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History, Mission, General Information    

   
Welcome to The University of St. Thomas!

We are pleased to have you join our staff at the University of St. Thomas. Our employees are considered to be our greatest asset, and we believe that the dedication and contributions made by each employee are instrumental to the reputation and success of the university. We hope that you will find your employment here rewarding.

   Handbook Purpose

This handbook, which replaces all previous handbooks and other oral or written statements of employment policy, is provided to University of St. Thomas staff for informational purposes only. This handbook is not intended to create, nor to be interpreted as creating, a contract between the University of St. Thomas and any of its employees. It further should be understood that nothing in this handbook changes, or is intended to change, the basic premise that employment with the University is at-will, meaning that any staff employment relationship can be terminated, with or without cause or notice, at any time at either the employee’s discretion or that of the University. No supervisor or manager has the authority to enter into an agreement contrary to these statements, except in a written contract of employment executed by the University President or the appropriate University Executive Vice President.

The information in this employee handbook is in effect at the sole discretion of the university and it may be withdrawn or changed at any time with or without notice. This employee handbook is not intended nor shall it be construed as a binding contract. This handbook shall replace any previously distributed employee handbook.

The employee benefits information contained in this handbook is an overview of the rich benefits program available at St. Thomas. This information does not replace the official Plan Documents or the Summary Plan Descriptions, which describe in detail each welfare benefits plan provided by the University. These documents are the only official and binding documents concerning the university's benefits. In case of a discrepancy, the official documents will govern. The University reserves the right to modify, amend or terminate any employee benefit. Employees interested in obtaining a copy of a Plan Document or Summary Plan Description should contact the Human Resources Department at 651.962.6510 or visit the Human Resources Department website at http://www.stthomas.edu/hr/handbooks/eehandbook/main.html

Please note that this handbook applies to all staff. When provisions of the handbook conflict with a collective bargaining agreement, the latter shall prevail. Policies and procedures governing faculty and student employees are provided under separate cover.

   Mission, Vision, and Convictions Statements

PREFACE

Founded in 1885, the University of St. Thomas is a Catholic university based in the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The largest private university in Minnesota, St. Thomas offers bachelor’s degrees in over 85 major fields of study and more than 45 graduate degree programs including master’s, education specialist, juris doctor and doctorates.

MISSION

Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.

CONVICTIONS

As a community we are committed to:

1. pursuit of truth

   We value intellectual inquiry as a life-long habit, the unfettered and impartial pursuit of truth in all its forms, the integration of knowledge across disciplines, and the imaginative and creative exploration of new ideas.

2. academic excellence

   We create a culture among faculty, students and staff that recognizes the power of ideas and rewards rigorous thinking.

3. faith and reason

   We actively engage Catholic intellectual tradition, which values the fundamental compatibility of faith and reason and fosters meaningful dialogue directed toward the flourishing of human culture.

4. dignity

   We respect the dignity of each person and value the unique contributions that each brings to the greater mosaic of the university community

5. diversity

   We strive to create a vibrant diverse community in which, together, we work for a more just and inclusive society.

6. personal attention

   We foster a caring culture that supports the well-being of each member.

7. gratitude

   We celebrate the achievements of all members of our community in goals attained and obstacles overcome, and in all things give praise to God.

VISION

We seek to be a recognized leader in Catholic higher education that excels in effective teaching, active learning, scholarly research and responsible engagement with the local community as well as with the national and global communities in which we live.