| SECTION
200--JOB-RELATED POLICIES
Boston University has eight (8) personnel policies that, for
the purposes of this manual, are categorized as Job-Related
Policies. They govern hours of work, attendance, promotions
and transfers, employee grievance process, and several other
job-related matters. The policies are listed below and the
specific provisions are presented in the individual policy
statements.
201
Hours of Work
202 Attendance
203 Promotions and Transfers
204 Termination Notices
205 Reduction in Workforce
206 Employee Grievance Process
207 Length of Service
208
Health and Safety
201
HOURS OF WORK
201.1
Workweek
The regular workweek at Boston University may be thirty-five
(35) hours, thirty-seven-and-one-half (37 1/2) hours, or forty
(40) hours as established by the individual department. For
the purpose of computing payroll, a workweek consists of seven
(7) consecutive twenty-four (24) hour periods beginning at
12:01 a.m. on Monday and continuing through midnight the following
Sunday.
During the employment process, applicants are informed of
the number of hours in the regular workweek and anticipated
variations caused by cyclical workloads in the hiring department.
For exempt employees, the regular workweek represents the
minimum hours that an employee is expected to work.
As part of their job responsibilities, exempt staff may be
required to work at special University/departmental events
including but not limited to Commencement ceremonies.
201.2 Meal Periods
Meal Periods are scheduled by supervisors to ensure proper
staff coverage during the workday. For non-exempt employees,
meal periods must be at least thirty (30) minutes long and
employees must be completely relieved of all work duties during
the period. Meal periods may not be scheduled during the first
or last hours of a workday or combined with rest periods except
with prior approval of the supervisor.
Meal periods for non-exempt employees are unpaid and not considered
as time worked. However, if a non-exempt employee is required
to work ten (10) or more hours on any given shift, the University
will provide both a one-half (1/2) hour paid meal period and
one (1) meal. The meal may be provided in kind or by giving
the employee a reasonable cash meal allowance.
Boston University will not require an employee to work more
than six (6) hours without an interval of at least thirty
(30) minutes for a meal.
201.3
Rest Periods
Supervisors are expected to schedule non-exempt staff members
for one (1) rest period of fifteen (15) minutes during each
three-and-one-half (3 1/2) hour or four (4) hour period of
work. Rest periods are paid time, counted as time worked and
are non-cumulative. They may not be scheduled or taken during
the first or last hours of a workday and may not be combined
with meal periods except with prior approval of the supervisor.
201.4
Variations in Work Schedules
This policy provision applies to instances in which an individual's
work schedule may be changed on either a temporary or ongoing
basis. Such a change may result from workload variations in
the employee's department or an employee's request for a change
in work schedule for personal reasons. A change to an employee's
work schedule must be authorized by the employee's Department
Head.
Cyclical workload variations that require a Department Head
to change work schedules at specific times of the year are
communicated to job applicants during the departmental employment
interview.
Employees whose work schedules must be changed on a temporary
or ongoing basis for unanticipated reasons will be notified
as far in advance as is practical under the conditions that
resulted in the change. If an employee is unable or unwilling
to make the change in work schedule, reasonable effort will
be made to find the employee another position at Boston University.
Employees who desire a change in their work schedule for personal
reasons must submit a written request to their supervisor.
Supervisors are responsible for obtaining departmental approval
of appropriate requests. Requests may be denied on the basis
of departmental needs and other reasonable considerations.
The departmental decision is communicated in writing to the
employee.
Supervisors must notify the Office of Human Resources in writing
of any approved change in work schedule.
201.5
Overtime
Non-exempt employees are compensated for hours worked in accordance
with the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. They
are paid their regular hourly rate for all hours actually
worked up to and including forty (40) hours during the workweek.
They are also paid one-and-one-half (1-1/2) times their regular
hourly rate for all hours actually worked in excess of forty
(40) hours during the workweek. If an employee does not work
on the day of an observed holiday but is paid for that day,
his or her scheduled hours of work on the day of the observed
holiday are counted as hours worked for the purpose of computing
overtime payments. Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal days
are not counted as hours worked for the purpose of computing
overtime.
As a condition of employment, employees are expected to work
overtime as required by the operational needs of the University.
Overtime must be approved in advance by the employee's supervisor.
Exempt employees are not subject to the overtime provisions
of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Exempt employees are not
entitled to overtime pay.
201.6
Other Provisions
Supervisors are required by law to maintain complete and accurate
records of the hours worked each day by the non-exempt employees
they supervise. These records must be kept on file within
the department for a minimum of seven (7) years. They are
also responsible for ensuring that employees are properly
compensated for all hours worked, including any overtime.
Supervisors must also maintain accurate attendance records
for the exempt employees they supervise.
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202
ATTENDANCE
Employees are required to report for work at their scheduled
times and places unless they are on a scheduled absence from
work or an emergency situation causes an unscheduled absence
or tardiness.
202.1
Absences from Work
Section 300 of this manual defines authorized absences from
work. In part, it establishes the request and approval processes
for scheduled absences and the notification requirements for
approved unscheduled absences such as Sick Leave. For an unscheduled
absence, employees are required to notify their immediate
supervisor of the absence within one-half (1/2) hour of the
start of the workday.
If an employee is absent from work for three (3) consecutive
scheduled workdays and has not notified his or her supervisor
of the unscheduled absence, the employee will be considered
to have resigned voluntarily from the University.
202.2
Reporting for Work
Employees are expected to begin work on time and to return
on time from meal and rest periods.
If an employee's arrival to work is to be delayed, the employee
is expected to notify his or her immediate supervisor of the
delay and the anticipated arrival time as soon as practicable.
202.3
Other Provisions
An employee whose attendance demonstrates either a consistent
pattern of unscheduled absences (or tardiness) or excessive
unscheduled absences (or tardiness) will be subject to disciplinary
action.
Supervisors are responsible for maintaining complete and accurate
employee attendance and tardiness records.
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203
PROMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS
Boston University encourages qualified employees to apply
for open positions at Boston University that would advance
their professional careers or broaden the scope of their work
experience.
When an employee moves to another position at the University,
the move is classified as either a promotion or a transfer.
A promotion occurs when an employee moves to a position that
is at a higher salary grade. A transfer occurs when an employee
moves to a position that is at the same or lower salary grade.
203.1
Eligibility
Boston University employees who have successfully completed
six (6) months of continuous service are eligible to apply
for open positions. An employee who has worked in his/her
current position for less than six (6) months may apply for
open positions only with the written approval of his/her Department
Head.
203.2
Special Provisions
Internal job applicants must apply for open positions through
the Office of Human Resources and inform their supervisor of such
action when an interview is scheduled with a hiring department
(see Policy 102, Recruiting, Interviewing, and Hiring). Employees
applying for non-exempt/hourly paid positions must submit
a completed Promotion and Transfer Application to the Office of Human Resources. Employees applying for exempt positions must
submit a recent résumé and letter of application
to the Office of Human Resources.
A hiring department must obtain a written reference from the
internal candidate's current supervisor before the Office of Human Resources may extend an offer of employment.
If a qualified internal candidate and one (1) or more external
candidates are relatively equal with respect to their qualifications,
hiring preference will be given to the internal candidate
provided that such action is consistent with the University's
commitment to affirmative action.
A hiring department is expected to establish the effective
date for an internal promotion or transfer in consultation
with the employee's current supervisor.
203.3
Salary Adjustments
Salary adjustments for promotions and transfers are made in
accordance with the University's wage and salary guidelines.
In general, an employee who is promoted to a position at a
higher salary grade is eligible for a salary increase. An
employee who transfers to a position at the same or lower
salary grade is not eligible for a salary increase. When a
transfer is to a position at a lower salary grade, the employee's
salary rate may decrease.
203.4
Related Policy
102 Recruiting, Interviewing, and Hiring
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204
TERMINATION NOTICES
Since employment at Boston University is based upon mutual
consent, either the employee or the employer is privileged
to terminate employment at any time for any reason.
204.1
Employee Resignations
It is important for Boston University to have adequate advance
knowledge of an employee's desire to terminate. An employee
who decides to resign his or her employment with Boston University
is required to notify his or her supervisor in writing of
that decision and the effective date of that termination.
All exempt employees are expected to provide notice at least
one (1) month in advance of the effective date of the termination.
All non-exempt employees are expected to provide notice at
least two (2) weeks in advance of the effective date of the
termination. The University may, at its sole discretion, accept
or reject an employee's request to rescind or modify a letter
of resignation.
204.2
Notification of Layoff
If it is necessary for Boston University to lay off an employee,
the employee will be notified of the effective date of the
layoff as far in advance as is practical under the prevailing
circumstances. Such notice will normally be given at least
one (1) month in advance of the effective date of the layoff.
204.3
Expiration of Grant and/or Contract Funded Position
Upon hire, Boston University employees whose positions are
of limited duration (because they are funded from grants and/or
contracts awarded to the University) are informed of that
fact. Principal Investigators (grant or contract administrators)
are responsible for informing employees of changes in funding
that affect their employment at Boston University.
204.4
Related Considerations
Terminating employees are required to make arrangements to
settle all outstanding University accounts prior to their
last day of work. In addition, all terminating employees are
required to return to the University all University property
in their possession, including but not limited to their University
identification card, University parking sticker, and all other
University property (keys, books, tools, computers, computer
software, etc.).
Employees who do not comply with the provisions of this policy
jeopardize their good standing and may be subject to legal
action by the University.
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205
REDUCTION IN WORKFORCE
In the event that it becomes necessary for Boston University
to eliminate positions, the University will, whenever practical,
eliminate open positions that result from employee turnover
(attrition). Should the University find it necessary to reduce
its workforce by eliminating filled positions, affected employees
will be laid off in accordance with the provisions of this
policy.
205.1
Notification of Layoff
If it is necessary for Boston University to lay off an employee,
the employee will be notified of the effective date of the
layoff as far in advance as is practical. Such notice will
normally be given at least one (1) month in advance of the
effective date of the layoff.
Employees are encouraged to use the notification period to
explore other employment opportunities at Boston University.
Special job placement assistance is provided by the Office of Human Resources to employees whose positions are designated for
elimination.
205.2
Layoff and Recall
An employee who is designated for layoff and has not obtained
another position at Boston University must choose between
the following options prior to the layoff date: (a) layoff
with the right to be recalled to the same job if it is reestablished
within twelve (12) months of the date of layoff; and (b) severance
with severance pay (if eligible) that completes the employee's
separation from University employment. Employees who do not
notify their Employee Relations Representative of the option
they have selected by the required date will be presumed to
have selected layoff.
An employee who has been laid off (retaining the above right
to be recalled) may, if his or her position is reestablished
during the twelve (12) month period, either return to the
position or elect severance with severance pay. The selection
of severance pay may affect the employee's eligibility for
Unemployment Compensation.
An employee who has been laid off (retaining the right to
be recalled) may elect severance with severance pay at any
time during the twelve (12) month period provided that his
or her position has not been reestablished.
205.3
Severance Pay
Employees whose positions have been eliminated and who have
completed three months of continuous service are eligible
for severance pay subject to 205.2 above. Severance pay is
based on the employee's most recent date of hire and is pro-rated
for a partial year. Severance pay is calculated at the rate
of one (1) week's pay for each full year of continuous service
at Boston University.
205.4
Related Provisions
Employees who have been notified of layoff may elect to continue
their participation in the University's group health care
plans for up to eighteen months (or a period as provided by
law) from the date of layoff by arranging to pay 102 percent
of the cost of the coverage. Employees must contact the Benefits
Section of the Office of Human Resources to make arrangements for
continuation of health plan coverage. (Please refer to the
Faculty and Staff Benefits Handbook.)
If an employee is laid off by the University and re-employed
within one (1) calendar year, the University will credit the
employee with whatever Continuous Service the employee had
accumulated on the date of layoff. Credit for Continuous Service
will not be given for time spent on layoff.
Employees who resign prior to the effective date of layoff
may not be eligible for the provisions of the Reduction in
Workforce policy.
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206
EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCESS
This policy applies to all employees who are subject to the
provisions of this manual. This policy does not apply to complaints
alleging unlawful discrimination or harassment, including
sexual harassment. Boston University prohibits discrimination
and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,
age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual
orientation, marital status, parental status, or veteran status.
Any employee who believes that he or she has been subjected
to unlawful discrimination or harassment should refer to Complaint
Procedures in Cases of Alleged Unlawful Discrimination or
Harassment, section 206.6.
Boston University is a large and complex institution whose
most important asset is its employees. As such, Boston University
maintains essential lines of communication between employees
and supervisors. It promotes prompt consideration of employee
problems, misunderstandings, and complaints while providing
sufficient time for fact-finding clarification. Through its
employee grievance process, Boston University strives to ensure
consistently fair and equal treatment of employee grievances.
206.1
Communications Between Supervisor and Employee (Step 1)
Boston University urges all employees to discuss openly and
frankly their employment concerns, problems, or questions
with their immediate supervisor. Supervisors are expected
to foster and establish effective two-way communication with
the employees they supervise. Effective communication between
employees and their supervisors serves the best interests
of both the employee and the University.
Most employment-related problems of an employee can be resolved
through discussions between the supervisor and the employee.
Therefore, supervisors are expected to provide employees with
opportunities to fully and fairly discuss their problems.
In resolving these problems, supervisors have to consider
a variety of needs, including those of the University as a
whole, the individual department, and the supervisor's own
organizational area of responsibility. Under these considerations,
there will be occasions when a supervisor cannot resolve a
problem to the satisfaction of the employee. In such cases,
the employee may appeal the matter to his or her Department
Head. This would constitute the first of three (3) successively
higher levels of administrative appeal that are available
to employees under the following provisions.
206.2
Appeal to an Employee's Department Head (Step 2)
If an employee feels that the discussions with his or her
supervisor have been inadequate or resulted in an unsatisfactory
solution to the problem, the employee may initiate an appeal
to his or her Department Head.
The employee begins the process by preparing a written statement
that describes the problem, the supervisor's response to the
problem, and the reason(s) for the employee's dissatisfaction
with the supervisor's response. The written statement is sent
by the employee to his or her Department Head with a copy
to the supervisor and the appropriate Employee Relations Representative.
The employee's Department Head will promptly review the written
statement and arrange a meeting with the employee to determine
what action, if any, is advisable or required. Under normal
conditions, the Department Head will make a decision and communicate
that decision in writing to the employee within five (5) working
days of the meeting.
Information regarding the appeal of the Step 2 decision may
be obtained from the Employee Relations Representative in
the Office of Human Resources.
206.3
Appeal to Academic Dean or Vice President (Step 3)
If the Department Head's decision does not resolve the problem
to the satisfaction of the employee, the employee may appeal
the matter to a higher level administrator within his or her
organizational hierarchy. Employees in academic departments
would appeal to the Dean of the School or College, while employees
in administrative departments would appeal to an administrator
(usually a Vice President) who is responsible for the unit
in which their department is organizationally located.
This step in the University's grievance process requires the
employee to prepare a written statement that describes the
reason(s) for his or her dissatisfaction with the Department
Head's decision. The statement is to include (as attachments)
a copy of both the written statement that the employee previously
sent to the Department Head and the Department Head's written
response. The employee sends this material to the appropriate
Dean or Vice President, with a copy to the Employee Relations
Representative.
The Dean or Vice President to whom the appeal is sent will
promptly review the written statement, investigate the issue,
and arrange a meeting with the employee to determine what
action, if any, is advisable or required. An employee may
bring to this meeting a person of his or her choice to assist
the employee in presenting his or her position. Under normal
conditions, the Dean or Vice President will render a written
decision to the employee within ten (10) working days of the
meeting.
Information regarding the appeal of the Step 3 decision may
be obtained from the Employee Relations Representative in
the Office of Human Resources.
206.4
Appeal to a Review Board (Step 4)
If the decision of the Dean or Vice President does not resolve
the problem to the satisfaction of the employee, the employee
may choose to appeal the matter to a Review Board. The Review
Board will consist of three (3) members of the University's
administration, selected by the Provost or Executive Vice
President. In addition, the Assistant Vice President for Human
Resources and, when appropriate, the Director of Equal Opportunity
are ex-officio members of the Review Board.
An employee initiates this step with a written request to
the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources. The request
should specify the reason(s) for the employee's dissatisfaction
with the decision of the Dean or Vice President. It should
include (as attachments) a copy of both the written statement
that was previously sent to the Dean or Vice President and
the written decision of the Dean or Vice President.
The Review Board will be established promptly, and arrangements
will be made for the employee to meet with the board. The
employee may bring to this meeting a person of his or her
choice to assist the employee in expressing his or her position.
The findings and recommendations of the Board will be subject
to review by the President of the University. Under normal
conditions, the written decision of the Board will be transmitted
to the employee within ten (10) working days of the meeting.
The decision of the Review Board is final.
206.5
Related Provisions
The provisions of this policy are applicable to disputes involving
the interpretation or application of Boston University personnel
policies. The substantive provisions of the University's personnel
policies are not subject to grievance under this grievance
process policy.
Employees are paid at their base rate of pay for time spent
actually participating in the grievance process proceedings
held during their regularly scheduled work period.
All supervisory and non-supervisory employees are encouraged
to contact their Employee Relations Representative if assistance
is needed in resolving personnel problems. The Office of Human
Resources will provide employees with information regarding
the University's employee grievance process.
206.6
Complaint Procedures in Cases of Alleged Unlawful Discrimination
or Harassment
Boston
University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,
color, creed, religion, ethnic origin, age, sex, disability,
sexual orientation or other unlawful basis. The goal of the
procedures outlined below is to ensure that non-discrimination
is a reality at Boston University and that no person in the
University community is subjected to such unlawful conduct.
All members of the University community can assist in the
furtherance of this goal by ensuring that complaints of discrimination
are promptly directed to the departments or individuals who
have been designated to receive them, in accordance with these
procedures.
Any
employee, student or applicant for employment or admission,
who believes that he or she has been subjected to any form
of unlawful discrimination may make a complaint. Unlawful
discrimination includes sexual harassment as well as harassment
based on an individual's membership in any other legally protected
category. Boston University will conduct a fair and impartial
investigation of all such complaints, with due regard for
the rights of all parties. Retaliation against any individual
who has made a complaint of discrimination, or who has cooperated
in the investigation of such a complaint, is unlawful and
in violation of Boston University policy. The purpose of these
procedures is to ensure that all complaints of discrimination
are thoroughly and fairly investigated by authorized University
officials who have the necessary expertise.
Any complaint of discrimination should be referred to one
of the schools, departments, or individuals who are responsible
for receiving or investigating such complaints. Any employee
who receives a complaint but who is not specifically designated
to formally handle such a complaint is responsible for directing
the complainant or otherwise referring the complaint to the
appropriate individual. All complaints, either verbal or written,
must be referred to the appropriate office, as set forth below.
INITIATING A COMPLAINT
An employee, student or applicant for employment or admission
who believes that unlawful discrimination has occurred may
initiate a complaint either by meeting with the appropriate
individual in one of the offices listed below, or by submitting
a written complaint to that individual or office. The information
provided in the complaint should be as specific as possible
regarding the circumstances that precipitated the complaint.
The complaint should include the dates and places of the incidents
at issue, the individuals involved, the names of any witnesses,
any efforts to resolve the matter informally and their results,
and any other pertinent information.
OFFICES
IN WHICH A COMPLAINT OF DISCRIMINATION MAY BE INITIATED
There
are a variety of offices available to receive complaints from
students, faculty, and staff who believe they have been subjected
to unlawful discrimination.
Complaints
by Students
Students may initiate a complaint by speaking to the designated
individual in the Dean's Office of the student's School or
College, by speaking to a representative in the Office of
the Dean of Students, or by contacting the Office of Equal
Opportunity.
Complaints
by Members of the Faculty or Staff
Faculty or Staff may initiate a complaint by contacting the
Office of Equal Opportunity, or by contacting the Office of
Human Resources. Employees in academic units may also initiate
a complaint with the designated individual in the Dean's Office.
Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement may
have additional options under that agreement for addressing
complaints.
Complaints
from applicants for employment or admission, visitors, or
other non-affiliated individuals may be initiated in the Office
of Equal Opportunity.
Complaints
from students, faculty or staff at off-site locations
Any individual at an off-site location, such as Tyngsboro,
Washington, D.C., overseas programs, etc., may bring a complaint
to any of the above offices as appropriate, or to the on-site
Director of the program.
The
address and phone number for each of these offices is listed
at the end of this document. Names of the designated individuals
in the Dean's Offices of the Schools and Colleges may be obtained
from the Dean's Office or the Office of Equal Opportunity.
INVESTIGATION
AND RESOLUTION OF COMPLAINTS
The
individuals and offices available to receive complaints, noted
above, were selected to give all members of the University
community the opportunity to initiate a complaint in a place
in which they will feel comfortable doing so. These individuals
and offices have the responsibility, after speaking with the
complainant and/or reviewing a written complaint, to ensure
that the complaint is directed to the proper office or individual
for investigation.
The
University has designated specific offices and individuals
to investigate complaints of unlawful discrimination. Depending
upon whether the individual accused of engaging in discrimination
is a student, a member of the faculty, or a member of the
staff, the investigation will be conducted by the designated
office or individual with the appropriate expertise and jurisdiction
to do so. The offices and individuals responsible for investigating
complaints of discrimination are set forth below. In any particular
case, the Provost or the Executive Vice President may designate
which office or individual will investigate a complaint. The
University will ensure that no person who is the subject of
a complaint will be assigned to investigate that complaint.
The Office of Equal Opportunity, if it is not conducting the
investigation, and/or the Office of the General Counsel will
provide advice or assistance to the investigation process.
The
investigation may involve meeting with the parties, interviewing
witnesses, requesting written statements from the parties,
informing the person whose actions are the subject of the
complaint of the allegations and/or providing to that person
a copy of the complainant's statement, and/or making any other
appropriate inquiries. Before any adverse determination is
made, the individual whose actions are the subject of the
complaint will be informed as to the nature of the complaint,
and will have the opportunity to respond.
The
investigation should be completed promptly so that a decision
can be rendered within 45 days of receipt of the complaint.
If this is not possible, the complainant will be informed
of the status of the investigation within 45 days.
A
confidential record of all complaints, including their disposition,
will be maintained by the investigating unit. The Office of
Equal Opportunity will be informed of, and maintain a confidential
record of, the nature of all complaints of discrimination
investigated by other units, the names of complaining parties
and respondents, and the final disposition of all complaints.
Complaints
Against Students
The person who receives a complaint against a student will
generally refer the matter for investigation to the Office
of the Dean of Students, though if a School or College has
an established internal process for investigation of complaints
it receives against its students, the Dean of that School
or College will decide if the complaint will be investigated
in accordance with that process or by the Office of the Dean
of Students. The investigating office will take any action
that might be appropriate based on the results of the investigation,
consistent with the applicable provisions in the Code of Student
Responsibilities or the disciplinary procedures of the School
or College.
Complaints
Against Faculty Members
The person who receives a complaint against a member of the
faculty will refer the matter to the Director of Equal Opportunity,
who will inform the Dean of the faculty member's School or
College. If the School or College has an established internal
process for investigation of complaints against faculty, the
Dean of that School or College will decide if the complaint
will be investigated in accordance with that process or by
the Director of Equal Opportunity in consultation with the
Dean or the Dean's designee. If the complaint also involves
academic matters such as grades, curriculum, etc, the investigator
will ensure that those matters are addressed by the appropriate
officials within the School or College. The Dean of the School
or College will be informed of the findings of the investigation
and will determine whether further action is appropriate.
Any action involving faculty will be consistent with the procedures
outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
Complaints Against Staff Members
The person who receives a complaint against a member of the
staff will refer the matter for investigation to the Director
of Equal Opportunity, who will inform the appropriate Dean
or administrative head and the Office of Human Resources.
The complaint will generally be investigated by the Director
of Equal Opportunity. The Director of Equal Opportunity (or
other designated investigator) will provide findings, in writing,
to the Dean or administrative head, who will determine what
action, if any, is appropriate. Action involving staff will
be consistent with any applicable collective bargaining agreement
and University policies.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Every
reasonable effort will be made to protect the privacy and
confidentiality of all parties during the investigation, consistent
with and subject to the University's need to investigate the
complaint and/or implement decisions made in order to resolve
the complaint. It must be understood that in order to permit
the University to carry out its obligation to investigate
all complaints fairly, and to ensure that non-discrimination
is a reality within the University community, no representative
of the University is authorized to promise complete confidentiality
to any person who possesses information relevant to the investigation
of a complaint, including the complainant.
Any individual who requests confidentiality before disclosing
a complaint must be informed that because any apparent violation
of Boston University Policy must be addressed, complete confidentiality
may not be possible. An individual who insists on confidentiality
as a condition of disclosing a complaint may be advised of
the opportunity to consult with one of the University's medical
or mental health professionals, with whom such matters may
be discussed in confidence. However, consulting with these
professionals does not constitute the initiation of a complaint.
Medical and mental health professionals are not representatives
of the University for this purpose and are not authorized
to investigate or respond to complaints of discrimination.
APPEALS
In the event that the complainant believes that the resolution
of the complaint has not rectified the situation, an appeal
may be made. The appeal should be filed with the Director
of Equal Opportunity. In the case of complaints against students
and staff members, the Director of Equal Opportunity will
direct the appeal to the appropriate officer of the University
for review and disposition. In the case of complaints against
faculty, the Director of Equal Opportunity will consult with
either the Dean of the School or College in which the faculty
member is appointed (if the Dean did not make the decision
being appealed) or the Provost to determine the appropriate
officer of the University to whom the appeal should be directed.
An individual whose action(s) are the subject of a complaint
may appeal adverse action taken as a result of the complaint.
Students disciplined under the Code of Student Responsibilities
should follow the appeal procedures outlined in that document.
Faculty members should follow the procedures in the Faculty
Handbook. Other employees should follow the grievance procedures
outlined in the Personnel Policy Manual, or their collective
bargaining agreement, whichever is appropriate.
These procedures shall constitute the grievance procedure
mandated by the regulations implementing Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, and, for employees, the grievance procedure
mandated by the regulations implementing Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The procedure for student grievances
under Section 504 is set forth in the Student Grievance Procedure
In Cases of Alleged Disability Discrimination. The University's
Director of Equal Opportunity, 25 Buick Street, 2nd floor,
tel. 617-353-9286, is the designated coordinator for complaints
arising under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The Director of Disability
Services, tel. 617-353-3658, is the designated compliance
officer for complaints arising under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973.
Questions about the University's Complaint Procedures in Cases
of Alleged Unlawful Discrimination or Harassment may be addressed
to the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Exceptions
to these procedures may be granted by the President, Provost,
Executive Vice President, Medical Campus Provost, or the General
Counsel.
Offices where complaints may be initiated:
Office
of Equal Opportunity
25 Buick St., Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-9286
Office
of the Dean in the individual's School or College
Office
of the Dean of Students
775 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-4126
Office
of Human Resources, Charles River Campus
Employee Relations Representatives
25 Buick St., Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-4044
Office
of Human Resources, Medical Campus
Director of Personnel
Location: 560 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA
Mailing Address: 715 Albany St., 560, Boston, MA 02118
(617) 638-4610
June
2006
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207
LENGTH OF SERVICE
The Office of Human Resources is responsible for determining the
length of an employee's Continuous Service with Boston University
and the length of his or her Total Service with the University
or its affiliates. Continuous Service is based on the employee's
most recent date of hire, while Total Service includes prior
service as a regular full-time or regular part-time employee
with the University. Continuous Service and Total Service
are both measured in terms of months of service with the University.
207.1
Continuous Service
Continuous Service represents the number of months of service
that an employee has completed since his or her most recent
date of hire. It is the service criterion that applies to
all policies except Service Recognition Awards.
Continuous Service with Boston University is not interrupted
by an approved Leave of Absence. If an employee is laid off
by the University and re-employed within one (1) calendar
year, the University will credit the employee with whatever
Continuous Service the employee had accumulated as of the
date of layoff. Credit for Continuous Service will not be
given for time spent on layoff.
Continuous Service with Boston University is interrupted by
voluntary or involuntary terminations. However, an employee
who voluntarily terminates employment with the University
and is re-employed within one (1) calendar month may, with
approval of the Office of Human Resources, be reinstated without
interruption in his or her Continuous Service.
207.2
Total Service
Total Service represents the number of months of service that
an employee has completed as a regular full-time or regular
part-time employee with Boston University irrespective of
service interruptions. It is used solely to determine eligibility
for Service Recognition Awards.
207.3 Related Considerations
The Employee's official personnel record maintained by the
Office of Human Resources is the source of the data used by the
Office of Human Resources to perform length of service calculations.
Other service criteria may be used in the administration of
Boston University's employee benefit plans. Employees should
refer to the Faculty and Staff Benefits Handbook for the applicable
length of service requirements and other eligibility requirements.
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208
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Boston University endeavors to provide a safe and healthful
environment for its employees, students, visitors, and other
personnel while on University premises.
208.1
General Responsibilities
Supervisors are responsible for establishing procedures, practices,
and programs that minimize the risk of personal injury to
the employees that they supervise, as well as students, visitors,
and other personnel who use University facilities and/or equipment
under their control or jurisdiction. Supervisors are also
expected to report immediately any potentially unsafe or hazardous
condition to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
Employees are required to follow the procedures and practices
that have been established for their safety and the safety
of others. This includes but is not limited to the use of
safety and environmental protection devices when required
and adherence to procedures outlined in the Boston University
Safety Emergency Instructions. Employees are expected to report
immediately any potentially unsafe or hazardous condition
to their supervisor.
208.2
Injury Sustained in the Course of Employment
Supervisors of employees injured in the course of employment
are required to report immediately each such occurrence to
the Office of Human Resources.
The Office of Human Resources will provide the supervisor with the
forms that must be completed, reviewed, and returned to the
Office of Human Resources for processing.
The Office of Risk Management will review and monitor all
reports of work-related injuries and will be responsible for
obtaining any required medical documentation.
Employees who are injured in the course of employment and
who are absent from work for such reasons are subject to and
paid in accordance with the provisions of the Massachusetts
Workers' Compensation Law. Employee absence during statutory
waiting periods for Workers' Compensation may be charged to
an employee's accrued Sick Leave. Employees will be paid under
the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Law for absences that
occur after the statutory waiting periods have been satisfied.
Employees may elect to use accrued Sick Leave to supplement
their weekly Workers' Compensation benefits to the extent
that the employee's total compensation does not exceed his
or her regular pay (see Policy 302, Sick Leave).
Employees who are injured in the course of employment must
be evaluated at the University's Occupational Health Center,
located at 930 Commonwealth Avenue for employees at the Charles
River Campus, or at 715 Albany Street for employees at the
Medical Campus. If the injury requires emergency treatment
at a hospital, or if the injury occurs when the Occupational
Health Center is closed, the employee must call the center
within twenty-four (24) hours to schedule an appointment at
the center.
Employees who witness a personal injury or an accident on
University premises or at a University activity are expected
to report promptly the incident to the Office of Human Resources.
Employees who receive any form of communication, correspondence,
or inquiry from any source concerning an observed injury or
accident are expected to notify immediately the Office of Human Resources. Employees should not provide any oral or written
statements or reports concerning an observed injury or accident
to any attorney, investigator, or other party without first
contacting the Office of Human Resources.
208.3
Returning to Work Following a Work-Related Injury
Employees who are injured on the job may be provided with
temporary job modifications to allow them to resume employment.
The job modifications must be based on medical restrictions
that are directly attributable to the injury. Most job modifications
will be temporary in nature and can be made within the employee's
own department.
Each request for a job modification will be handled on its
own merits. Any modifications made will be monitored periodically
with the goal of assisting the employee to resume his or her
regular assignment as soon as medically possible.
208.4
Security and Crime Prevention
Personal safety and physical security are the shared responsibilities
of every employee at Boston University. All supervisors and
employees should be alert to security procedures, such as
the care and custody of keys, the placement of valuables in
areas where they could easily be stolen, the use of alarm
systems, and the reporting of suspicious persons and activities.
Employees should not approach suspicious persons; rather they
should report all suspicious persons and incidents as soon
as possible to the Boston University Police Department at
353-2121 on the Charles River Campus and 638-5000 on the Boston
University Medical Campus.
The Boston University Police Department has a full-time Crime
Prevention Unit available to assist personnel in developing
programs for personal safety and departmental security. The
Crime Prevention Unit conducts security audits of facilities;
presents educational programs in the area of personal safety,
physical security, and crime prevention; and provides information
and recommendations for promoting a safe environment. The
Crime Prevention Unit at the Charles River Campus can be contacted
at Boston University Police Headquarters, 353-2121. The Crime
Prevention and Investigations Unit at the Boston University
Medical Campus can be contacted at 638-6880.
In accordance with federal regulations, a copy of the Boston
University Annual Security Report, which provides information
about campus security programs and policies and relevant campus
statistics for the past year, is available upon request through
the Boston University Police Department, located at 32 Harry
Agganis Way, Boston, MA 02215.
208.5
Related Considerations
Supervisors are encouraged to contact the Office of Human Resources
and/or the Office of Environmental Health and Safety for assistance
in improving safety procedures, practices, and programs.
Employees with questions concerning any financial, legal,
or other aspect of an occupational injury should direct such
questions to the Office of Risk Management.
Supervisors and employees are encouraged to contact the Occupational
Health Center for assistance with the prevention of occupational
injuries and with treatment of occupational injuries when
they occur.
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