Employment Policies

Nepotism Policy

The University allows the employment of relatives in the same administrative or academic units so long as:

• one relative does not participate in making recommendations or decisions affecting the appointment, retention, work assignments, promotion, demotion, performance appraisal, or salary of the other relative; and
• the work unit is sufficiently large that the employment of relatives does not adversely impact other employees in the unit.

No preferential treatment of a relative can be used to deny equal opportunity to other employees. Furthermore, any relative hired by the University must meet normal faculty or employee selection qualifications. For purposes of this policy, "relative" means spouse, state registered domestic partner, legally domiciled adult, mother or father, mother-in-law or father-in-law, son or daughter, brother or sister, son-in-law or daughter-in-law, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent or grandchild.

Electronic Media Use

The University maintains standards and expectations for employee use of telephones, electronic mail, and Internet access. Violations of these standards will result in corrective action. Information about these standards is available on the Office of Information Technology website at Computer Acceptable Use Policy.

Emergency Procedure

The University is committed to providing for the safety, security, and welfare of the entire campus community. Campus Public Safety is primarily responsible for meeting this commitment including handling emergencies. In case of an emergency:

• Go to a campus telephone and dial 5-911 for Campus Public Safety.
• Indicate the nature of the emergency; give your name, title or position, and the location from which you are calling.
• Stay on the line to answer any questions. Campus Public Safety will initiate the appropriate action in response to your call.

There are some emergencies that demand an immediate response from the Seattle Police, Fire, or Medical Aid Unit(s). Examples of these situations are:

• A life-threatening situation
• A significant crime in progress
• A suspect involved in a significant crime is still on the scene or has just fled the scene
• Fire, or indication of fire, or other threat of imminent serious property loss.

In the case of an emergency requiring an immediate response by Seattle Police, Fire, or Medical Aid Unit(s):

• Go to the nearest campus telephone and dial 9-911
• Indicate the nature of the emergency and immediate assistance you want
• Give your name and the exact location from which you are calling.
• Stay on the line to answer any questions the 911 Operator may ask. Be prepared to give the telephone number from which you are calling, or, if unknown, the University's telephone number (206) 296-6000.
• When your call to the 911 Operator is completed, hang up and dial 5-911 to notify Campus Public Safety of the nature of the emergency and the action you have taken. Campus Public Safety will coordinate Police, Fire, or Medical Aid Unit(s) response.

Disaster Emergency Plans

Emergency Evacuation Plan of a Campus Building

• Evacuate whenever a fire alarm sounds, a Campus Public Safety Officer informs you to evacuate, or Campus Public Safety issues a written notice advising all persons to evacuate the building. Building personnel should ensure other building occupants are aware of the evacuation request and help all building occupants to leave.
• Proceed calmly to the nearest fire exit. While exiting close all doors and turn out all lights if possible. Do not attempt to use elevators.
• Exit the building at the base of the fire stairway. Move to the nearest campus mall and proceed 300 feet away from the building. In adverse weather, building occupants can proceed to the first floor of the Lemieux Library, which is open twenty-four (24) hours a day.

Disabled Occupants

If a disabled occupant is unable to exit a building unassisted, building personnel should assist the individual(s) to the nearest fire exit landing. Telephone Campus Public Safety at 5-911 or send a runner to Campus Public Safety at the University Services Building and advise the location of the disabled occupant. Transporting of disabled individuals should be avoided until emergency personnel arrive unless imminent life-threatening conditions exist in close proximity.

Campus Wide Evacuation Plan

• Evacuate your building through the nearest fire exit and go to the Campus Evacuation Camp at the East Intramural Field (Championship Field). Register upon arrival so that your welfare is known.
• Bring any available first aid kit, keys, needed personal items, medication, eyeglasses, etc. with you to the Campus Evacuation Camp.
• Once at the East Intramural Field (Championship Field) Campus Public Safety staff will coordinate the Evacuation Camp.
• Do not attempt to leave the campus immediately. Trying to drive and/or walk long distances after a major disaster is most likely futile due to debris and other hazards.

During An Earthquake on Campus

• Stay calm; do not panic.
• If you are outdoors, go to an open space. Move away from buildings, poles, and power lines.
• If you are inside, stay there. Do not run outside.
• Move away from the windows and large pieces of glass or mirrors.
• Crouch under a sturdy desk or table, or stand in a doorway.
• Do not use the elevator.
• Expect fire alarms and/or sprinkler systems to activate.

After An Earthquake on Campus

• Before moving, check to see if you are injured. Look for any smoke or fire.
• Check people around you for injuries. If there are any serious injuries, do not attempt to move the person unless he is in immediate danger.
• Do not light a match or lighter, as there may be gas leaks. If possible, make sure all electrical items are shut off.
• Use telephones to report emergencies to 5-911 (if on campus), or send a runner to report injuries and fire to Campus Public Safety at the University Services Building.
• Exit building through fire exit ways.
• Watch for falling objects, broken sidewalks, and any dangerous conditions.

What Can You Do?

• Be as prepared as possible. Know what to do and where to go if a significant disaster occurs. Assess your office/room for objects that may fall and place heavy items down low.
• Prepare or purchase a disaster kit for your personal welfare.
• Take training courses in CPR and First Aid.
• Establish an out-of-state contact you can call so family and friends can make sure you are okay. Long distance numbers are more available during disasters than local numbers.

Suspended Operations

The President of the University may suspend the operation of all or any portion of the University in an emergency situation. The University will operate under emergency conditions during civil disturbances, riots, electrical or mechanical shutdown, severe weather conditions, or other similar situations. Temporary emergency conditions exist until normal operations can be resumed. The Provost may suspend classes while keeping the administrative offices of the University open. Employees are expected to work if offices are open.

Notification of Suspended Operations

Employees affected by suspended operations are given prior notice when possible. All employees are notified through the radio and television media on stations KIRO, KOMO, KING, KUOW and KPLU radio and KCPQ-TV and Northwest Cable News, or by calling the university's Campus Events and Emergency Hotline (296-2200) in the early morning when suspension of university operations is questionable. The Hotline will also carry closure announcements and information about any scheduled programs or activities that will be affected. Closure notices will be posted on the Seattle University public website.

Each employee is responsible to listen to the radio or call into the university to find out if operations are suspended.

Compensation during Suspended Operations

Employees are paid regular wages during the time the University's operations are suspended. The University administration determines if compensation continues during an extended suspension.

Campus Cards

The University requires all employees to have a University Campus Card ID. Employees will need to use their Campus Card to access facilities and copy machines as well as take advantage of amenities such as the library, the bookstore, on-campus dining locations and the Redhawk Center. Permanent, temporary and replacement cards are issued at SUpercopy in PAVL 010. Campus Cards must be returned on separation from the University.

Change of Information

Employees are responsible for notifying HR of changes in address, telephone number, or tax status.

Keys

Keys may be given to the appropriate employee for their office, classroom, and/or building. Key authorization forms are available in Campus Public Safety. Under no circumstances may an individual have keys duplicated or permit them to be duplicated. Keys must be returned on separation from the University.

Thefts and Damage

All thefts of or damage to University property by any person must be reported promptly to Campus Public Safety. A report form is available in that office.

Parking

Parking permits and a copy of current parking regulations can be obtained from Campus Public Safety.

Conflict of Interest/Use of University Equipment

The University expects from all employees professional conduct consistent with the University's values and operating standards. The University's assets (including offices, equipment, and confidential information) are intended to support University business purposes. While on University property, employees are prohibited from engaging in personal business enterprise activities for profit. To do so will place the University's not-for-profit status at risk.

Employees are responsible for the care and security of University equipment while under their control. Employees must limit their use of University supplies and equipment (assets) both on and off-campus to official activities and functions of the University. Departments must keep a current record of property located off-campus in the form of descriptions, inventory identification numbers, period of time and location of property taken off-campus, and the person(s) accountable for the property. University policy prohibits the use of University assets for personal use without the proper documentation and/or written authorization by the area Vice President. An employee whose employment has terminated must return all University equipment as of the date of separation from the University.

A conflict of interest also arises if an employee:

• Discloses confidential information for personal use, gain, or profit.
• Engages in political activities that interfere with his University responsibilities. An employee must avoid giving the impression that he speaks for the University when stating personal political beliefs.

Workplace Violence

Seattle University is committed to providing a learning and working environment that is safe for all members of the community. The university will not tolerate violent acts on its campus, at off-campus locations administered by the university, or in its programs. This policy of "zero tolerance" extends not only to actual violent conduct but also to threats, intimidation, and disruption whether by students, faculty, staff, or visitors to the university.

This policy is intended to guide members of the Seattle University community both in preventing acts of violence and in responding to them when they occur on or in relation to the university's campus.  The Workplace Violence Policy applies to all Seattle University work locations including offices, classrooms, work sites, vehicles, and field locations.

Definitions

Violent or threatening behavior can include, but is not limited to:

• Physical acts of violence
• Using or brandishing firearms, explosives, knives, or other types of weapons
• Threatening to use a weapon
• Verbally threatening to harm another person or destroy property
• Sending harassing email messages, letters, or notes
• Making harassing telephone calls
• Using threatening, intimidating, or abusive language and/ or gestures
• Exhibiting behaviors such as stalking or similarly harassing behaviors

Violence in the workplace includes relationship violence that intrudes into the workplace, endangering a person in the relationship or others in the workplace. Relationship violence is physically, sexually, and/or psychologically abusive behavior that a household member or dating partner uses to establish and maintain control over another person.

• Imminent Threat: Actual violent behavior or a situation where it appears violent behavior is likely to take place such as a verbal altercation that appears to be escalating.
• Potential Threat: When you believe a situation has the potential for becoming violent over time because it exhibits one or more of the violence warning signs.
• Orders for Victim Protection: Orders for Victim Protection include the following types of court orders:
  • Protection Order
  • No Contact Order
  • Restraining Order
  • Anti-Harassment Order

Policy Statement

Verbal threats, threatening behavior, or acts of violence by an employee against other employees, students, vendors, or campus visitors will not be tolerated. Violation of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action, including potential dismissal. Arrest and criminal prosecution by off-campus authorities is also possible.

Threats or acts of violence will be taken seriously and will be investigated promptly by the University.  Employees who make substantial threats, exhibit threatening behavior, or engaging in violent acts on university property will be removed from the campus as quickly as safety permits.

It is a condition of employment that the university may take all immediate action that it determines is necessary to prevent or mitigate a perceived threat of violence or an act of violence or threatened violence.  Administrative actions, such as stay-away orders, interim leave of absence, work at home, and interim suspension of students, may be taken by the university with or without notice or cause.  Policies and procedures for discipline are not applicable where the university takes administrative action for safety purposes.

The University will not permit retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, brings a complaint of campus violence or serves as a witness in the investigation of a complaint of campus violence.

Procedures

Procedures have been established that university faculty and staff must follow to report incidents of violence in the workplace, or to report concerns about situations that could become violent. These procedures have been created to ensure that incidents receive an appropriate and timely response.

On Campus Incident Reporting

To report an Imminent Threat or Potential Threat happening on campus: Immediately contact the Department of Campus Public Safety (206-296-5911) or use one of the “Blue Light” emergency phones located around campus or use the Public Safety walk-up window in the University Services Building.  All three of these resources are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Off-Campus Incident Reporting (including areas on the perimeter of campus)

To report an Imminent Threat or Potential Threat happening off campus: Immediately call 911, then contact the Department of Campus Public Safety (206-296-5911) or use one of the “Blue Light” emergency phones located around campus.

To report an Order for Victim Protection

Immediately contact the Department of Campus Public Safety (206-296-5911) or use one of the “Blue Light” emergency phones located around campus. These resources are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

In all cases, employees who receive any complaint or concern involving violence, including knowledge of an order for victim protection must bring the matter to the immediate attention of the Department of Campus Public Safety (206-296-5911).

The Department of Campus Public Safety will investigate all complaints of violence. Public Safety will collaborate with the Office of Human Resources in instances where an employee is suspected of committing workplace violence. Students who engage in such behavior will be addressed in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and associated protocols.  Local law enforcement may also be involved in responding to and investigating workplace violence incidents as appropriate.

Related Policies and Procedures

• Emergency Procedures: "What to Do"
• Human Resources
• Student Code of Conduct

Hover Boards on Campus

It is the policy of Seattle University to prohibit the use, possession or storage of hover boards or similar electronic self-balancing skateboards or scooters on real property owned or controlled by the University.

This policy shall apply to all persons present on or in real property owned or controlled by the University. Real property owned or controlled by the University includes all buildings, classrooms, laboratories, clinics, venues, parking areas, sidewalks, housing facilities, outbuildings, common areas, and all other real estate under the control of the University, including without limitation all such real property owned by or leased, rented, or licensed to the University.

Definitions

For the purposes of the policy, the following definitions apply:

Hover boards or similar electronic self-balancing skateboards or scooters are defined as a type of portable, rechargeable battery-powered scooter. They typically consist of two wheels arranged side-by-side, with two small platforms between the wheels, on which the rider stands.  The device is controlled by the rider’s feet.

Information and Questions

Questions about this policy should be directed to Human Resources at ext. 5870.

Additional Resources

• Federal Drug-Free Work-Place Act of 1988
• FERPA Training
• Sexual Misconduct > Prevention & Education