a copy of the driver’s license for each person operating an LSV on University property; and
  • Send a copy of the fully-executed “Low Speed Vehicle Operator Acknowledgment Form” to University Transportation Services, attention Erin Lirot (or her successor in office), at 3 N. Hillside Road, U-6199, Storrs, CT 06269-6199.

9. Procurement

University Departments seeking information about purchasing an LSV shall be directed to the Supervisor at the Motor Pool at (860) 486-3029.

LSVs are considered part of the University fleet and in general fall under Motor Pool policies. Accordingly,

  • If the LSV ordered is replacing another within the same department, the Department Head is responsible for coordinating with the Manager of Motor Pool and the Purchasing Department to obtain the proper identification markings and logo.
  • A new purchase which will replace an existing LSV should so state on the purchase order.
  • Additions to the fleet shall be approved by the Director of Logistic Administration and reviewed by the Supervisor of the Motor Pool.
  • All LSVs shall be ordered with four (4) keys. The Motor Pool shall retain a key to each University vehicle.
  • All new LSVs shall be delivered to the Motor Pool.
  • The Motor Pool shall get the ‘Receiving’ copy of the purchase order (which should include a complete list of all options and specifications).
  • Trade-in LSVs shall be so identified on the purchase order, which shall also include: the UConn ID number, year, make and model, trade-in allowance, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

10. Signage on Low Speed Vehicles

It shall be the responsibility of the Motor Pool to install the standard Oak Leaf –UCONN Logo on the doors of all new vehicles that come through Motor Pool.

11. Maintenance Responsibilities

  • Each LSV operator shall be responsible for providing timely notification of any safety and/or maintenance concern to his or her supervisor.
  • Supervisors shall be responsible for arranging for the timely repair of the LSV when problems are reported. If timely repairs cannot be made, the LSV shall be taken out of service until the repairs are completed. All maintenance and repairs to University-owned LSVs shall be administered by the University of Connecticut Motor Pool, located at 9 N. Hillside Road, Unit 3016 Storrs, Connecticut (phone: 860-486-3029).
  • Individuals operating LSVs shall be responsible for thecleaning and non-mechanical maintenance of the vehicles.

The department to which the LSV is assigned shall be responsible for maintenance of the LSV and the cost of such maintenance. (See above maintenance and repair information.)

12. Accident Reporting

Any accident involving an LSV shall be reported to the operator’s supervisor, or, if the operator is a contractor employee, to their supervisor and the University’s Project Manager. The supervisor or the University’s Project Manager, shall contact Transportation Services at (860) 486-6092 within forty-eight (48) hours of the accident, regardless of fault, and whether or not the accident has resulted in damage or personal injury. The supervisor or the University’s Project Manager shall also complete an accident report at www.transpo.uconn.edu.

Low Speed Vehicle Operator Acknowledgment Form can be accessed at: https://transpo.uconn.edu/low-speed-vehicles/

Provost’s Policy on Faculty Leaves

December 19, 2012

Title: Provost’s Policy on Faculty Leaves
Policy Owner: Office of the Provost
Applies to: Faculty
Campus Applicability: All Campuses, including UConn Health
Effective Date: July 13, 2015
For More Information, Contact Office of the Provost
Contact Information: (860) 486-4037
Official Website: http://provost.uconn.edu/

Please see the following July 13, 2015, memo from Provost Mun Choi regarding Faculty Leaves and proper administrative notification: Administrative Notification of Faculty Leaves, July 13, 2015.

Missing Student Policy

September 5, 2012

Title: Missing Student Policy
Policy Owner: UConn Police Department
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Students
Campus Applicability:  Storrs
Effective Date: August 18, 2016
For More Information, Contact Deputy Chief Maggie Silver
Contact Information: 860-486-4800
Official Website: http://www.police.uconn.edu/

If a member of the university community has reason to believe that a student is missing, whether or not the student resides on campus, all possible efforts will be made to locate the student to determine his or her state of health and well-being through the collaboration of UConn Police, Dean of Students Office, Residential Life staff, and local law enforcement.

At the beginning of each year or upon matriculation, all students are given the opportunity to identify an individual to be contacted by the University in case of emergency.

This contact information is subject to the University’s FERPA Policy. (See: http://policy.uconn.edu/?p=368).

In addition, consistent with Clery Act requirements, all students living in on-campus housing are also given the option each year, or upon moving into on-campus housing, to designate a confidential contact for use in case the student is reported missing.  Although the same contact may be provided for both purposes, by law the missing student contact is distinct from the general emergency contact provided by all students, and is held to a higher standard of confidentiality than the general emergency contact.  It will be accessible only to authorized University personnel, and disclosed only to law enforcement personnel in furtherance of an investigation.  To help ensure timely and complete notification and investigation of all missing student situations, confidential missing student contact should be provided or updated at: https://student.studentadmin.uconn.edu/psp/CSPR/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/CC_PORTFOLIO.SS_CC_EMERG_CNTCT.GBL.

If a member of the university community has reason to believe that any student is missing they should immediately contact UConn Police at 860-486-4800.  

In missing persons cases, time is of the essence. Hence, we urge the community to contact UConn Police immediately upon suspicion that an individual is missing.  The UConn Police Department is committed to begin an investigation upon the first report.

The UConn Police department will initiate formal investigation or contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

UConn Police will communicate and collaborate as appropriate with one or both of the following departments:

  • Dean of Students Office at (860) 486-3426
  • Residential Life Staff at (860) 486-9000

Within 24 hours of the determination that a residential student is a missing person, UConn Police will:

  • Notify the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction, if other than UConn Police;
  • Notify the student’s designated missing person contact;
  • If the student is under the age of 18 years and is not emancipated, notify the student’s custodial parent or guardian

However, if the student is under 18 and is not an emancipated individual, UConn Police will notify the student parent or guardian as well as any other designated missing person contact.

 

Credit Hour

August 22, 2012

Title: Credit Hour
Policy Owner: Office of the Provost
Applies to: Students
Campus Applicability: All Campuses, including UConn Health
Effective Date: August 15, 2012
For More Information, Contact Office of the Provost
Contact Information: (860) 486-4037
Official Website: http://provost.uconn.edu/

The University of Connecticut, as mandated by the U.S. Department of Education and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and following Federal regulation, defines a credit hour as an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutional established equivalence that reasonably approximates not less than –

(1) One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for one semester or the equivalent number of hours of instructional and out of class work for shorter sessions (e.g. summer); or

(2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Instruction and out of class work increase commensurately, for courses consisting of two, three, four, five or more credit hours.

 

Policy Created: August 15, 2012 (Approved by President’s Cabinet)

Parking and Vehicles on the Grounds of the University of Connecticut, Rules and Regulations for the Control of

August 21, 2012

Title: Rules and Regulations for Control of Parking and Vehicles on the Grounds of the University of Connecticut
Policy Owner: Transportation, Logistics, and Parking Services
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Students, Visitors
Campus Applicability:  Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: July 11, 2017
For More Information, Contact Transportation, Logistics and Parking Services
Contact Information: (860) 486- 3628
Official Website: https://park.uconn.edu/

The complete Rules and Regulations for the Control of Parking and Vehicles on Campus (Revised 11.21.18) are available in PDF.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on August 8, 2012.

Revised July 11, 2017 and approved by the President’s Cabinet.