Skip to main content
This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Chapter 3359-26 | General Staff Information, Policy and Procedures

 
 
 
Rule
Rule 3359-26-01 | General information.
 

(A) The following items address policies, procedures and benefits that are available to the university of Akron staff employees. Individuals governed by the articles of collective bargaining agreements should refer to contractual language of such agreements for certain provisions.

(B) The university of Akron follows the provisions of Revised Code in adopting human resource policies and procedures.

(C) Some policies and procedures may refer to "exempt" or "non-exempt staff." The term "exempt" includes salaried staff personnel who are not eligible for overtime. Exempt staff members are not required to complete payroll time records. The term "non-exempt" includes hourly classified and unclassified staff personnel who are eligible for overtime. Non-exempt staff members, whether full-time or part-time, are required to complete payroll time records.

(D) Also the civil service of the state is divided into the classified service and the unclassified service as defined by section 124.11 of the Revised Code. All staff employees are appointed to the classified service unless specifically exempted through provisions of the code.

(E) It is expressly agreed and understood that these policies and procedures create no expectancy of employment, continued employment, or re-employment of the employee, upon which the employee may rely; and, that no services of the employee can be counted or used toward any expectancy of employment, re-employment or continued employment at the university of Akron, the branch campus or any of the university's other affiliates.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 8:26 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3359
Amplifies: 3359
Prior Effective Dates: 3/1/1993
Rule 3359-26-02 | General staff personnel policies and procedures.
 

(A) Accidents and injuries on the job.

(1) Any work related injury or illness, no matter how minor, must be reported to the employee's supervisor, as soon as possible. The supervisor will, after attending to the injury, make a report of the incident and submit it to the office of environmental health and occupational safety. An investigation of the accident may be conducted by the director, environmental health and occupational safety.

(2) Each university staff employee is protected by the provisions of the worker's compensation law of Ohio which covers expenses for medical care as well as certain compensation benefits in lieu of salary loss. For work related illnesses and injuries, medical care costs are not covered by the university group health plan.

(B) Appointing authority.

"Appointing authority" means the officer having the power of appointment to, removal from, audit, reduction or suspension of positions or employees in any office, department, or unit within the institution.

(C) Audits/position classification.

(1) A classified employee or an employee's supervisor may request a review of the employee's position from the university appointing authority. Upon receipt of a signed, written request for a position audit, the appointing authority will forward a position description/audit questionnaire. The completed questionnaire, reviewed and signed by the appropriate administrative unit head, dean/director, and vice president, should be forwarded to the appointing authority for review. An audit may result in a higher, lower, lateral or no reclassification. An employee who is not satisfied with the results of the audit may request a review of the original determination. This review must be requested in writing to the appointing authority, who may request additional information and/or perform a desk audit. After review and final determination by the appointing authority, a classified employee may within thirty days of such final notification, appeal the audit results to the state personnel board of review.

(2) Requests for audits of a position, from either the incumbent or the appointing authority, may not be requested more than once a year. A classified employee may request only one position audit per year unless the employee provides, at the time of the request, documentation showing that the duties of the position have been substantially changed since the date of the completion of the previous audit. The "one-year period" is defined as one calendar year from the date which appears on the original notification letter of the most recent position audit.

(3) Unclassified staff employees should refer to the position and salary administration program for information on audits/position classification.

(D) Breaks.

Although rest periods are not officially provided for under state civil service laws, departments may allow two fifteen-minute breaks during each eight hour day. The first break is generally taken midmorning; the second is taken mid-afternoon. Supervisors will determine whether such breaks would hinder efficient departmental operation at certain times. Breaks are a privilege rather than a right; misuse of break periods or over-extending them may result in this privilege being revoked. Unused break periods are not cumulative, and may not be used to arrive late or leave work early.

(E) Discipline and discharge.

(1) At the university of Akron, there are occasions when employees fail to meet performance standards or to abide by university policies, procedures, and rules governing appropriate conduct on the job. In order to deal with such situations in a fair and consistent manner, the university has developed a disciplinary policy and procedures designed to improve productivity and morale, and not merely to punish. The disciplinary program will assure employees of the following:

(a) The university will respond in a consistent and predictable manner if an employee violates the rules.

(b) Disciplinary matters will be handled in a confidential and expeditious manner.

(c) Employees will be told what is expected of them and the possible consequences if they do not live up to performance expectations.

(d) Employees will be disciplined progressively except for instances where the seriousness of the offense may warrant bypassing one or all steps (i.e. illegal use of drugs).

(e) The discipline will be based on facts and not hearsay or opinion.

(f) Employees can appeal disciplinary actions through the university's internal grievance procedure or through the state personnel board of review.

(2) Disciplinary action is normally progressive in nature; that is, repetitions of causes for disciplinary action or a combination of offenses should lead to application of more serious disciplinary sanctions. Some actions, because of their seriousness, represent a threat to the safety and well-being of the individual, other employees, or students or to university operations, (i.e. use of illegal substances, absence in excess of three days without notification, etc.) and may warrant bypassing one or all steps of the disciplinary procedures. The following defines and outlines the suggested sequence of the various disciplinary actions.

(a) A verbal warning is an oral discussion between a supervisor and an employee who fails to meet performance standards or exhibits unsatisfactory behavior. Verbal warnings are generally issued for minor offenses and should be considered by the employee as a clear indication that a repetition of the offense may call for more serious disciplinary action. When a verbal warning is issued, the supervisor should take immediate constructive steps to help the employee avoid a reoccurrence of the offense.

(b) A written warning is more serious than a verbal warning and may become a permanent part of the employee's official record. A written warning is issued if the required corrective behavior from a previous verbal warning(s) is not exhibited within the specified time limits, or if the offense is of a serious nature. A copy of the written warning is given to the employee and the original is forwarded to personnel services to be placed in the employee's official file. When a written warning is issued, the supervisor should take immediate constructive steps to help the employee avoid a reoccurrence of the offense.

(c) Continued unsatisfactory performance or the commission of a serious offense may serve as the basis for more severe disciplinary actions beyond a verbal or written warning. A suspension without pay can vary from one day to several weeks or months. A suspension is designed to give an employee some time to think over the seriousness of the offense and it is hoped that the employee will make a commitment to better behavior or performance in the future.

(d) A reduction in pay and or position may be on a permanent or temporary basis. Demotions are for situations in which an employee has been promoted and cannot handle the job or is no longer able to perform the regular duties in a competent manner. A removal is the most serious penalty that can be imposed and should be used with care in the event that a previous progressive discipline has not achieved the corrective behavior or when a serious offense has been committed.

(3) A staff member may be disciplined, suspended, discharged, or reduced in pay or position for the following types of unsatisfactory conduct: incompetence, inefficiency, dishonesty, drunkenness, immoral conduct, insubordination, discourteous treatment of the public, neglect of duty, failure of good behavior, or any acts of misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance.

(F) Employee records.

(1) Necessary job-related and personal information about each staff employee will be retained in an official personnel file maintained by and in human resources. The contents of each file will include: basic identifying information (name, address, and job title), completed employment application or other hiring related documents, notices of pay changes, information on benefit coverage, performance evaluations and information on other employment related actions (promotions, training, disciplinary, etc.), and other job related information deemed essential by the university. Essential records of current and former employees will be retained as necessary.

(2) Access to personnel files will be provided only in the presence of a university official, and at a mutually convenient time and place. Staff employees who question the accuracy or completeness of information in their file should discuss such concerns with their supervisor and the appointing authority. Any erroneous or improper information will be removed. Should disputed information be retained in the file, the employee may submit a brief written statement identifying the alleged errors or inaccuracies. The statement will remain in the file as long as the disputed information is retained.

(G) General rules of conduct.

Staff members should not engage in conduct that is dishonest or fraudulent nor should they accept duties, obligations, gifts or favors of monetary value or engage in private business or professional activities which conflict with the interests and policies of the university of Akron and the state of Ohio.

(H) Grievances.

A grievance is a complaint or disagreement that may result from any situation in which an employee or group of employees believe that they have been unjustly treated. Grievance situations may include but are not limited to: working conditions and environment; relationships with supervisors and with other employees and officials; and/or management decisions in the application of established procedures. Grievances involving discrimination are not proper within the framework of the grievance procedure, and should be referred to the university's affirmative action officer.

(1) General provisions.

(a) For the purposes of the grievance policy in paragraph (H) of rule 3359-26-02 of the Administrative Code, the term "employee(s)" refers to a classified or nonclassified staff member who is not represented by a bargaining unit. The term "fellow employee" refers to any university employee who has not initiated the grievance procedure but one that is participating in the process as a witness. There are no restrictions on the type of employee who may serve as a witness (i.e. staff, faculty, professional staff, or bargaining unit staff).

(b) The grievance procedure may be utilized by employees who are currently employed on an active basis, or those not under suspension. Termination of employment during the grievance process will end the grievance.

(c) The employee has the right to be advised by legal counsel, if so desired.

(d) Only an employee who is directly affected has standing to file a grievance. Grievances may not be filed on behalf of an employee or group of employees.

(e) Filing deadlines noted for any step may be extended as a result of absence of either party due to approved leave, or with mutual written agreement.

(f) If a decision by supervision is not rendered within the agreed upon time limits, the grievance will automatically be moved to the next step of the grievance procedure.

(g) If the results of a grievance by an employee are not appealed within the time limits, the grievance will be considered withdrawn.

(h) All time limits are working days.

(i) The employee may present evidence and/or witnesses to meetings; however, a fellow employee who serves as a witness must secure permission from his/her supervisor to attend such meeting.

(j) The university may elect to request that an additional witness or appropriate group representative participate in any or all steps of the grievance procedure.

(k) All discussions regarding grievances will take place in a private setting.

(l) The burden of proof lies with the employee.

(m) The individual responsible for conducting any step meeting must be provided in advance names of all potential witnesses.

(n) The office of human resources should receive copies of each appeal step as it occurs.

(o) Grievances appealed to the courts or to the state personnel board of review will be considered to be withdrawn.

(p) Grievance procedures for a bargaining unit employee are reflected in the current contract with each respective union.

(2) Grievance procedure.

An employee who may have a grievance should attempt to resolve the matter informally with the immediate supervisor. Any grievance which cannot be informally resolved must be processed according to the steps indicated below:

(a) Step one.

An employee must reduce the grievance to writing and submit such grievance to the supervisor within five working days after the occurrence of the event upon which the grievance is based. The written grievance shall include the specific matter causing dissatisfaction, a statement of the relevant facts, and the specific remedy requested. The supervisor shall hold a meeting with the employee within five working days following the submission of the grievance to the supervisor.

Within five working days after such meeting, the supervisor will respond to the grievance in writing and return same to the employee.

An employee not satisfied with the response may appeal within five working days by returning the grievance to the supervisor and indicating in writing the desire to appeal the step one decision.

(b) Step two.

Within five working days after the receipt of the employee's notice of appeal, the employee, the employee's supervisor and the appointing authority will hold a step two meeting to discuss the grievance.

Within five working days after such step two meeting, the deputy appointing authority or designee will respond in writing to the grievance appeal.

If the employee is still not satisfied with the written response to the step two appeal, the employee may appeal the grievance to step three.

(c) Step three.

The employee will, within five working days, appeal to the step two response in writing through the employee's own reporting structure. This will begin with the person to whom the employee's supervisor reports, and follow through to the appropriate vice president/dean.

If the results of the written appeal through these steps are not satisfactory to the employee, the matter will be appealed to the vice president for human resources or designee. The appeal meeting will involve the employee, the employee's supervisor, and the appointing authority or designee.

Within five working days following this meeting, the vice president for human resources or designee will communicate to the employee the university's final written decision.

(I) Identification card.

University policy requires that each employee must carry a photo-identification card at all times when on the university of Akron property. These cards are the property of the university and must be returned when leaving university employment. An identification card is issued to each employee by the "ZipCard" office.

(J) Orientation program: new staff employees.

In order to familiarize each new full-time staff employee with university privileges and benefits and the campus, an orientation program is presented by benefits administration. New employees will be notified in writing, requesting attendance at orientation after their appointment date.

(K) Performance appraisal.

(1) The university expects all supervisors to evaluate employees at least once annually on the basis of job performance. This performance appraisal should accomplish:

(a) An enhanced supervisor-employee rapport and relationship through communication,

(b) Clarification and mutual understanding relative to performance and productivity expectations, goals, and measurement criteria, and

(c) Identification and documentation of the employee's performance strengths and/or deficiencies in a variety of categories thereby providing the basis for current and future personnel decisions, including but not limited to salary increases for unclassified staff.

(2) In the event of a layoff, performance evaluations will determine efficiency points, which are a part of total retention points.

(L) Personal changes.

(1) Since complete and up-to-date employee records are essential, it is required that each employee report any of the following changes to personnel services:

(a) Name

(b) Address

(c) Telephone number

(d) Additional education and/or training

(2) The following changes need to be reported to benefits administration:

Any insurance related information, e.g., change of beneficiary for life insurance, addition or deletion of a dependent.

(3) The following information needs to be reported to the payroll office:

(a) Requested payroll deductions

(b) Income tax exemptions

(M) Political activity.

(1) No officer or employee in the classified service of the state, shall directly or indirectly, orally or by letter, solicit or receive, or be in any manner concerned in soliciting or receiving any assessment, subscription or contribution for any political party or for any candidate for public office; nor shall any person solicit directly or indirectly, orally, or by letter, or be in any manner concerned in soliciting any such assessment, contribution, or payment from any officer or employee in the classified service of the state; nor shall any officer or employee in classified service of the state be an officer in any political organization or take part in politics other than to vote as the employee pleases and to express freely political opinions.

(2) Complete details regarding political activities strictly prohibited and/or permitted appear in rule 123:1-46-02 of the Administrative Code.

(N) Position testing.

Certain staff positions at the university require that an applicant pass an appropriate clerical and/or skills test. The test will be scheduled by employment services. The cost of this test is paid by the university.

(O) Pre-employment physical examinations.

Certain staff positions at the university - law enforcement officer, day care and food service personnel, etc., - require that an applicant pass a pre-employment physical and/or psychological examination. Examinations are scheduled by employment services and are performed by a licensed physician and/or psychologist selected by the university. The cost of the required examinations is paid for by the university.

(P) Promotions and transfers.

(1) Current employees are eligible to apply for vacant positions, according to skills and interest, providing the employee meets all requirements for same. The "employment opportunities bulletin" is published by employment services for campus distribution. All faculty, administrative, and staff positions currently open appear in this "bulletin." Some positions are restricted to employees who have been in their current position one year or longer. All applications must be received by the "deadline for applications" date indicated for the position. Probationary employees are not eligible to apply for another position.

(2) Eligible employees who are interested in applying for an available position must complete an applicant update form by the deadline date. "Employment Services, Administrative Services Building," accepts applications Monday through Friday, eight a.m. to four p.m.

(3) If an employee moves to a higher level position, the change is considered a promotion; if an employee moves to an equal or lower level position, the change is considered a transfer. These definitions apply whenever an employee moves from one position to another.

(4) A transfer is not usually accompanied by a wage or salary increase, while a promotion may be.

(5) No late bids will be accepted unless the employee has been on approved vacation and/or sick leave and the department has not completed the interviewing process. If the position should open up to the outside, any employee may apply at that time as an outside applicant.

(Q) Reassignment.

The university may reassign an employee from one assignment, building, work site, task, or shift to another within a job classification. No employee has any vested claim to performance of particular tasks within a particular job classification.

(R) Reduction of fees.

Staff employees and members of their families have been granted special educational privileges by the board of trustees, whereby eligibility accrues from employment as of the first day of the semester as summarized below:

(1) Employee fee reductions for full-time staff members.

(a) Credit courses.

(i) Any full-time university staff member (or retired full-time university staff member) shall be permitted to take two credit courses or six credit hours, whichever is greater, each semester, free of all charges, excluding late fees and including instructional and general fees, graduate level, laboratory, or other fees associated with these courses. Unused portions of these reductions are not cumulative.

(ii) Any full-time university staff member (or retired full-time university staff member) shall be permitted to take a total of four credit courses during the summer semester. The credit courses may be taken in any of the summer sessions comprising the summer semester. However, the aggregate of courses will not exceed four credit courses which will be free of all charges, excluding late fees and including instructional and general fees, graduate level, laboratory, or other fees associated with the courses. Unused portions of these reductions are not cumulative.

(b) Non-credit courses.

(i) Any full-time university staff member (or retired full-time university staff member) shall be permitted to take two non-credit courses per semester (i.e., combined summer, fall, spring), which shall not affect his or her eligibility for credit fee reduction enrollment.

(ii) Some courses are not available for students using non-credit course fee reduction (AutoCAD, "Microsoft NT," polymer science courses, etc.). A list of such courses will be maintained by the division of university of Akron (UA) solutions.

(iii) All individuals using fee reduction for non-credit courses will be placed on a waiting list in the division of continuing education (with a university of Akron designation assigned) on a first-come, first-served basis, until class meets minimum paying enrollment. These individuals will pay such costs as materials, supplies, lab fees, etc.

(2) Fee reductions for relatives of full-time staff employees - the instructional fees, or an amount equivalent to the graduate level credit fees for Ohio residents, or an amount equivalent to the school of law credit hour fees for Ohio residents shall be deducted from total fee charges for the following groups (general fees, course fees and other special fees not being affected):

(a) Unmarried and dependent children of all full-time university staff while the parent is in the service of the university of Akron;

(b) Spouses of all full-time university staff while one or both are in the service of the university of Akron. Spouses of full-time university staff who are also employees may elect to receive fee reductions as an employee or a spouse;

(c) Spouses and unmarried and dependent children of deceased full-time university staff who were serving the university of Akron at the time of death; and

(d) Spouses and unmarried and dependent children of all retired full-time university staff.

(e) For purposes of fee reductions:

(i) Spouses refer to individuals who have contracted the legal status of a marital relationship through religious or civil solemnized marriages and complied with all the statutory requirements pursuant to applicable law; and shall not include common law marriages which may be otherwise recognized under Ohio law or other relationships between persons not legally capable of making a marriage contract under Ohio law.

(ii) Unmarried and dependent children include natural, adopted and stepchildren for whom the full-time employee (or surviving spouse) provides more than fifty per cent support during the academic period for which education benefits are sought and who are not married at the start of the academic period for which education benefits are sought. The employee may be required to submit proof of dependency to the university auditor on request.

(iii) The term support shall include the provision of food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental care, provision of accident and health insurance, transportation, recreation, child care expenses and other generally recognized indicia of financial assistance.

(f) Spouses and dependents are not eligible for fee reduction of non-credit courses.

(3) Employee fee reduction for part-time staff members.

(a) Eligibility: A part-time staff member is one who works twenty or more hours per week on a regular schedule and whose appointment indicates part-time status. Part-time staff who have worked at least one thousand forty hours in the previous twelve month period are eligible.

(b) Credit courses.

(i) Any part-time university staff member shall be permitted to take one credit course or three credit hours, whichever is greater, during a semester, free of all charges, excluding late fees, and including instructional and general fees, graduate level, laboratory, or other fees associated with these courses. Unused portions of these reductions are not cumulative.

(ii) Any part-time university staff member shall be permitted to take one credit course or three credit hours, whichever is greater, during a summer session. The aggregate of courses for which fee reduction will be received, during the sessions in the summer semester, will not exceed two credit courses, free of all charges, excluding late fees, including instructional and general fees, graduate level, laboratory, or other fees associated with these courses. Unused portions of these reductions are not cumulative.

(iii) Fee reductions must be used in the semester or summer session earned or the semester or summer sessions immediately following; except spring semester reductions may be used during the following fall semester. Only one reduction may be used during a semester or summer session and unused reductions or portions of these reductions are not cumulative. Qualifying part-time staff who will not make use of the fee reduction for themselves shall be permitted to transfer only the instructional fee reduction or a one course or three credit hours whichever is greater for an academic term to a qualifying spouse, or dependent child, under the conditions specified in paragraph (R)(2)(e) of this rule. Part-time staff are eligible for reduction of fees for non-credit courses pursuant to paragraph (R)(3)(c) of this rule, but are not eligible to transfer that benefit.

(c) Non-credit courses.

(i) Any part-time university staff member shall be permitted to take one non-credit course per semester (i.e., combined summer, fall, spring), which shall not affect his or her eligibility for credit fee remission enrollment.

(ii) Some courses are not available for students using non-credit course fee reduction (AutoCAD, "Microsoft NT," polymer science courses, etc.). A list of such courses will be maintained by the division of UA solutions.

(iii) All individuals using fee reduction for non-credit courses will be placed on a waiting list in the division of UA solutions (with a university of Akron designation assigned) on a first-come basis, until class meets minimum paying enrollment. These individuals will pay such costs as materials, supplies, lab fees, etc.

(4) General provisions.

(a) No reductions of residence hall room and board fees shall be granted to any person except members of the resident advisory staff.

(b) The requirements of residence in Ohio for one year before the first day of any term or semester to be eligible for reduction of nonresident tuition charges shall be waived for employees who are entitled to fee reductions.

(c) Eligibility for fee reductions for employees or relatives is determined by employment status on the first day of the course.

(d) An individual may receive fee reductions under only one eligibility category (e.g., full-time university faculty, part-time faculty, full-time staff, spouse or dependent) during any one academic period.

(e) Full-time employees with nine-month appointments are eligible for fee reductions during the summer if reappointed the following academic year.

(5) Fee reductions may be taxable income to the full-time staff employee.

(6) Employees wishing to take advantage of the educational opportunities available at the university and their fee reduction benefits are encouraged to schedule classes outside the normal work day. However, with approval from the department head prior to each semester enrolled, work hours may be rescheduled to accommodate class attendance.

(7) Time spent away from work attending classes must be made up the same day the class is scheduled. This may be done by extending the work day, using the lunch period, taking leave without pay or vacation leave, or a combination of the preceding. Class attendance during the normal work day is limited to one class.

(8) Educational assistance program (Internal Revenue Code section 127).

The university of Akron has created, as an exclusive benefit for its employees, this educational assistance program. It is the intent of the university to seek to provide this educational assistance program, the benefit of which shall be to seek to exclude all assistance provided hereunder from an employee's income to the extent allowable under Internal Revenue Code section 127. This fee reduction educational assistance program shall only extend to university employees taking courses at the university of Akron. Eligibility accrues from employment as of the first day of the semester. It is the intent of the university that the provisions of this program shall not apply to graduate assistants who may otherwise qualify for tax exemption of fee reduction pursuant to a separate university program.

(a) Employee fee reductions for full-time staff members.

(i) Credit courses.

Any full-time university staff member (or retired full-time university staff member) shall be permitted to take two credit courses or six credit hours, whichever is greater, each semester, free of all charges, excluding late fees and including instructional and general fees, graduate level, laboratory, or other fees associated with these courses. Unused portions of these reductions are not cumulative.

Any full-time university staff member (or retired full-time university staff member) shall be permitted to take a total of four credit courses during the summer semester. The credit courses may be taken in any of the summer sessions comprising the summer semester. However, the aggregate of courses will not exceed four credit courses which will be free of all charges, excluding late fees and including instructional and general fees, graduate level, laboratory, or other fees associated with these courses. Unused portions of these reductions are not cumulative.

(ii) Non-credit courses.

(a) Any full-time university staff member shall be permitted to take two non-credit courses per semester (i.e., combined summer, fall, spring), which shall not affect his or her eligibility for credit fee remission enrollment.

(b) Some courses are not available for students using non-credit course fee reduction (AutoCAD, "Microsoft NT," polymer science courses, etc.). A list of such courses will be maintained by the division of UA solutions.

(c) All individuals using fee reduction for non-credit courses will be placed on a waiting list in the division of continuing education (with a university of Akron designation assigned) on a first-come, first-served basis, until class meets minimum paying enrollment. These individuals will pay such costs as materials, supplies, lab fees, etc.

(b) Employee fee reduction for part-time staff members.

(i) Eligibility: A part-time staff member is one who works twenty or more hours per week on a regular schedule and whose appointment indicates part-time status. Part-time staff who have worked at least one thousand forty hours in the previous twelve month period are eligible.

(ii) Credit courses.

(a) Any part-time university staff member shall be permitted to take one credit course or three credit hours, whichever is greater, each semester, free of all charges, excluding late fees, and including instructional and general fees, graduate level, laboratory, or other fees associated with these courses. Unused portions of these reductions are not cumulative.

(b) Any part-time university staff member shall be permitted to take one credit course or three credit hours whichever is greater during a summer session. The aggregate of courses for which fee reduction will be received, during the sessions in the summer semester, will not exceed two credit courses, free of all charges, excluding late fees, including instructional and general fees, graduate level, laboratory, or other fees associated with these courses. Unused portions of these reductions are not cumulative.

(iii) Non-credit courses.

(a) Any part-time university staff member shall be permitted to take one non-credit course per semester (i.e., combined summer, fall, spring), which shall not affect his or her eligibility for credit fee remission enrollment.

(b) Some courses are not available for students using non-credit course fee reduction (AutoCAD, "Microsoft NT," polymer science courses, etc.). A list of such courses will be maintained by the division of UA solutions.

(c) All individuals using fee reduction for non-credit courses will be placed on a waiting list in the division of UA solutions (with a university of Akron designation assigned) on a first-come basis, until class meets minimum paying enrollment. These individuals will pay such costs as materials, supplies, lab fees, etc.

(c) General provisions.

(i) No reductions of residence hall room and board fees shall be granted to any person except members of the resident advisory staff.

(ii) The requirements of residence in Ohio for one year before the first day of any term or semester to be eligible for reduction of nonresident tuition charges shall be waived for employees who are entitled to fee reductions.

(iii) Eligibility for fee reductions for employees or relatives is determined by employment status on the first day of the course.

(iv) An individual may receive fee reductions under only one eligibility category (e.g., full-time university faculty, part-time faculty, full-time staff, spouse or dependent) during any one academic period.

(v) Full-time employees with nine-month appointments are eligible for fee reductions during the summer if reappointed the following academic year.

(vi) Fee reductions may be taxable income to the full-time staff employee.

(9) Employees wishing to take advantage of the educational opportunities available at the university and their fee reduction benefits are encouraged to schedule classes outside the normal work day. However, with approval from the department head prior to each semester enrolled, work hours may be rescheduled to accommodate class attendance.

(10) Time spent away from work attending classes must be made up the same day the class is scheduled. This may be done by extending the work day, using the lunch period, taking leave without pay or vacation leave, or a combination of the preceding. Class attendance during the normal work day is limited to one class.

(S) Responsibilities.

(1) It is the university's responsibility to manage its operations and facilities, and direct its personnel. This responsibility includes determining when and the manner in which work is to be performed, assigning such work to employees and establishing the number and size of work units. It also includes the right to transfer, alter, revise and/or eliminate any or all methods, processes, materials, work schedules and services in accordance with the needs of the university, as determined by the university. With regard to hiring, suspensions, discharge, removal, transfer and layoff, the aforementioned rights shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Ohio Revised Code, as amended, and/or institutional policies as applicable. The right to manage includes the authority to establish policies and procedures governing and affecting the operation of the university.

(2) It is the employee's responsibility to provide service to students, colleagues within the university, and the public in the most courteous, expedient and efficient manner possible.

(T) Solicitation of funds.

The solicitation of funds by individuals or groups is not permitted without the approval of the president of the university. This includes advertising the sale of tickets on campus for non-university affairs, etc. The endorsement of products by an employee is not considered appropriate whenever the employee's connection with the university is either obvious or implicit. The solicitation of advertising for any publication bearing the university's name must be approved by the president or other authorized representative.

(U) Transfer of service and sick leave.

(1) In certain instances, a state employee with prior state agency service credit may be entitled to an adjustment of the basis on which sick leave or vacation eligibility is determined.

(2) Transfer of service credit from another state agency to the university:

(a) If an employee has prior service with another state agency, the employee must request that a written verification - including service dates, status, and/or sick leave - be sent to personnel services. A separate verification must be submitted for each instance of service with another state agency.

(b) Transfer of prior service credit will be effective on the first day of the pay period during which official verification of service is received by personnel services.

(c) The university of Akron does not recognize student employment for the purpose of adjusting service dates.

(3) Transfer of university service to other state agencies:

(a) If a current or former employee requests transfer of prior service and/or sick leave to other state agencies, the employee must submit a written request to personnel services. In order to insure correct and expedient processing, the requestor should provide service dates with the university and position held.

(b) Prior service or sick leave credit transferred to the university will not affect the "School Employees Retirement System" service credit records.

(V) Uniforms.

The university provides uniforms for certain employees who are required to wear attire other than personal clothing in the normal pursuit of their duties. All employees will be required to wear uniforms provided.

(W) Voting time.

University staff members are encouraged to participate in local and national elections. However, employees are encouraged to vote either before or after regularly scheduled work hours or during lunch breaks.

(X) Work schedules.

(1) A normal work week at the university consists of five consecutive eight hour days, and normal office hours are Monday through Friday, eight a.m. to five p.m. Some offices or functions of the university operate on other scheduled working hours and/or days in order to meet the needs of the university. Each employee will be notified by the employee's supervisor regarding regular shift beginning and ending times as well as regularly assigned work days.

(2) In certain job classifications, or in certain situations, overtime work or work before/after the regular shift may be mandatory. If the supervisor requests that the employee work overtime, the employee is expected to comply.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 8:27 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3359.01
Amplifies: 3359.01
Prior Effective Dates: 9/4/1991, 7/31/1992, 4/25/2004
Rule 3359-26-04 | Absence from campus for all employees.
 

The university is committed to employment practices that promote the health and welfare of its employees. This board rule is designed to provide guidance for availability and use of leave time from campus and to outline the rights and responsibilities of employees for the use of such leaves.

(A) Definitions.

(1) 501(c)(3): organizations (commonly referred to as charitable organizations), which are organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, educational, literary, testing for public safety, or other specified purposes and that are tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) Academic year: fall and spring semesters continuing through the date grades are due.

(3) Active pay status: the conditions under which an employee is eligible to receive pay, including but not limited to, hours worked, approved sick leave, approved vacation leave, bereavement leave, leave with pay or administrative leave.

(4) Administrative: faculty service in full-time administrative roles such as dean, department chair, school director or as otherwise determined by the provost.

(5) Exempt employee: employee whose position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act. Generally these positions are paid on a set salary amount.

(6) Inactive pay status: inactive or no pay status means the conditions under which an employee is ineligible to receive pay, including, but not limited to leave without pay, leave of absence, and disability leave.

(7) Immediate family: The employee's immediate family is limited to the employee's spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, or a legal guardian or other person who under Ohio law is legally recognized to stand in the place of a parent.

(8) Non-exempt employee: employee whose position is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and paid on an hourly basis. Hours worked are tracked via timeclocks or computer systems in the time tracking system of record.

(9) Nonprofit: Nonprofit means no part of the organization's income is distributed to its members, directors, or officers.

(10) Nonpartisan: Nonpartisan means the organization may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for any particular political candidates, groups, or issues.

(11) Overtime: work time paid at 1.5 times the regular rate of pay for work exceeding forty hours in a workweek or other special conditions (such as work during an observed holiday).

(12) Public agency: The words "public agency" includes the state, counties, municipalities, and all boards of education within the state of Ohio.

(13) Sick leave: The authorized absence from duties for the following reasons:

(a) Personal illness, pregnancy, or injury.

(b) Exposure to contagious disease which could be communicated to other members of the university community.

(c) Illness or injury in the employee's immediate family.

(d) Medical, psychological, dental, or optical examination or treatment of the employee or a member of the immediate family.

(e) For use of bereavement of a member of the immediate family.

(14) School: Schools for which this volunteer time off may be granted include any public preschool, elementary, middle, or high school. This term may include private preschools, elementary, middle, or high schools only if the employee has children, stepchildren or children for whom the employee has custody attending the private school.

(15) Tardiness: failure of an employee to be at the worksite and ready to begin their duties at their designated start time.

(16) Vacation days: Monday through Friday, exclusive of holidays.

(17) Volunteerism: an outside activity that an employee has chosen to participate in and that benefits the community.

(18) Work schedules: A normal work week at the university consists of five consecutive eight hour days. Normal office hours are Monday through Friday, eight a.m. to five p.m. Some offices or functions operate on other scheduled working hours or days in order to meet the needs of the university.

(B) Absence and leave request documentation.

(1) All employees are required to submit a request for supervisor approval for all absences from campus for each instance involving bereavement, court appearance, leave without pay, military leave, sick leave and vacation leave.

(2) Each department is responsible for using the university of Akron approval process for such requests and approvals consistently. Provisions in collective bargaining agreements that refer to the request, use and approval of specific types of leave must be followed for employees covered by such agreements.

(3) Documentation may be required for certain types of absences.

(4) All approved absences must be reported on the employee's official time record. Unreported, unexcused, or excessive absences, including tardiness, may result in disciplinary action.

(5) If it is determined that an approved leave of absence is not being used for the purpose for which it was granted, the university may require the employee to return to work or be subject to appropriate discipline.

(6) The university office of human resources shall develop policies and procedures necessary to implement the provisions in this rule.

(C) Bereavement leave.

In the case of a death in the employee's immediate family, a maximum of five days of bereavement leave can be taken. The time off is taken out of an employee's sick leave balance.

(D) Court leave.

(1) Approval.

Except as otherwise provided by law or collective bargaining agreement, employees will be granted leave with pay if:

(a) Summoned for jury duty by a court of competent jurisdiction;

(b) Subpoenaed to appear before any court, commission, board or other legally constituted body authorized by the law to compel the attendance of witnesses, where the employee is not party to the actions; or

(c) Participating in any action, as an appellant or subpoenaed witness, before the state personnel board of review and is in active pay status at the time of scheduled hearing before the board.

(2) Documentation.

(a) When utilizing court leave, a copy of the summons or subpoena must be provided to human resources for retention in the employee's personnel file.

(b) Court leave should be reported in the time keeping system of record by utilizing "jury duty" pay code.

(3) Compensation.

(a) Subpoena.

Any compensation or reimbursement for jury duty or for court attendance compelled by subpoena, when such duty is performed during an employee's normal working hours, shall be remitted by the university employee to the payroll office.

(b) Party.

An employee who is appearing before a court or other legally constituted body in a matter in which the employee is a party, such as but not limited to a plaintiff or defendant, may be granted vacation time or leave of absence without pay. Such instances would include, but not limited to, criminal or civil cases, traffic court, divorce or custody proceedings, or appearing as directed as a parent or guardian of a juvenile.

(E) Family medical leave.

The university complies with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ("FMLA").

(1) FMLA provides up to twelve work weeks of unpaid leave in a twelve-month period to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons.

(2) FMLA also provides up to twenty-six work weeks of leave during a single twelve-month period to care for a covered servicemember or veteran with a serious injury or illness if the eligible employee is the service member's spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin (military caregiver leave).

(3) A "rolling" twelve-month period measured retrospectively from the date an employee uses any FMLA leave shall be used to determine the eligibility to use FMLA leave in the following twelve-month period.

(4) Subject to the provisions of the applicable policies, paid sick or paid vacation leave may, at the employee's option, be substituted for leave without pay while on family medical leave.

(5) Family medical leave, when available, will run concurrent with any applicable leave that would be covered under the FMLA (i.e. workers compensation).

(F) Holidays.

(1) The university of Akron observes the following eleven holidays annually. The dates on which these holidays are to be observed will be announced annually.

Christmas DayMemorial Day
Columbus DayNew Year's Day
Independence DayPresident's Day
JuneteenthThanksgiving Day
Labor DayVeteran's Day
Martin Luther King Day

(a) Observed.

If a holiday falls on Sunday, it will be observed on the following Monday; if a holiday falls on a Saturday, it will be observed on the preceding Friday.

(b) Active pay status.

To qualify for holiday pay, an employee must be in active pay status on regularly scheduled workdays both prior to and after the holiday. Active pay status includes time worked, sick leave, leave with pay, or vacation.

(c) University is open.

If the university offices remain open on a day designated as a holiday (ex: Veteran's day):

(i) Any full- or part-time, non-exempt (hourly) employee required to work on a designated holiday will be entitled to one and one-half times the regular rate of pay, either in the form of actual pay or compensatory time for the hours actually worked. Such overtime will be in addition to the employee's normal pay for the holiday.

(ii) Any full- or part-time exempt (salary) employee required to work on a designated holiday will be entitled to take time off equal to the number of hours actually worked. Such time off will be in addition to the normal pay for the holiday and is to be taken with the approval of the supervisor. The deadline to use such time is June thirty of the following year. Unused time will be forfeited.

(iii) Veteran's day.

(a) The university is open on Veteran's day. All professional staff normally scheduled to work the day that Veteran's day falls on are expected to be present unless they have an approved time-off request.

(d) University is closed.

If the university is officially closed at five p.m. on the day prior to a board of trustee's approved holiday (ex: Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving):

(i) For employees whose normally scheduled workday falls all or in part after five p.m., an effort may be made by the supervisor and employee to reschedule those hours within the same work week. Otherwise, the employee will be expected to work the normal schedule. If the hours are not worked or rescheduled, the employee may utilize vacation leave in order to be paid.

(ii) Part-time employees are entitled to holiday pay for the portion of any holiday for which the employee would normally have been scheduled to work.

(G) Leave of absence not covered by other approved leave types.

(1) Non-bargaining employees.

(a) Unpaid leaves of absence for non-bargaining faculty and professional staff may be granted by the board, president or president's designee(s) upon recommendation of the vice president or dean.

(b) Bargaining unit employees.

Leaves of absence for any represented faculty or staff shall be governed by the relevant collective bargaining agreement.

(H) Maternity, paternity, and parental leave.

All leave time used for maternity, paternity, and parental leave will be counted as part of family medical leave.

(1) Maternity/paternity leave.

(a) Upon delivery of the child by an employee who is in active pay status, said employee shall be entitled to use accrued sick leave during the medically documented period of disability, if the employee has accrued the requisite amount of leave, and if less, then shall be entitled to use such lesser amount.

(b) If, upon delivery of the child by an employee who is not in active pay status but becomes in active pay status within the medically documented period of disability, the employee shall be entitled to use accrued sick leave upon being in active pay status for the remainder of the disability period, as applicable.

(c) A full-time employee is granted, within 180 days of the birth of a child, twenty consecutive working days of paid parental leave not taken from accrued sick leave. When this leave is used by the parent who gave birth, the leave may be taken before or after using accrued sick leave for the purpose of recovery from birth.

(2) Paternity/parental leave.

A full-time employee who is in active pay status upon a pregnant spouse's delivery shall be granted twenty consecutive working days of paid paternity leave. This leave must be utilized within one hundred eighty days of the child's birth and shall not be deducted from the employee's accrued sick leave.

(3) Adoptive/foster/parental leave.

Upon the adoption or arrival of a foster child, a full-time employee who is in active pay status is entitled to twenty consecutive working days of paid leave which will not be taken from accrued sick leave.

(I) Military leave.

(1) Leaves of absence for uniformed service shall be granted in accordance with Chapter 5903. and Chapter 5923. of the Revised Code and 123:1-34-04 of the Administrative Code'>rule 123:1-34-04 of the Administrative Code.

(2) Reinstatement and reemployment of employees in uniformed services shall be in accordance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (38 U.S.C. 4301, et seq.) and 123:1-34-05 of the Administrative Code'>rule 123:1-34-05 of the Administrative Code.

(3) Military leave must be requested through the university's approved timekeeping system. Requests for military leave must include supporting documentation.

(4) Leave without pay will be granted in the event of voluntary or involuntary induction into uniformed service and in compliance with federal and state statutes.

(J) Sick leave.

(1) Accruals.

(a) Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 4.6 hours per eighty hours of active pay status in accordance with 124.38 of the Revised Code'>section 124.38 of the Revised Code and 124.39 of the Revised Code'>section 124.39 of the Revised Code.

(b) Sick leave accrual shall accumulate without limit, from the date of hire.

(c) There is no accumulation of sick leave while on a leave of absence without compensation.

(2) Call off/use of sick time.

(a) Non-exempt (hourly) employee.

A non-exempt (hourly) employee who is unable to report for work, and who is not on previously approved vacation, sick leave, or leave of absence, shall be responsible for notifying the immediate supervisor, or other individual designated by the supervisor, that the employee will be unable to report to work on that day and each appropriate day thereafter. This notification must be made within one-half hour after the time the employee is scheduled to report for work, unless emergency conditions prevent such notification.

(b) Twenty-four-hour operations.

When an employee's duties are part of a function which operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week (i.e. police, etc.) and such employee is unable to report for work, the employee shall notify the immediate supervisor at least two hours prior to the scheduled work time.

(c) Exempt (salary) employee.

(i) An exempt (salary) employee who is unable to report for work, and who is not on previously approved vacation, sick leave, or leave of absence, shall be responsible for notifying the immediate supervisor using the established department procedures.

(ii) For nine- and twelve-month staff employees and twelve-month faculty, a continuous period of sick leave commences with the first day, or part of a day, of an absence and includes all subsequent days, or part of a day, except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays observed until the employee returns to work. However, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall be included in the calculation of a continuous period of sick leave for those employees who may be scheduled to work on those days.

(iii) For nine-month faculty, a continuous period of sick leave commences with the first day of an absence and includes all days classes are in session during the academic year or summer session except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays observed. However, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall be included in the calculation of a continuous period of sick leave for those employees who may be scheduled to work on those days.

(iv) No member of the faculty shall be absent from proper duties at the university for any cause other than sickness, except upon permission of the president, upon recommendation of the faculty member's dean or supervisor.

(d) Utilization of sick leave.

Sick leave is authorized upon the request of the employee and approval of the employee's supervisor. When paid sick leave is used, it will be deducted from the employee's accumulated total, one hour for each hour of absence. Subject to operational needs and supervisory approval, a supervisor may permit an employee to adjust start and end times on a particular workday instead of using accrued sick leave, provided the time is made up that day.

(3) Physician certification.

(a) Paid leave.

The university reserves the right to require a physician's certification or other verification in all instances of paid leave. When such certification or verification is required, it shall be collected by the department of benefits administration for audit and retention.

(b) Notification.

In the case of any absence for illness or injury, the university may require a physician's statement specifying the employee's inability to report to work and the anticipated date of recovery. The employee shall be responsible for notifying the immediate supervisor, or other designated individual, whenever the employee is placed under a physician's care and not released to work or hospitalized, unless such conditions preclude notification.

(c) Return to work.

In all cases of leave for illness or injury, the university may require written certification by a physician attesting to an employee's fitness to return to work.

(d) Immediate family.

When sick leave is required to care for a member of the immediate family, the university may require a physician's certificate to the effect that the presence of the employee is necessary to care for the ill person. Certification shall be collected by the department of benefits administration for audit and retention.

(4) Timekeeping.

The absence from duties must be submitted for supervisor approval via the official timekeeping system of the university.

(a) Unexcused absence or failure to give proper notification may result in the absence being charged to leave without pay and may also be cause for disciplinary action.

(b) Falsification of either a written, signed statement or a physician's certificate shall be grounds for disciplinary action, including dismissal.

(c) Only accrued sick leave hours can be requested for authorized paid absences. Sick leave will be charged only for the non-overtime hours an employee is regularly scheduled to work but absent. Employees are not permitted to change a sick leave request once a workday has started (i.e. sick leave to vacation).

(d) Except in instances due to extended illness or injury, monthly or annual absences greater than the number of hours or days accrued may be considered excessive.

(5) Sick leave bank.

The university shall provide a voluntary leave bank program for full-time non-bargaining unit employees who wish to participate in the program. The program shall be administered by the office of human resources, pursuant to policy terms and conditions developed by that office, as may be amended.

(6) Payment of sick leave upon retirement.

Upon retiring from active service with the university after ten or more years of service with the state or any of its political subdivisions, an employee may elect to be paid for one fourth of the accrued but unused sick leave credit up to a maximum of two hundred forty hours. This payment will be based upon the employee's rate of pay at the time of retirement. Upon accepting such payment, all sick leave credit accrued up to that time will be eliminated. Such payment will be made only once to an employee.

(7) Transfer of sick leave.

(a) An employee who transfers from one public agency to the university, or who is reappointed or reinstated, or who transfers from one state department to the university shall, upon reentering and submitting written certified evidence of accumulated sick leave, be credited with the unused balance of accumulated sick leave, provided the time between separation and reappointment does not exceed ten years.

(b) A separate verification must be submitted for each instance of service with another public or state agency.

(c) The amount of sick leave transferred to the university shall not be greater than the maximum accumulation which would have been allowed if all public employment had been in the state service. Prior sick leave credit transferred to the university will not affect the state retirement system service credit records.

(d) If a current or former employee requests transfer of prior sick leave to other state agencies, the employee must submit a written request to human resources for processing.

(K) Vacation leave.

(1) Accrual and carry-over of unused vacation.

Exempt (salary) full-time regular and temporary employees accrue vacation and carry over vacation as follows:

Faculty & professional staff employees - type of appointmentMonthly accrualYearly accrualCarryover maximums - Any accrued and unused vacation in excess of these numbers shall be forfeited on June thirty of each year.
12-month14.67 hours per month176 hours352 hours
11-month14.67 hours per month161 hours322 hours
10-month14.67 hours per month146 hours293 hours
9-monthn/an/an/a
Postdoctoral researcherNo vacationn/an/a

Any vacation accrued in excess of the maximum carryover specified above will be forfeited annually on June thirty.

(2) Non-exempt (hourly) full-time employees.

Full-time non-exempt (hourly) employees, including classified employees, begin earning paid leave on their date of hire. Accrued leave becomes available for use after one hundred twenty days or upon completion of the employee's probationary period, whichever occurs first. Different effective dates may apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

(3) The amount of annual vacation to which a full-time employee is entitled is determined by the number of accumulated years of service according to the following guidelines:

ServiceRate vacation earnedYearly accrualAccrual maximums (three years of accruals)
Probationary Periodn/aNo vacation
After the probationary period, but less than 8 years of service3.1 hours per biweekly pay period80 hours240
8 years, but less than 15 years of service4.6 hours per biweekly pay period120 hours360
15 years, but less than 25 years of service6.2 hours per biweekly pay period160 hours480
25 or more years of service7.7 hours per biweekly pay period200 hours600

(4) Part-time employees.

Part time non-exempt (hourly) classified university employees shall earn leave with prorated pay beginning on their date of hire. Leave time earned will be available for use after employee completes their probationary period.

The amount of annual vacation to which a part-time employee is entitled is determined by the number of accumulated years of service according to the following guidelines:

ServiceRate vacation earned
Probationary periodn/a
After the probationary period, but less than 8 years of service.03875 x hours worked and paid
8 years, but less than 15 years of service.05750 x hours worked and paid
15, but less than 25 years of service.07750 x hours worked and paid
25 or more years of service.09625 x hours worked and paid

Vacation time can be accumulated to a maximum of that earned in three years of service for non-exempt staff.

Part time unclassified employees (exempt and non-exempt) are not eligible for vacation.

(5) Utilization of vacation.

(a) To minimize interruption of services, all vacation leave must be approved in advance by the appropriate supervisor via the official timekeeping system of the university.

(b) Exempt (salary) employees may be permitted to use vacation leave in advance of accrual upon approval of the appropriate supervisor. Use of vacation in advance of accrual shall not exceed the accruals projected to be obtained by June thirty. Vacation balance may not be less than zero on June thirty. Upon separation from service, the employee's final pay check shall be reduced by the amount of used, but not accrued, vacation leave.

(c) Vacation leave may not be converted to sick leave unless the employee or a member of the employee's immediate family is admitted to or treated in a hospital or is under the treatment of a licensed physician and is not released to work. Written verification is required. Only those hours certified above may be converted to sick leave.

(6) Payment for accrued and unused vacation.

(a) Upon separation of service from the university including death of the employee, payment for accrued and unused vacation will be made.

(b) Such payment will be made in a lump sum based on the rate of compensation at time of separation or change in status for any accrued but unused vacation leave, subject to the maximum of that earned in three years of service for non-exempt employees. Payment for exempt employees will be subject to the maximum of that earned in one year of service.

(7) Forfeiture of vacation.

(a) Upon a change from full-time to part-time status or a change from a twelve-, eleven-, and ten-month appointment to a nine-month appointment, accrued and unused vacation will be forfeited.

(b) Non-exempt (hourly) employees will cease accruing vacation once accrual maximums are reached. Any vacation that would have accrued during this period is forfeited.

(c) Exempt (salary) employees who have a balance exceeding annual carryover maximums on June thirty shall forfeit any excess hours.

(L) Volunteer time off.

(1) Eligibility and accrual.

(a) To foster community engagement and service to the people of Ohio, the university of Akron provides regular full-time non-bargaining faculty and staff with up to eight hours of paid time off each fiscal year to engage in voluntary, unpaid service activities chosen by the employee that benefit the greater community. Volunteer service may be performed for a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, including an organization classified under IRS Code 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4), or for a federal, state, or local government agency or school.

(b) Temporary and part-time employees are not covered under the scope of the listed guidelines.

(c) Volunteer time off is available upon hire and renewed annually each July first, thereafter.

(2) Utilization of volunteer time off.

(a) To minimize interruption of services, all volunteer time off must be approved in advance by the appropriate supervisor via the official timekeeping system of the university.

(b) Upon requesting paid time off for volunteer service, the employee must certify that the hours will be used to volunteer for a qualifying agency. Human resources may require the employee to provide verification of the organization's nonprofit, 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) or government status and services performed. The nature or mission of the organization or governmental agency cannot be considered in the decision to request documentation.

(c) Volunteer time is available during normal scheduled working hours.

(d) Volunteer leave may be used in increments of one hour at a time.

(e) Hours outside normal work hours will not be paid time. Paid time off will not be granted for days that employees are not scheduled to work, for time spent commuting to and from the volunteer site, or time the employee volunteers after regularly scheduled work hours.

(f) While an employee should be encouraged to take this time, paid volunteer time is not guaranteed. If the request conflicts with business needs or if there is a performance issue, it can be denied. Time should be approved/denied in the same method as vacation time is approved/denied.

(g) Volunteer leave does not contribute to time worked for determining overtime eligibility and will be offset by any additional time worked during the workweek.

(3) Forfeiture of volunteer time off.

Unused volunteer leave will not be carried over to the next fiscal year, and employees will not be paid for the unused volunteer leave upon separation from employment.

(4) Compliance.

(a) The organization must be nonpartisan, and the employee must abide by 3359-26-02 of the Administrative Code (general staff personnel policies and procedures)'>university rule 3359-26-02 of the Administrative Code (general staff personnel policies and procedures) and 123:1-46-02 of the Administrative Code'>OAC rule 123:1-46-02 of the Administrative Code.

(b) Employees who participate in outside volunteer activities must also abide by the conflict of interest and commitment policy, university rule 3359-11-17 of the Administrative Code (conflict of interest), conflict of commitment, scholarly misconduct, and ethical conduct policies and procedures.

(c) Activities in support of university initiatives or interests, that an employee is requested to participate in, or attend on behalf of the university are not considered "volunteer" activities but are considered assigned duties. If these activities are outside the normal business hours, compensation shall be awarded if required by governing laws, rules, and regulations.

(d) Taking paid volunteer time off fraudulently or without supervisor approval can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

(e) The university will not direct or control the employee's volunteer activity. The granting of paid time off for volunteering does not constitute university endorsement or sanction of the volunteer activity in which the employee chooses to engage in on their own time.

Last updated October 13, 2026 at 8:22 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3359.01
Amplifies: 3359.01
Prior Effective Dates: 7/31/1992, 9/11/2000, 4/11/2011, 2/1/2015, 4/20/2019
Rule 3359-26-05 | Separation from the university.
 

(A) Service with the university of Akron may be interrupted and/or terminated as a result of:

(1) Resignation;

(2) Retirement;

(3) Discharge for cause;

(4) Layoff or a reduction in force;

(5) Failure to report for work or failure to report off work for a three-day period; or

(6) Non-renewal.

(B) Resignation.

In the event of a resignation, an employee should provide written notice to the immediate supervisor and to human resources at least two weeks in advance of the last working day at the university.

Once a resignation has been submitted and accepted by the employee's immediate supervisor, it may not be withdrawn by the employee without the specific approval of the immediate supervisor and the chief human resources officer.

(C) "Clearance Process."

(1) A "clearance process" must be completed by all employees exiting the university and may be required for interdepartmental transfers. The process ensures all outstanding obligations to the university are satisfied by the existing employee prior to separation and releases any payroll due to separating employees.

(2) An anonymous exit survey is provided as part of the clearance process to all exiting employees. Employees should contact human resources to request an in person exit interview.

(D) Establishing last day worked.

A terminating employee's "last day worked" shall be the actual day on which the employee last performed assigned duties. The last day worked cannot be extended by use of accrued vacation, compensatory time or sick leave unless such sick leave has been certified by a physician. In the case of a retirement only, with the approval of the supervisor, accrued vacation or compensatory time may be used to extend the last day worked.

(E) Retirement.

(1) Assistance with retirement processing for all employees considering retirement from school employees retirement system "SERS," public employees retirement system "PERS," state teachers retirement system "STRS," or an approved alternative retirement system "ARP" is coordinated by benefits administration. Initial contact with the office of human resources should occur no less than three months prior to the anticipated effective date of retirement.

(2) Payment of sick leave at the time of retirement.

(a) At the time of retirement from the university of Akron, an employee with ten or more years of service with the state of Ohio shall be compensated in an amount not to exceed one-fourth the value of accrued but unused sick leave credit based upon the employee's rate of compensation at the time of retirement. The maximum payment shall be two hundred forty hours.

(b) The payment of sick leave under this policy cancels the balance of sick leave accrued by the employee at the time of retirement. Payment will be made only once to any employee.

(F) Other separations.

(1) For other circumstances which result in an employee leaving the university - medical disability, involuntary termination, etc., - specific university rules, policies and/or procedures apply. Among these are Ohio civil service laws, local collective bargaining agreements, bureau of worker's compensation regulations, and selected university rules and policies.

(2) Retirement contribution refund.

If an employee leaves the university prior to retirement and wishes a refund of SERS, STRS or PERS contributions, the employee should contact SERS, STRS or PERS directly for information.

(G) Unemployment.

Employees who do not work during break periods or between terms and have reasonable assurance of work when the break period between terms ends or the next term begins are not covered under the Ohio unemployment compensation laws and are ineligible for unemployment compensation benefits.

(H) Payment of compensatory time and unused vacation accrual at the time of separation:

(1) A non-exempt (hourly) employee will receive payment for all accumulated compensatory time at the hourly rate of pay in effect at the time of separation.

(2) Payment for accrued and unused vacation leave shall be made only upon separation of service from the university of Akron. Such payment shall be made in a lump sum based on the rate of compensation in effect at the time of separation for any accrued but unused vacation leave, subject to the following maximums:

(a) Exempt employees, eligible for vacation accrual shall be compensated in the amounts provided for in rule 3359-11-03 of the Administrative Code.

(b) Non-exempt (hourly) employees eligible for vacation accrual shall be compensated for a maximum of that earned in three years of service.

Last updated May 16, 2022 at 6:48 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3359
Amplifies: 3359
Prior Effective Dates: 5/22/1991, 5/9/2014
Rule 3359-26-07 | Staff employee advisory committee.
 

(A) The staff employee advisory committee, "SEAC," shall serve as an advisory body to the president. Matters involving collective bargaining shall not be referred to or addressed by the committee.

(B) The full committee shall meet annually with the president. The executive officers meet with the president quarterly or as needed. Meeting minutes shall be made available for all full-time staff employees for review.

(C) The committee shall call an annual meeting - at the first meeting following elections - whereby the following business, including but not limited to, must be conducted: appoint a chair for the upcoming year, appoint a vice-chair, appoint a secretary, appoint a treasurer, appoint university council members, establish meeting times and location, and verify ex-officio members by name(s).

(D) Composition.

(1) The "SEAC" shall consist of eighteen full-time staff employees employed by the university of Akron. The office of general counsel shall provide assistance as appropriate.

(2) An ex-officio member. This is a current member of the "SEAC" committee whose term is expiring. The ex-officio member is voted on by the current "SEAC" committee for an additional year-long appointment to complete a current assignment. Each ex-officio member appointed will be evaluated annually at elections.

(E) Terms of office.

(1) "SEAC" members shall be elected/appointed for three-year terms, with no more than one-third (six) of the committee members leaving the committee each year. No member may be elected or appointed to serve more than two consecutive full terms. Each year, members of "SEAC" will be elected/appointed as follows:

(a) One full-time staff member appointed by the president of the university of Akron for a three-year term.

(b) Five members elected by university full-time staff members for a three-year term.

(c) An ex-officio member. This is a current member of the "SEAC" committee whose term is expiring. The ex-officio member is voted on by the current "SEAC" committee for an additional year-long appointment to complete a current assignment.

(d) Each ex-officio elected member will be evaluated annually at elections.

(e) The remaining twelve elected/appointed full-time staff shall continue their staggered three-year terms.

(F) Election.

(1) The "SEAC" shall establish election procedures. Such procedures shall call for nominations from the full-time staff employees, which shall be sent to all members at least one week(s) prior to the elections. Each full-time staff employee may submit for nomination the name of one full-time staff employee. Self-nominations are not permitted, and the nominees shall indicate a willingness to serve.

(2) Ballots shall carry the names of all eligible persons who have been proposed for nomination. The person or persons receiving the largest number of votes shall fill the open position(s) in decreasing order of those votes, provided those persons are otherwise eligible in accordance with the eligibility requirements for membership on the "SEAC." Only full-time staff employees are eligible to participate in the election. All documents and data will be returned as confidential to the "SEAC" recording secretary.

(3) Immediately following the election, the "SEAC" will certify to the president the new composition of the elected members of the committee.

(4) In the event that no member of the university's regional campus(es) is elected, the president of the university of Akron will appoint a member(s) from the regional campus.

(5) Should a vacancy occur, the next eligible person receiving the largest number of votes from the most recent election will be appointed.

(G) Removal from membership/office. Any member of "SEAC" may be removed upon a majority vote of the "SEAC." In the event of a removal from membership/office, a new member/officer shall then be appointed by for the remaining term of the vacancy. Thereafter, the person so removed will be ineligible to return to the committee.

Last updated December 18, 2023 at 8:25 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3359.01
Amplifies: 3359.01
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2015