Administrative Computing Guidelines
You should make responsible use of computers within your control. The basic rights and responsibilities are common to all who use computing resources and may be augmented by departmental computer-use policies. Michigan Tech's computing policy is based on the laws of the state of Michigan and U.S. copyright law. In addition, Michigan Tech imposes certain restrictions that are not specifically covered by either law. Current Michigan Tech policies regarding computing may be found on the web at http://www.mtu.edu/oit/policies.html.
Responsibility lies with each individual staff person to adhere to MTU's computing policy. If you are concerned that your use of computing resources may not be within MTU guidelines, discuss the issue with your immediate supervisor. It is the supervisor's responsibility to understand the issues involved with appropriate use of computing resources. Supervisors who believe that there may be inappropriate use of computing resources should contact Human Resources.
Confidentiality - You may have access to BANNER (student, financial, and alumni information systems) or other administrative systems. These systems and their data elements, their confidentiality, and their use and release are governed by state of Michigan statutes and the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. In general, all BANNER information must be treated as confidential. Use of this information is determined by the regulations, duties, and responsibilities of your employment and position.
Awards
Employee Excellence Award
Recognizes MTU staff for outstanding ability, performance, and service in their contribution to the University's educational, research, and public service mission.
The Employee Excellence Award is administered by Staff Council. A selection committee chooses three individuals to receive the awards, one from each of the following groups:
Each award winner receives a $1,500 cash award and a framed certificate. The University has established a permanent photo display in the Memorial Union Building to recognize all award recipients.
Staff Recognition Program
Recognizes MTU staff for their years of service to the University. Eligible employees include regular full-time and part-time staff who have a minimum of five consecutive years of service and have reached a five-year anniversary during the current eligibility year. "Regular" status is based on the date that an employee becomes eligible to receive benefits. Temporary employment is excluded in determining years of service.
Recognition awards will be presented annually at a reception hosted by the president of the University. Employees receiving awards will have a choice between paid days off or a gift certificate. The award will be based on the employee's continuous years of service. Part-time employees' awards are prorated based on the employee's FTE (full-time equivalent).
Conflict of Interest
Also see Section 5, Your Work Environment, Nepotism
A conflict of interest may arise when employees use their University position to create benefits for private interests or to give improper advantage to others.
The University's administration has an obligation, in accordance with Board policy 3.13 to insure that you avoid conflict of interest and to assure that your external activities and interests do not conflict with your obligation to the institution or its well-being. You must share this obligation by informing your department chair/director regularly concerning the nature and scope of all substantial external activities in which you are engaged.
Emergencies
Please report all emergencies to the Public Safety Department, located in West Wadsworth Residence Hall. To call Public Safety, dial 123 (on campus) or 487-2216 (off campus).
Campus Emergency Telephones
Sixteen emergency telephones are available to provide immediate assistance for anyone who needs urgent help.
Outdoor Telephones - Twelve telephones are located outdoors, encased in yellow boxes underneath blue lights. They operate constantly and are connected to the Public Safety Department dispatcher who can send an officer to provide needed assistance:
To operate the outdoor telephones
Indoor Telephones - Four emergency telephones are located inside the following buildings on campus:
To operate the indoor telephones
Medical Services
If you need medical attention while you are at work, report (or have someone report) to your supervisor before leaving. Most job-related medical treatment will be handled by the University's medical group (currently Portage Physician Group in Houghton or Portage Health System in Hancock).
Personal Emergency Contacts
Every employee is asked to keep a list of emergency contact people in their personnel file. In the event of an emergency, call Human Resources so that they can notify the appropriate emergency contact people. Please keep your own file current.
Injuries
Injured employees should first attempt to be treated by a physician from the Portage Physician Group unless emergency room treatment is required. If a visit to MTU's designated physician cannot be scheduled, the employee will be instructed on alternatives. It is important to identify the case as an MTU workplace injury when contacting any medical provider so that the proper forms, billing, and notifications can be made. Most job-related medical treatment will be handled by the University's medical group (currently Portage Physician Group in Houghton or Portage Health System in Hancock).
When an employee or student is injured or becomes ill as a result of an incident on University property or at a University function,
When an employee or student is injured or becomes ill as a result of a job-related incident or exposure requiring a visit to the emergency room or a doctor,
Incident and Injury Investigation packets are available from the Benefits Office of Human Resources and include detailed information for supervisors and employees following an employee injury. Prompt payment of medical benefits is dependent on completion and return of the forms included with this packet.
For information on Workers' Compensation, refer to Section 3, Benefits, Worker's Compensation.
Personnel Records
As a public employee, your personnel record is confidential, to the extent allowed under law, and is treated as such. The maintenance of such files is for University use. General practice is that your file is not disclosed to third parties. However, through the Bullard-Plawecki Act, third parties can gain access to some information in your personnel file, excluding disciplinary reports and letters of reprimand.
Call Human Resources with questions or for an appointment if you wish to review your personnel record (MTU Policy and Procedures Manual).
Problem Solving
As an employee of the University you are encouraged to share ideas about improving your work environment for the continuation of successful operations. From time to time, situations may arise where you have a complaint or a question concerning a University policy or your work environment. Please begin by speaking with your supervisor. For additional steps, refer to the MTU Policy and Procedures Manual.
For harassment claims, including sexual harassment, refer to Section 5 of this handbook, under Your Work Environment, Discrimination and Harassment.
Supervisor
Your supervisor is a resource for information and provides guidance for the quality of your work. Your supervisor will determine your work schedule and oversee the coordination of work within your department. Normally, when you have questions or problems, you should first talk with your supervisor.
Training and Development
Michigan Tech's most important resource is people. Success can only be achieved with high levels of individual productivity and effectiveness. The University wants to help you develop your potential and improve your ability to meet job responsibilities by providing opportunities and encouraging participation in training and development programs. In an effort to support these goals, the Center for Professional Development and Quality Improvement will identify, recommend, plan, organize, and administer programs to develop employee skills, knowledge, and competence. Schedules for Professional Development Workshops are distributed at the beginning of each academic quarter.
The Center for Professional Development and Quality Improvement (formerly the Quality Service Education Office) is located at 224 Blanche St. in Houghton and is part of Human Resources.
Work Week
The basic work week of Michigan Tech is 40 hours for all personnel with the following exceptions:
Work Hours
Exempt Employees
According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, exempt employees are not compensated on an hourly basis or eligible for overtime payments or compensatory time. With some degree of flexibility, all exempt employees are expected to fulfill the responsibilities of the job at a satisfactory level in a timely fashion.
Non-Exempt Employees
Non-exempt employees are compensated on an hourly basis and must account for all hours worked and not worked. The general working hours of the University are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the academic year and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the summer. Exceptions to this schedule require prior approval by your supervisor. Supervisors may schedule non-exempt employees as they see fit to meet the demands of the department. Some flexibility exists so that supervisors and employees may agree on a work schedule other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (e.g., 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) so long as the agreed upon number of hours is worked and office coverage is maintained. You may take work home only with prior permission of your supervisor.
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