Workplace Standards
DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, SEXUAL HARASSMENT, SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, DOMESTIC MISCONDUCT, STALKING, RETALIATION, AND RELATIONSHIPS
West Virginia University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by promoting diversity, inclusion, equality, and intercultural and intercommunity outreach.
The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, marital or family status, pregnancy, veteran status, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or gender expression in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities, or with respect to admission or employment.
For more information, please review WVU BOG Governance Rule 1.6 - Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Stalking, Retaliation, and Relationships or the web page for Title IX and Office of Equity Assurance. Any employee who violates this rule shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension, termination, or other disciplinary action as may be appropriate.
To file a complaint, please review the Equity Assurance Complaint Form or contact the Equity Assurance Office at (304) 293-5600 or TitleIX@mail.wvu.edu.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
West Virginia University is committed to preventing workplace violence and maintaining a safe work environment. In order to provide a safe and healthful work environment for its employees, customers, students and visitors the University expects employees to follow rules of conduct that will protect the interests and safety of all employees and the University. The rules of conduct are outlined in the Workplace Violence Procedure.
In emergency situations the University Police should be contacted at (304) 293-COPS (2677).
If you have questions or concerns regarding workplace violence that are not an emergency situation, please contact Employee Relations at (304) 293-5700 ext. 5 or at EmployeeRelations@mail.wvu.edu.
DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS & COMMUNITIES
West Virginia University is concerned with the well-being of its employees in all aspects of University life. The abuse of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs by members of the University community are incompatible with the goals of an academic institution.
Drug abuse and alcohol abuse on campus hinder the learning process, jeopardizing the University’s mission to educate students and prepare them for responsible participation in society. With a combination of education and counseling, students, as well as employees, can become aware of the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse to themselves and to the University.
As directed by federal law, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Booklet explains West Virginia University’s drug and alcohol prevention policies for students and employees. The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illegal drugs on campus and at University functions is prohibited.
If you have questions, please contact Employee Relations at (304) 293-5700 ext. 5 or at EmployeeRelations@mail.wvu.edu.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON CAMPUSES
The University has established guidelines relating to the possession or sale of beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages on West Virginia University campuses. For more information please review WVU-BOG Policy 18 – Alcoholic Beverages on the Campuses.
TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS
The use of tobacco products, in any form, by a member of the University community located on or visiting the WVU campus is prohibited. Please review WVU BOG Policy 57 – Tobacco Free Campus. Violation of this policy by employees may subject them to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
If you have questions regarding these prohibitions, please contact Employee Relations at (304) 293-5700 ext. 5 or at EmployeeRelations@mail.wvu.edu.
ETHICS
The West Virginia Governmental Ethics Act declares certain activities by public employees to be unlawful. As a WV public employee, you will be held responsible for adhering to the requirements of the Ethics Act. For more information, you should review the WV Ethics Commission web page, as well as WVU-BOG Policy 17 - Ethics.
If you need advice regarding the Ethics Act, feel free to contact the Office of General Counsel at (304) 293-5841 or at legalaffairs@mail.wvu.edu.
In addition to compliance with the WV Governmental Ethics Act, WVU holds itself to the highest ethical standards. For this reason, the University has joined with EthicsPoint to establish an anonymous system for reporting possible violations of the University’s policies. You may file an anonymous report with West Virginia University through the EthicsLine web page or toll-free at 866-413-1955.
You are encouraged, whenever possible, to discuss concerns with your supervisor or appropriate University personnel in such units as Internal Audit, Talent and Culture, or the General Counsel’s Office. The University will not take retaliatory actions against an employee who makes good faith reports about potential misconduct.
AUTHORIZED ABSENCES
Notification of an absence, prior to your scheduled start time, is of the utmost importance. If, for any reason, you are unable to report to work as scheduled, you must notify your supervisor, or his/her designee. Your supervisor will advise you on the proper departmental process for reporting an absence. Failure to notify your supervisor, as directed, can lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. If you fail to properly report off from work for three (3) consecutive days it may be considered gross misconduct and grounds for termination.
For more information, please review WVU-HRAP 4.1 – Authorized Absences. If you feel you need to speak to someone other than your supervisor regarding the process for reporting absences, please contact Employee Relations at (304) 293-5700 ext. 5 or EmployeeRelations@mail.wvu.edu.
UNIVERSITY PROPERTY
University programs, personnel, time, titles and property; including equipment, systems, vehicles, information, supplies, and office space; are only to be used in conducting authorized business of the University. Use of University property for personal gain, pleasure, or benefit is prohibited.
Costs incurred by the University as the result of unauthorized or misuse of University property; such as, but not limited to, rekeying and personal phone calls; will be recovered from the responsible employee.
Unauthorized use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of University resources is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment and/or legal prosecution.
To be completely informed, you should review WVU-HR-56 – University Property Policy. If you feel you need to speak to someone other than your supervisor regarding University property, please contact Employee
Relations (304) 293-5700 ext. 5 or EmployeeRelations@mail.wvu.edu.
DRESS & GROOMING
Considering the various duties and responsibilities of all WVU employees, it is impossible to create a universal dress and grooming code. Generally, you are expected to be suitably attired and groomed during working hours or when you are representing the interests of the University. Your supervisor will advise you on the appropriate dress and grooming requirements for your position.
If you feel you need to speak to someone other than your supervisor regarding dress and grooming requirements, please contact Employee
Relations at (304) 293-5700 ext. 5 or EmployeeRelations@mail.wvu.edu.
SOLICITATION
Solicitation and the selling of products or articles on University property, owned or leased, are prohibited; except, by organizations and groups directly affiliated with and recognized by West Virginia University, and authorized by written approval of the institution’s president/designee.
The WVU campus mail and e-mail system are services provided to faculty, staff, and students for official University business only; it is not to be used for personal gain, political, religious or special interest purposes.
Except to solicit participation in official University programs and activities, no employee or other person shall solicit employee organizational membership during scheduled work time, in work areas of the University, when work tasks are to be performed. Employees who engage in the solicitation of membership to employee organizations must do so on non-work time and in non-work areas. For more information, please review the WVU-HR-7-Concessions and Solicitations Policy.
If you have questions or concerns regarding solicitation, please contact
Employee Relations at (304) 293-5700 ext. 5 or at EmployeeRelations@mail.wvu.edu.