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III. On The Job Expectations

1. Attendance

• The University of St. Thomas expects employees to be attentive to work schedules.
• Student employees are expected to be reliable, punctual, and dependable in attendance and should notify their supervisor if circumstances cause them to be late.
• On an occasion when absence from work cannot be avoided, the supervisor should be notified. As much advance notice as possible should be given. If the supervisor is not available, contact the individual designated by the department head. Some departments may require the employee to find a replacement if unable to work scheduled hours.
• Excessive absenteeism and tardiness may be reason for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
• Student workers should talk with supervisors to make arrangements for work schedules that conflict with exams. Work must be scheduled around your classes and reevaluated each semester.
• Student Supervisors understand that your first priority at UST is as a student. Bring school conflicts to the attention of your supervisor to see if the work schedule may be accommodated.

  BREAKS

• A fifteen (15) minute break is allowed during each four (4) hour work period. Each break is to be preceded and followed by an extended period of work. Break times may not be saved to be used at another time.  Example: If you work 4 hours, you are entitled to a 15 minute break after approximately 2 hours of work.
• A meal break of ½ hour (without pay) is added to each eight-hour work period. Example: If you work from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., ½ hour of this time is for a lunch break. You will be paid for 8 hours of work.  Unpaid lunch periods may not be waived and added on as additional payable hours.

2. Behavior Expectations

• It is important for all employees to work together and behave in a manner that promotes the efficient operation of the University of St. Thomas and ensures a pleasant working environment.
• Behavior which supports this philosophy includes, but is not limited to:

• Being at the workstation ready to work at the start of the scheduled shift
• Notifying the supervisor when absent from work or unable to report to work on time
• Following all university safety and health regulations; smoking only during rest and meal breaks, and only in “smoking permitted” areas
• Wearing appropriate clothes for the job
• Performing assigned tasks efficiently
• Maintaining a clean and orderly workstation
• Treating everyone with an efficient, pleasant, service-oriented attitude
• Refraining from offensive or undesirable behavior

• Behavior that does not promote an efficient, pleasant work environment is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. Any conduct deemed not appropriate to a good work environment may subject an employee to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Following are examples of inappropriate behavior; these are not intended to be all-inclusive:

• Unauthorized manufacture, distribution, possession or use of controlled substances including alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or narcotics on university property
• Reporting to work while under the influence of controlled substances including alcohol, illegal drugs, or narcotics
• Theft or misuse of university property or of another employee’s property
• Gambling on university property
• Sabotaging physical or computerized records
• Falsification of any university record or report, including employment application and time records
• Punching time cards for others
• Harassment or injury to others

DRUGS AND NARCOTICS

• The University of St. Thomas complies with both the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. Drug and alcohol abuse affects the health, safety and well-being of employees and students, and restricts the university’s ability to carry out its mission. Therefore, the University of St. Thomas:
  • Prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol and illegal drugs by students and employees on all campuses and at all facilities of the university, or as part of the university’s activities
  • Prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances in the workplace

• Student workers found in violation of the prohibitions stated above will be subject to disciplinary action via the Dean of Student Life’s Office.

• Student workers reporting to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol are not allowed to remain on the university’s property, and will be escorted off.

• Student workers experiencing problems resulting from drug or alcohol abuse are encouraged to seek help.

3. Confidentiality

• All student employees must deal with some level of confidential information in the performance of their duties. This information cannot be discussed or made available to anyone without the proper approval of your supervisor. Unauthorized sharing of confidential information may lead to disciplinary action, including possible termination.