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604-9 - Employee Code of Conduct

Title:  Employee Code of Conduct
Owner: Human Resources
Last Updated/Revised:  01/06/2022

Policy:  United States University wishes to create a work environment that promotes job satisfaction, respect, responsibility, integrity, and value for all our employees, clients, students, and other stakeholders. We all share in the responsibility of improving the quality of our work environment. By deciding to work here, you agree to follow our rules. 

While it is impossible to list everything that could be considered misconduct in the workplace, what is outlined here is a list of common-sense infractions that could result in discipline, up to and including immediate termination of employment. This policy is not intended to limit our right to discipline or discharge employees for any reason permitted by law.

Examples of inappropriate conduct include, but not limited to:

  • Violation of any company policies and procedures or other defined, published policies set forth in this handbook.

  • Possessing, using, distributing, selling, or negotiating the sale of illegal drugs or other controlled substances.

  • Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during working hours on Company property, or on Company business.

  • Inaccurate reporting of the hours worked by you or any other employees.

  • Providing knowingly inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading information when speaking on behalf of the Company or in the preparation of any employment-related documents including, but not limited to, job applications, personnel files, employment review documents, intra-company communications, or expense records.

  • Taking or destroying Company property.

  • Possession of potentially hazardous or dangerous property such as firearms, weapons, chemicals, etc., on company location/property without prior authorization.

  • Fighting with, or harassment of (as defined in our EEO policy), any fellow employee, vendor, or student.

  • Disclosure of Company trade secrets and proprietary and confidential commercially-sensitive information (i.e. financial or sales records/reports, marketing or business strategies/plans, product development information, student information, patents, trademarks, etc.) of the Company or its students, contractors, suppliers, or vendors.

  • Refusal or failure to follow directions or to perform a requested or required job task.

  • Refusal or failure to follow safety rules and procedures.

  • Excessive tardiness or absences.

  • Smoking in non-designated areas.

  • Working unauthorized overtime.

  • Solicitation of fellow employees on Company premises during working hours.

  • Failure to dress according to Company policy.

  • Use of obscene or harassing (as defined by our EEO policy) language in the workplace.

  • Engaging in outside employment that interferes with your ability to perform your job at this Company.

Nothing in this policy is intended to limit your rights under the National Labor Relations Act, or to modify the at-will employment status where at-will is not prohibited by the state law.

Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to provide and remind employees of the standards that are acceptable behavior. 

Scope: This policy applies to all university employees including third-party and contractors.