Board Policies Section: VII.D. Title: Employee Policy Handbook (Staff) Company Policies COMPANY EQUIPMENT HTIC provides specialized equipment when needed. This equipment should only be used for the purpose designed. Report anything that needs repair or replacement to your supervisor, this includes anything other than routine maintenance that you are qualified to perform. Any employee abusing company tools and equipment will be subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including termination. PERSONAL USE OF COMPANY EQUIPMENT Equipment belonging to HTIC should not be used for personal use or gain and should not be removed from HTIC property for personal use. HTIC disapproves of an employee s use of stationary, logos, trademarks, postage, telephones, faxes, copier machine, computers, audio/visual equipments, tools, machinery equipment and other items for the personal use of the employee. This includes use of company time to conduct non-work related activities. Any attempt to gain access to restricted files by use of unauthorized codes or passwords is prohibited and will subject the employee to disciplinary action up to and including termination. PERSONAL PROPERTY Employees are advised not to carry valuables or large amounts of money while on duty. HTIC is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to personal property. All lost articles, including items found on HTIC property, must be brought to management for proper return to the rightful owner. WORKPLACE MONITORING & INSPECTIONS HTIC property, including but not limited to desk, lockers, computer, files, electronic mail, toolboxes, and other property owned or operated by HTIC is subject to monitoring, interception and review. For the safety and security of all employees, HTIC reserves the right to inspect HTIC s property including desk, storage areas, work areas, file cabinets, credenzas, and lockers of all employees as well as all packages, parcels, purses, briefcases and containers brought onto the premises. HTIC without prior notice will inspect and search any and all property for the purpose of determining
whether this policy or any other policy has been violated, or whether such inspection and investigation is necessary for the purpose of promoting safety in the workplace or complying with state and federal laws. Such inspections will be conducted during or after business hours and in the presence or absence of the employee. SAFETY Your safety is a major concern to HTIC, and a clean, safe and healthy environment should be provided for all employees. Accident prevention, however, is largely an individual responsibility and employees are expected to do their part to work safely. The following guidelines should be observed: Study your job and the possible hazards. If you are uncertain as to the safest way of doing the job, ask your supervisor before you begin. Report any defective equipment or possible hazardous condition to your supervisor. Feel free to make any safety suggestions and ideas to the Safety Committee. SECURITY The most important member of the security staff is the employee! It is your duty to report any hazardous or dangerous activity, situation or potential situation to management so corrective action can be taken. Should you see a customer, student, vendor or fellow employee doing something against policy, you are required to report the incident at once to your supervisor or the Security Department. CONFIDENTIALITY The nature of services provided by HTIC requires that information be handled in a private, confidential manner. It is HTIC s policy to protect its property, including sensitive information. Careful custody and handling of HTIC documents or materials containing confidential information are of critical importance to the well-being of HTIC. Each employee is responsible for safeguarding against theft, loss, unauthorized use or disclosure of this information. Therefore, if in the course of your work you have access to such materials, you must take whatever steps are necessary to assure that it is handled, stored, transmitted or destroyed in a manner which will preclude loss or misuse. Such material may not be copied without express consent of the originator. Private and confidential information should be given only to those people in HTIC who have a need and authority to know in order to function in their jobs. Anything marked confidential, private, secret, personal, etc. should be kept confidential. No confidential information whatsoever is to be given over the telephone to any person without prior approval. Unauthorized disclosure of any confidential information and any employees who are involved in a conflict of interest or breach of confidentiality will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
COURTESY TO STUDENTS Having good student and public relations is a critical factor to HTIC's success. It is the responsibility of every employee to remember that students, the public and other business associates are constantly forming impressions and judging the quality of HTIC s services. Remember that courtesy, sincere concern and a smile can go a long way toward solving the most difficult problems. Without the students, the public and related business associates, there would be no need for the services provided by HTIC s faculty and staff. Students and the public are very important people and should be treated accordingly. NO SOLICITATION The non-solicitation, non-distribution policy is intended to protect the interest of both HTIC and its employees. It is the policy of HTIC that solicitation and/or distribution of literature of any kind or products which are not part of HTIC s business operations or are not sponsored or approved by HTIC are strictly prohibited on HTIC premises. Non-employees are strictly prohibited from any kind of solicitation or distribution at any time on HTIC premises. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. BULLETIN BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS HTIC provides a bulletin board on the ninth (9 th) floor for the dissemination of information required by law. Various personnel announcements and benefits information may be posted for all employees to review. No other postings of any kind are allowed on the ninth (9 th ) floor bulletin board. PARTIES AND RECREATION HTIC does not require your attendance at parties, social gatherings and recreational activities that HTIC or a supervisor sponsors or hosts. Attendance is voluntary unless it is clearly expressed by HTIC in writing that attendance is mandatory. It should be understood that your Workers Compensation Insurance carrier may not cover injuries received in such voluntary activities. HTIC does not assume any responsibility or liability for any actions during the course of, or as a result of such activities.
TELEPHONE USAGE HTIC s telephone systems are for business transactions and business communications only. Necessary telephone calls should be made during break periods or the lunch break whenever possible. Of course, emergency telephone calls may be placed or received at any time. Whenever an employee uses HTIC s telephone systems, HTIC may access its telephone systems (including voicemail) at any time at its sole discretion to verify their proper usage. MEETINGS Meetings may be scheduled to keep employees informed about HTIC and its operations. All full-time staff is required to attend such meetings. Advance notice of meeting times, dates and locations are sent to the employee via email or in HTIC mailboxes. CODE OF CONDUCT REGULATIONS, & DISCIPLINARY GUILDLINES IN GENERAL In every organization involving a number of people working together there must be rules which every individual must live up to. For the most part, these are matters of good conduct, good character and good judgment. Everyone at HTIC must work together to provide the best possible service for HTIC s students, employees, and the public. In the event an employee falls short of achieving standards of job performance and conduct, he/she may be subject to appropriate corrective or disciplinary action. In all cases, the discipline or termination of an employee will be based on the judgment of management regarding the conduct of the employee and the circumstances of the case. While it is impossible to identify every possible violation of standards of conduct, the following is a partial list of prohibited actions or conduct which can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination: 1. Insubordination. Refusal to obey instructions; disregard of any order or directive to perform work as assigned or required; neglect of duty; substandard work performance, inefficiency; lack of productive efforts. 2. Disorderly conduct. Any disorderly conduct that is illegal, causes company embarrassment, or affects any student, visitor or employee in any way. 3. Threatening Behavior. Any behavior, whether verbal, written, or tactile which has the purpose of threatening any employee, student, visitor on or near any company premises; threatening phone calls to supervisors, or another employee. Bullying another employee, fighting and intimidation, attempting or threatening bodily injury to a student, visitor, fellow employee, supervisor or any other person either on premises or while on work duty.
4. Pilferage and property damage. Theft, stealing private items, unauthorized use of company property or the property of students, visitors, or other employees. Neglect, carelessness or mischief which results in loss or damage to property belonging to students, the public or other employees. Failure to report such loss or damage when it occurs. 5. Falsification of documents. Any intentional falsification of records and documents including but not limited to timesheet records, grades, evaluations, employment applications, workers' compensation claims, TDI claims, and accident reports and leave requests. 6. Drug usage, possession, distribution. Unauthorized possession, distribution, sale, use of, or transporting of any alcoholic beverage, illegal drug, and/or drug paraphernalia on or near the HTIC premises or on work time. An employee should immediately bring to the attention of the employee's supervisor any drug which a doctor has prescribed for their use that could or might affect their job performance. 7. Negligence. Willful and/or intentional activity that results in loss, damage, injury or death. Carelessness or mischief that results in waste or destruction of company property, or the property of student or visitor which creates unsafe or unsanitary working conditions. Abusing, defacing or damaging property of students, fellow employees, or guests. 8. Abusive language and behavior. Use of profane or abusive verbal, written or body language. Any abusive or vulgar language on authorized radio and other transmitting equipment. 9. Withholding information. Failure to report accidents, breakage, or damage to equipment and machinery or property. Committing or failing to report traffic violations received while operating HTIC vehicles. 10. Absenteeism. Any unauthorized or unreported absence from work, leaving work or leaving the premises during working hours or excessive absenteeism regardless of the cause or reason may result in termination. Arranging a replacement on a scheduled shift without written authorization from management. 11. Tardiness. Reporting to work late or returning to duty following rest or meal periods late. Tardiness of more than three (3) occurrences in any one quarter or more than seven (7) occurrences in any one year is excessive. 12. Unsafe conduct. Failure to observe posted safety rules and procedures, as well as failure to observe established Fire, Safety, or Civil Defense Rules while in the performance of duties; failure to follow any safety rules to wear protective safety clothing or gear as required on the job; or engagement in any unsafe conduct which will jeopardize the safety of yourself and others. 13. Smoking. Smoking in unauthorized and undesignated areas on the premises, where such practice is
prohibited and clearly indicated in the smoking policy, announcements and by NO SMOKING signs. 14. Exposing confidential information. Revealing confidential information regarding employees, students or the business of the college. Discussing confidential HTIC or work matters with unauthorized personnel; disseminating any confidential materials, brochures, or other information except where authorized. 15. Discourtesy. Discourtesy in any form or disrespectful behavior towards students, visitors, vendors, fellow employees, and any other person encountered during the performance of duties. 16. Loitering and trespassing. Loitering and trespassing of any off-duty employee found on or in any company owned property or offices after hours without prior authorization. 17. Harassment. Racial, sexual, bullying another person or other harassment towards a person. Coercion, intimidation or threats of any kind against students, visitors, fellow employees, and/or any other person encountered while performing duties. 18. Unauthorized use. Unauthorized use of telephones, supplies, equipment, copying machines, postage, company vehicles or other property items. 19. Weapons or Firearms. Possession and/or use of dangerous or deadly weapons on premises or while on duty. 20. Gambling. Any gambling or promoting of gambling during working hours and/or on company premises. 21. Solicitation. Solicitation of gratuities or favors from students, customers, vendors, suppliers, or others. 22. Poor Grooming Standards. Failure to observe established grooming and appearance standards. 23. Uncooperative in Legal Matters. Failure to cooperate with requests of any management official, supervisor, Chancellor, or outside official to open and or search any vehicle or person, locker, clothing item, purse, package, box, backpack, or any other container on company premises or in company vehicle. Failure to cooperate fully with any investigation, theft, property damage, threat, or harassment, or any other illegal behavior. 24. Conflict of interest. Engaging in an activity, business, work relationship or practice that results in a Conflict of Interest. A "Conflict of Interest" is defined as a business activity or relationship that results in questionable business ethics, competition with HTIC or which would otherwise compromise an employee's loyalty to HTIC. These rules do not attempt to cover all types of employee conduct which may result in disciplinary action
and the rules do not limit HTIC's right to impose disciplinary action, including termination, for reasons other than violation of these rules.