WALDORF UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK APPROVED October 26, 2012 Waldorf University Employee Handbook Revised 10/2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS 321 Wellness Opportunities 322 Parking INTRODUCTION 10 Table of Contents 20 Employee Welcome Message 323 Employee ID Card Benefits 324 Chapel 30 Mission Statement 40 History of Waldorf University TIMEKEEPING & PAYROLL 50 Introductory Statement 403 Paydays 60 Employee Acknowledgment Form 405 Employment Termination 406 Intentionally left blank EMPLOYMENT 407 Severance Pay 101 Nature of Employment 408 Administrative Pay Corrections 102 Employee Relations 103 Equal Employment Opportunity 409 Pay Deductions 104 Hiring of Relatives 105-106 Intentionally left blank WORK CONDITIONS & HOURS 107 Immigration Law Compliance 501 Safety 502 Security 108 Conflicts of Interest 503 Work Schedules 109 Intentionally left blank 504 Use of Phone & Cell Phones 110 Outside Employment 505 Smoking 111 Intentionally left blank 506 Non-Exempt Employee Travel 112 Non-Disclosure 507 Meal Periods 113 Intentionally left blank 508 Overtime 114 Disability Accommodation 509 Care & Use of Equipment 115 Intentionally left blank 116 Job Posting 510 Emergency Closings 511 Intentionally left blank EMPLOYMENT STATUS & RECORDS 512 Business Travel Expense 513 Employee Purchases & Reimbursements 201 Employment Categories 514-515 Intentionally left blank 202 Rehire Eligibility & Company Service 516 Computer & E-Mail Usage 203 Access to Personnel Files 517 Computer Use Policy 204 Employment Background & Reference Checks 518 Workplace Monitoring 205 Personnel Data Changes 519-521 Intentionally left blank 206 Orientation Program 522 Workplace Violence Prevention 208 Employment Applications 523 Office & Cubicle Decorating 209 Performance Evaluations 281 Uncontrolled Letters of Reference 524 Children in the Workplace 282 Inappropriate Talk About Former Employees LEAVES OF ABSENCE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS 601 Medical Leave 602 Family Leave 301 Employee Benefits 603-604 Intentionally left blank 302 Intentionally left blank 605 Military Leave 303 Vacation Benefits (updated 10/2012) 304 Intentionally left blank EMPLOYEE CONDUCT & DISCIPLINARY ACTION 305 Holidays 701 Employee Conduct & Work Rules 306 Workers’ Compensation Insurance 702 Drug & Alcohol Use 307 Personal Leave Benefits 703 Sexual & Other Unlawful Harassment 308 Leave Donation 309 Bereavement Leave 704 Attendance & Punctuality 310 Birthday Leave 705 Personal Appearance 311 Jury Duty 706 Return of Property 708 Resignation 312 Witness Duty 709 Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse (added 313 Benefits Continuation (COBRA) 7/2012) 314 Educational Assistance 710-711 Intentionally left blank 315 Professional Development 712 Solicitation 316 Medical Health Plan 713 Conduct Disciplinary Process 317 FLEX Spending Plan 714 Drug Testing 318 Retirement Plan 715-779 Intentionally left blank 319 Life, Accidental Death & Disability Insurance 320 Supplemental Insurance Option 780 Anti-Fraud Policy Waldorf University Employee Handbook Revised 10/2012 801-879 Intentionally left blank MISCELLANEOUS 880 Fire Procedures & Policies 800 Life – Threatening Illnesses 881 Contracting for Employer Waldorf University Employee Handbook Revised 10/2012 20 WELCOME STATEMENT Welcome new employee! On behalf of your colleagues, I welcome you to Waldorf University and wish you every success here. At Waldorf University each employee contributes directly to its growth and success. Hopefully, you will take pride in being a member of the Waldorf family of employees. This handbook was developed to describe some of the expectations of Waldorf employees and to outline the policies, programs, and benefits available to eligible employees. Please familiarize yourself with the contents of this employee handbook as soon as possible. It will answer many questions about employment at Waldorf University. For those Waldorf University employees working at the Alabama Columbia Southern University location, you will also need to familiarize yourself with the CSU handbook and policies, as you will be expected to follow any of their procedures as it relates to your working environment. Hopefully, your experience here will be challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding. Again, welcome! Best wishes, Robert Alsop, Ph.D. Waldorf University President Waldorf University Employee Handbook Revised 10/2012 30 MISSION STATEMENT Mission “Waldorf University seeks to be an engaging community of learning and faith where relationships are formed and opportunities for learning and service abound. Our mission is to educate the whole person emphasizing integrity and equipping students to succeed and to serve the communities where they live and work.” The descriptive statements will read as follows: As a Liberal Arts University with Core Values - Waldorf offers a core curriculum to liberate the way students think that they may develop knowledge in and a basic understanding of how a variety of disciples think and approach life. As a liberal arts University, Waldorf seeks to instill values of service, community, critical inquiry, and lifelong learning in each student and in the very culture of the University community. It is believed that these values and this education will prepare our graduates to understand and contribute to life in our complex and ever-changing world. As a Residential University - Waldorf offers a carefully designed student life program, as well as extensive co-curricular, cultural and community service activities designed to create a campus atmosphere conducive to a well-rounded educational experience.High academic achievement, personal growth, the building of lasting friendships, and a growing awareness of community responsibility are valued. As an Online University - Waldorf will offer a broad range of quality online academic programs delivered in an innovative flexible format while providing a positive experience that impacts the lives of students. As a Community that Values Religious Faith - Waldorf seeks to explore the meaning and depth that religion and spirituality can add to life. The questions religion poses for the living of life, and the unique perspective Christianity can give to the living of life are explored with academic rigor. Students are encouraged to develop a deep respect for the role religious devotion can play in giving direction, purpose, and a moral foundation to life. As a University Engaged with the World - Waldorf seeks to bring the world to Forest City by enrolling a significant number of international students as part of the on-campus student body. Waldorf actively sends students out to experience the world through multi-discipline opportunities for travel and study abroad. As a University Born Out of a Strong Academic Heritage - As a University started in 1903 by a Lutheran Church, the curriculum and the student experience are born out of a the Lutheran tradition of excellence in higher education. This tradition values service to the community, academic excellence, freedom of inquiry, a liberating education, and learning through the exchange of ideas in open conversation. Waldorf University Employee Handbook Revised 10/2012 40 HISTORY & CHARACTER OF WALDORF UNIVERSITY Waldorf’s character is shaped by the values and beliefs of its Norwegian Lutheran founders: veracity, discipline, the dignity and responsibility of the individual, a commitment to service, and faith in God. The Reverend C. S. Salveson, who was the pastor of what is now Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, founded Waldorf in 1903. Unlike several other Lutheran University’s founded by Norwegian immigrants and the first generation of their progeny, Waldorf began operation as an academy and business University rather than as a preparatory program primarily for future pastors. From its earliest days, Waldorf viewed education sponsored by the church as vital for persons who would serve primarily in secular society. Waldorf’s emphasis was fundamentally a “stewardship emphasis”: human lives are viewed as a gift from God, and the educational enterprise offers the opportunity for the full flowering of one’s potential. Waldorf’s mission has always stressed service to others as the means to achieve fulfilling lives. Whether as future business leaders, teachers, professors, scientists, entrepreneurs, ordained clergy, psychologists or musicians – it is hoped that Waldorf graduates will aspire to lives of service. Since 1920, when Waldorf became a junior University, the curriculum has gradually evolved to fully reflect a liberal arts emphasis. Now, nearly all students enroll with the intent of ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree. In the spring of 1994, the University was accredited by the North Central Association of University’s and Schools to offer its first bachelor’s degrees. Waldorf became a fully accredited bachelor’s degree granting University in February of 2001. The “core” of the liberal arts program has as its goals that students: • Learn to think, write and speak clearly; • Begin the process of developing a mature and inquiring mind, with the ability to formulate questions, solve problems and make both intellectual and value judgments; • Engage in and appreciate the arts; • Acquire understanding of our historical and scientific heritage; • Begin to develop an appreciation of other cultures and their ways of knowing; and, • Consider their religious commitments for their meaning in life and the world in which they live and serve. In January of 2010, Waldorf joined the Mayes Education family as the first traditional campus school. The other school operated by Mayes Education is Columbia Southern University (CSU), a completely online school offering associate, bachelor, master, doctoral and certificate programs. Because of the success CSU experienced with online learning, Waldorf launched three new hybrid online programs in January 2010 including bachelor’s degrees in business administration, fire science administration and organizational leadership. Hybrid online programs combine the flexibility of online courses with the advantage of face-to-face instruction. Three days (equal to one credit-hour) of on-site instruction is required for every 30 hours earned online. Residency requirements can be fulfilled at the Waldorf campus or at residential seminars held in popular locations across the U.S. Waldorf University Employee Handbook Revised 10/2012 40 HISTORY and CHARACTER OF WALDORF UNIVERSITY…continued Five new blended bachelor’s degree programs were also launched in fire science administration, criminal justice administration, organizational leadership, sports management and international management. These programs include 15 to 18 hours of online courses with the remainder held on campus. The Faculty recognizes that concern for the goals of liberal arts education does not begin at Waldorf, nor are these goals likely to be fully achieved on this campus. The development of an appreciation of “a life of the mind” ought to begin in the home and school, be further nurtured at Waldorf, continue in studies at Waldorf, and become a lifelong process. We believe the success of Waldorf program results from the interplay of several characteristics: • A dedicated, capable faculty who take pride in effective teaching and who share a personal commitment to the faith, values and traditions of the University; • A low student to faculty ratio, permitting a high level of faculty/student interaction; • Solid curricular offerings in a variety of disciplines, enabling students to begin (to clarify career goals); • An environment in which faith and values are a subject of inquiry, and one in which growth toward moral maturity is a valued goal; • A special emphasis on writing, speaking, and global awareness; and • A solid tradition in the fine arts, coupled with a lively program of cultural events, and a broad program of varsity and intramural sports to help shape a life of enrichment and physical well being. Lux et Veritas, reads the motto on the official Seal of the University – “Light and Truth.” In its Lutheran and Norwegian roots and uncommon quality of community, Waldorf University offers a distinctive educational experience. This catalog will further introduce you to the Waldorf University community. Campus and Community Waldorf University was founded in 1903 as a result of “The Great Hotel War of Forest City.” This fierce competitive battle between the two first-class hotels, built simultaneously, left the beautiful Waldorf Hotel vacant after only four months of operation. This provided the opportunity for The Reverend C. S. Salveson to muster the necessary resources to found a Christian University. Thus, Waldorf University came to be located on a prominent corner of the center of the City of Forest City, and the 50-plus acre campus has grown up around this original and still beautiful building, now called Salveson Hall. Waldorf University Employee Handbook Revised 10/2012 50 INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT This handbook is designed to acquaint you with Waldorf University and provide you with information about working conditions, employee benefits, and some of the policies affecting your employment. You should read, understand, and comply with all provisions of the handbook. It describes many of your responsibilities as an employee and outlines the programs developed by Waldorf University to benefit employees. One of Waldorf University’s objectives is to provide a work environment that is conducive to both personal and professional growth. No employee handbook can anticipate every circumstance or question about policy. As Waldorf University continues to grow, the need may arise to change policies described in the handbook. Waldorf University, therefore, reserves the right to revise, supplement, or rescind any policies or portion of the handbook from time to time, as Waldorf University deem appropriate, in our sole and absolute discretion. Employees will, of course, be notified of such changes as they occur. Waldorf University Employee Handbook Revised 10/2012 60 EMPLOYMENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM The employee handbook describes important information about Waldorf University, and I understand that I should consult the Human Resources Department regarding any questions not answered in the handbook. Since the information, policies, and benefits described here are necessarily subject to change, I acknowledge that revisions to the handbook may occur. All such changes will be communicated through official notices, and I understand that revised information may supersede, modify, or eliminate existing policies. Only the Waldorf University Board of Trustees has the ability to adopt any revisions to the policies in this handbook. I have entered into my employment relationship with Waldorf University voluntarily and acknowledge that there is no specified length of employment. Accordingly, either Waldorf University or I can terminate the relationship at will, with or without cause. Furthermore, I acknowledge that this handbook is neither a contract of employment nor a legal document. I have been informed of the location of this handbook on the Waldorf University website, http://www.waldorf.edu/facultystaff and I understand that it is my responsibility to read and comply with the policies contained in this handbook and any revisions made to it. This handbook remains the property of Waldorf University and any copy of this handbook must be returned if employment is terminated, for any reason. _____________________________________ ____________________ Employee’s Signature: Date: ______________________________________ Employee’s Name (Typed or Printed) Waldorf University Employee Handbook Revised 10/2012 101 NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT This handbook is intended to provide employees with a general understanding of our personnel policies. Employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the contents of this handbook, for it will answer many common questions concerning employment with Waldorf University. However, this handbook cannot anticipate every situation or answer every question about employment. It is not an employment contract and is not intended to create contractual obligations of any kind. Neither the employee nor Waldorf University is bound to continue the employment relationship if either chooses, at their will, to end the relationship at any time. In order to retain necessary flexibility in the administration of policies and procedures, Waldorf University reserves the rights to change, revise, or eliminate any of the policies and/or benefits described in this handbook. The only recognized deviations from the stated policies are those authorized and signed by the owner of Waldorf University. Waldorf University Employee Handbook Revised 10/2012