Policies

Chico State Enterprises (CSE) is committed to a standard of excellence in the products and services it provides and in the quality of work expected of its employees. Recognizing that performance results and relationships are not always mutually satisfactory, and to protect the rights of both CSE and the employee, it is important that both retain the ability to determine their relationships with one another. Consequently, employees and the Foundation share the right to sever the employment relationship at-will. As a condition of employment, employees must understand and agree that they are employed at will. This means that either the employer or the employee may terminate the employment relationship between them at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause. Employees must recognize that the employer retains the right to establish compensation, benefits and working conditions for all of its employees. Accordingly, employees must understand and agree that the employer retains the sole discretion to modify an employee's compensation and benefits, position, duties and other terms and conditions of employment, including the right to impose discipline of whatever type and for whatever reasons the employer, at its sole discretion, determines to be appropriate.

Nothing in this handbook or in any document or statement shall limit the right to terminate employment at-will. No supervisor or employee has any authority to enter into any agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to alter the at-will nature of the employment relationship. Only the CSE Chief Executive Officer has the authority to make any such agreement and then only in writing.

This handbook contains the entire agreement between the employee and CSE as to the duration of employment and the circumstances under which employment may be terminated. Even when an employee is hired for a specific duration (e.g., the length of a project), this is understood to be a maximum or outside limit, and employment may be terminated at any time prior to the end of the specified duration. Nothing in this handbook, or in any other personnel document, including benefit plan descriptions, is intended to create a promise or representation of continued employment.

Situations of actual or potential conflict of interest are to be avoided by all employees. No employee will directly or indirectly maintain outside business interests or engage in any other outside financial activity that, in the judgment of Chico State Enterprises (CSE), conflicts with its interests or the employee's ability to perform their job.

While CSE does not ask to interfere with the off-duty and personal conduct of its employees, certain types of off-duty conduct may interfere with CSE's legitimate business interests. Employees are expected to conduct their personal affairs in a manner that does not adversely affect CSE's or their own integrity or credibility. Personal or romantic involvement with a competitor, supplier, or subordinate employee that may impair one’s ability to exercise good judgment on behalf of CSE creates a potential conflict of interest, potential problems with supervision, or employee morale, and other job-related concerns.

If you are a principal investigator [having fiduciary or directorship duties] on a grant or contract, your position is designated, under the California State University's conflict of interest code, as one that requires you to file a Statement of Economic Interests – Form 700-U and complete related training.

COI training is also available to employees who are not required to file a Form 700-U, but participation is voluntary, not mandatory.

Chico State Enterprises (CSE) recognizes its responsibility to provide a safe and productive work environment for its employees. Similarly, CSE expects employees to perform at their best and in a safe manner. Inappropriate or abusive use of drugs or alcohol can affect an employee's productivity, create a hazard to others, and impair the credibility of the organization.

CSE prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs or other illegal substances while on the job or on University property. Employees must not work under the influence of any drug or other substance, including medically prescribed drugs, which will adversely affect their work performance or affect the safety of others on the job. Violation of the prohibition against unlawful drug use will not be tolerated and may be referred to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Employees using a prescribed drug that may limit their ability to perform their job duties safely or efficiently are required to inform their supervisors and provide a doctor's verification of need.

Federal law requires that any employee employed under a federal grant notify the CSE Human Resources Director in writing of any criminal drug statute conviction or violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction. CSE must inform the sponsoring federal agency within ten days of receiving such employee notice. In order to enforce this policy, CSE reserves the right to inspect, in consultation with law enforcement, employees or any articles and property in their possession. CSE may also conduct searches of Foundation and University property, and related personal items, when there is reasonable suspicion of a violation of this policy.

CSE will encourage and reasonably accommodate employees with alcohol or drug dependencies to seek treatment and rehabilitation. The University has a confidential Employee Assistance Program, available at no cost to CSE employees, offering assessment and referral services.

Employees who take the initiative to advise CSE of an alcohol or drug abuse problem, who have not engaged in misconduct or repeated poor job performance, and who demonstrate a commitment to remedial action, may be eligible to continue to work provided that a recognized treatment or rehabilitation program is followed and all standards of job performance and conduct are met.

CSE will attempt to reasonably accommodate employees who are receiving professional assistance with problems of substance abuse and whose improved ability to perform the job reflects the success of such a program. Employees who require time away from work to participate in a recognized treatment or rehabilitation program may be placed on a non-paid personal leave of absence for a period consistent with that offered for other disabilities, so long as they are actively engaged in an approved rehabilitation program. Information concerning these employees will, as much as possible, be accorded confidential status: only persons with a need to know shall have access to such information.

CSE is not obliged, however, to continue to employ any person whose performance of essential job duties is impaired because of drug or alcohol use. Nor is CSE obliged to continue the employment of any person who has participated in treatment or rehabilitation, if that person's job performance remains impaired as a result of the dependency. This policy on treatment and rehabilitation is not intended to restrict CSE's treatment of employees who violate the regulations described above. Rather, rehabilitation is an option for an employee who acknowledges a chemical dependency and voluntarily seeks treatment to end that dependency.

The CSE administrative office will be responsible for the administration of this policy and act as a resource for employees. Supervisors will be responsible for immediately reporting any incident of suspected substance abuse or an employee’s request for assistance to the Human Resources Department.

This policy, including Federal Trafficking Penalties, is distributed to CSE employees in response to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and communities Act Amendments of 1989. As provided by law, this policy will be subject to biennial review to determine the effectiveness of the program and to implement needed changes and insure disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

This policy, recognizing the integral relationship between the Chico State Enterprises (CSE) and its host campus, mirrors campus policy for the use of electronic and computing communications. This policy includes all systems/resources for both local departmental and central university-wide facilities and applies only to institutional data and/or equipment. This policy does not apply to computing equipment that is the property of the employee except that the use of personal equipment linked to university facilities (e.g., a personally owned microcomputer linked to the campus network) will be subject to applicable provisions. In all cases, applicable statues and regulations that guarantee either protection or accessibility of institutional records will take precedence over this policy.

Purpose

The purpose for computing and communications systems, services, and facilities of CSE is to support the educational and service mission of the University. This policy sets forth users’ rights and responsibilities and is designed to address related access, use, and privacy issues in a way that meets the University’s legal responsibilities, assures the maintenance of the campus network systems, and treats the campus community with respect. This policy assumes as a condition of use the exercise of common sense, common courtesy, and a respect for the rights and property of CSE, University and users.

Access

Access to the university’s computing and communications facilities and resources is a privilege granted for the purpose of educational use and legitimate university-related business by university faculty, staff, currently registered students, and individuals or organizations outside the University who are actively involved in research, development, or other projects sponsored by a department, college or the institution. Retired faculty and staff will be granted continued access to computing and communications facilities, but such access under certain circumstances may require modifications due to limited resources. Faculty and staff whose employment status has been terminated for reasons other than retirement will not retain any form of access.

Legal Basis

Use of the university’s computing and communications facilities and resources is governed by all applicable CSU system and university policies and procedures, as well as by all applicable federal, state, and local laws and statutes. Material accessible to the CSU, Chico community through networks and material disseminated from CSU, Chico should not be restricted on the basis of its content nor because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to its creation. University administrators, faculty, and staff should challenge any attempts to censor electronic information resources.

Privacy and Ownership (Disclaimers)

The University and Foundation support each individual’s right to private communication and will take reasonable steps to ensure security of the network. However, messages on university computing resources are potentially accessible to others through normal system administration activities and to the public through public records laws. Hence, the University cannot guarantee absolute privacy of electronic communication.

The University supports each individual’s right to privacy of personal files. However, in the normal course of system administration, the administrator may have to examine user files to gather information to diagnose and correct problems. Additionally, with reasonable cause for suspicion and appropriate administrative authority, files may be examined by system personnel to determine if a user is acting in violation of the policies set forth in this document, other university policies, and state or federal status.

The University cannot guarantee that, in all instances, copies of critical data will be retained on university systems. It is ultimately the responsibility of computer users to obtain secure, backup copies of essential files for disaster recovery.

The University will normally treat all e-mail messages, personal files, and personal data as private and confidential and will normally examine or disclose the contents only when authorized by the affected computer user(s). Requests for access to private messages/data for any other purpose than technical problem resolution will be approved by the senior Academic Affairs Officer or their designee, except as necessary to protect the integrity, security, and effective operation of the university’s computing and communications facilities or as required by local, state, or federal law.

To protect the integrity, security, and effective operations of the university’s computing and communications facilities and the users thereof against unauthorized or improper use of these facilities, the University reserves the right, without notice, to limit or restrict any individual’s use of any computing and communications facility or resource and to inspect, copy, remove, or otherwise alter any data, file, or system resource which may undermine security, integrity, or the effective operation of the university’s computing and communications facilities. The University disclaims responsibility for loss of data or interference with files resulting from its efforts to maintain the privacy and security of computing and communications facilities.

Caution:

Having open access to computing and communications facilities implies some risk. The University cherishes the diversity of values and perspectives endemic in an academic institution and is respectful of freedom of expression. Therefore, it does not condone censorship nor does it endorse the inspection of files other than on an exceptional basis. As a result, the University cannot protect individuals against the existence or receipt of material that may be offensive to them. Reasonable expectations of privacy are diminished once electronic communications are sent to other users or posted on public systems.

Like a written communication, an e-mail message received by an individual will be considered the prerogative of the recipient to dispose of (copy, delete, save, send to others, etc.), as they desire. An electronic message should be accorded care and courtesy similar to that accorded a written communication.

University or Foundation -purchased, -owned, or -maintained software for individual workstations and site licenses, data, and custom applications programs are the exclusive property of the University or Foundation and shall be used by faculty, staff, and registered students only in the conduct of University or Foundation business.

User Responsibilities and Acceptable Use

Each faculty, staff, and student of Chico State Enterprises computer communications systems is responsible for the material that they choose to send or display using the campus computing/communications resources.

Acceptable use of computing and communications facilities and resources at CSU, Chico includes:

• Respect for the legal protections provided by copyright and licenses to programs and data as well as university contractual agreements.
• Respect for the rights of others by complying with all university and foundation policies regarding intellectual property.
• Using accurate identification in all electronic communications to avoid deliberately misrepresenting any user’s identity.

Additional information about copyrights can be fount at:

TLP’s List of Copyright Information Web Sites

Meriam Library’s Copyright Information Page

The following guidelines further pertain to the appropriate use of campus computing and network services:

1. Threats/Harassment*. Users may not use campus computing or network services to threaten, harass, defame, or otherwise interfere with the legal rights of others. (* Harassment is defined as the creation of an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment.)
2. Respect of Privacy. Users must respect the privacy of other users. Examples of lack of respect for the privacy of others include reading their mail, accessing their files, or using their computer account or electronic mail address (except as may be required in the case of university employees for the purpose of facilitating official university business).
3. Sharing of Account. Users may not share their password with others or let others use their account (except as may be required in the case of university employees for the purpose of facilitating official university business).
4. Academic Honesty. Users must respect the intellectual property of others and adhere to university standards of academic honesty. Examples of academic dishonesty include accessing or using the files of others without their permission, altering or destroying their files or messages, violating standard citation requirements for information accessible electronically, or using copyrighted software in violation of the copyright agreement.
5. Illegal/Incompatible Uses. Users may not use computing and network services for uses that are inconsistent, incompatible, or in conflict with state or federal law, CSU policy, or local campus policy.
6. System Disruption. Users must not intentionally disrupt the campus computing system or obstruct the work of other users, such as by interfering with the accounts of others, introducing or spreading viruses or other destructive programs on computers or the network, sending chain letters or blanket-email messages, or knowingly consuming inordinately large amounts of system resources.
7. Operational Procedures. Users must respect the University’s operational procedures for computing and network services. Users are responsible for knowing and abiding by posted computer lab and network procedures. Generally, operational procedures prohibit printing multiple copies of documents on networked printers and playing games in labs when others are waiting for systems. Finally, as instructional use is paramount, users must leave a lab when it is needed by a class that has reserved the room in advance.

Sanctions and Disciplinary Actions

University faculty, staff and students who violate the above policy may be subject to disciplinary action following established Foundation channels for disciplinary matters. Individuals who violate U.S. copyright law and software-licensing agreements also may be subject to criminal or civil action by the copyright or license owners.

Actions that are illegal or against university policy will be referred to the appropriate officials regardless of whether or not a computer was involved in their commission.

The University/CSE may track user activities and access any files or information in the course of performing normal system network maintenance or while investigating violations of policy or statute. Anyone using CSU, Chico’s resources expressly consents to such tracking and is advised if such tracking reveals possible evidence of criminal activity the University/Foundation will provide the evidence to law enforcement officials.

Violators are subject to any and all of the following:

• Loss of computing and networking access
• University/Foundation disciplinary actions
• Civil proceedings
• Criminal prosecution

Offenders may be prosecuted under laws including (but not limited to):

• The Privacy Protection Act of 1974
• The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986
• The Computer Virus Eradication Act of 1989
• Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property Act
• The California Criminal Code
• The Electronic Communications Privacy Act

Reporting Policy Violations

If a person believes that a violation of this policy has occurred, they should contact the system or network administrator responsible for the system or network involved, who will report the incident to the college/unit policy officer in accordance with local procedural guidelines, should they exist.

There may be situations when the following additional offices should be contacted:

University Health Center and/or the CSU, Chico University Police, if an individual’s health or safety appears to be in jeopardy;

Foundation Administration, if violations occur in the course of employment;

Campus agent to receive notification of a claimed copyright infringement, as it relates to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998;

Informational Resources, serving campus-wide resources, if an incident potentially bears external or legal consequences for the institution. This office is available to assist with investigations, generally under the auspices of the college/unit policy officer. You may also contact this office if you wish to report an incident but are unable to do so through normal channels.

Chico State Enterprises (CSE) property (desks, vehicles, etc.) is to be used only for CSE business unless other use has been specifically authorized. CSE reserves the right to inspect all CSE property to insure compliance with its rules, without notice to the employee and in the employee's absence.

Prior authorization must be obtained in writing before any CSE property may be removed from the premises.

An employee's personal property, including but not limited to packages, purses and backpacks, may be inspected, in consultation with law enforcement, upon reasonable suspicion of unauthorized possession of CSE property, or a violation of CSE rules.

Employees may, in the course of employment, have access to certain equipment, documents, discoveries, projects or similar items relating to the business of Chico State Enterprises (CSE), whether prepared by the employee or otherwise coming into their possession. Such items shall remain the exclusive property of CSE and shall not be removed from the premises without the prior written consent of CSE. Work done while an employee is working for CSE, in terms of patent, copyright and other intellectual property shall remain the exclusive property of CSE unless a written agreement detailing other terms is signed by an authorized CSE official. CSE may copyright, patent, license or otherwise seek protection of such property and share royalties with employees.

See additional information regarding Intellectual Property at: Intellectual Property/Copyright Policy/ EM 97-07

Pursuant to California Penal Code section 11105.3, the Chico State Enterprises (CSE) may request criminal record information from the Department of Justice to assist with determining the character and fitness of a person who applies for employment, or is employed, or is a volunteer in a human services field that involves the care and security of children, the elderly, the handicapped, or the mentally impaired or in which employees or volunteers have supervisory or disciplinary power over children.

The Human Resources Department of the CSE in conjunction with the Project Director and in consideration of the work being performed on a specific grant/contract will determine what positions will require fingerprinting and Department of Justice or FBI background checks. Individuals appointed to such employment or volunteer positions will be processed through Live Scan. It is CSE’s policy that only those positions which have a true exposure involving the care and security of children, the elderly, the handicapped, or the mentally impaired or with supervisory or disciplinary power over children will be processed through a DOJ or FBI background check. Those positions with tangential interactions not involving isolated one-to-one relationships will not require fingerprinting.

Procedure:

Departments preauthorized by the HR Office will dispense a “Request for Live Scan Service” and instructions directly to the individual and communicate required information to the CSE HR Office. (Upward Bound, Education Talent Search, Passages).

Departments not noted in paragraph 1 will notify the HR Office and communicate the required information. The individuals needing Live Scan will then be sent to the CSE HR Office for instructions and form dispersal.

An individual in an identified position who has not been cleared through this process will not be allowed to work in a capacity where the specific exposure exists until such clearance is obtained. Individuals will be allowed to be in a team with a cleared individual for training purposes, or may work in a capacity where the exposure does not exist pending clearance.

The HR Office will be responsible for receiving the information via secure website from the Department of Justice.

When clearance is obtained, the appropriate departments will be notified that the individual can assume their full duties.

If criminal history information is received by the HR Office, an assessment will be made on an individual basis as to the relevance of the offense to the position being pursued, and the age of the offense. For example, a thirty year old conviction for embezzlement may not now bear any relevance or risk for an individual volunteering to be a foster grandparent; however, it may still not be appropriate for someone employed as a bill payer for a senior. Crimes of a sexual or violent nature would never be appropriate for those involving the care and security of children, the elderly, the handicapped, or the mentally impaired or with supervisory or disciplinary power over children.

Evaluations let employees know how well they are performing their assigned duties in target areas, and identify areas and means of improvement. Performance evaluation, and good two-way communication in general, should be an ongoing process. Supervisors are asked to complete a written evaluation after the first 180 days of an employee’s new assignment to assess the employee’s ability to perform assigned tasks, and to facilitate the employee’s adjustment to a new position and work relationships. Thereafter, supervisors should carry out regular and informal discussions with employees throughout the year, using the annual performance review to summarize progress more formally and in writing.

Written performance evaluations help to insure that a supervisor's assessment of employee performance is communicated accurately. The annual performance evaluation also provides a forum for discussing the employee's needs, work relationships, and possible development opportunities. It is also the time to set departmental and personal goals.

Supervisors should conduct employee performance reviews at least annually, but more frequently if there are changes in job duties or recurring performance problems. The purpose of annual evaluations is to advise employees how well they are meeting job standards, to identify performance problems and the underlying causes of those problems, and to motivate employees to follow a plan for improvement. It is important that evaluators present an objective and accurate analysis of an employee's performance. Performance appraisals should be submitted to the Foundation Human Resources Director for review prior to presentation to the employee. Evaluations that are not thoroughly or thoughtfully done may be returned to the supervisor for reworking prior to presentation to the employee.

If the employee is eligible for a merit pay increase, the performance evaluation must be completed first and provide the documented basis for that award. Positive performance evaluations do not guarantee pay increases or advancement. Pay increases are solely within the discretion of the Foundation and may depend on other factors in addition to performance, such as the availability of funds.

After review and discussion of the evaluation, both the employee and the supervisor should sign it to acknowledge that it has been presented and discussed. A signed evaluation does not mean that an employee necessarily agrees with everything contained in the evaluation. A performance appraisal signed by both the employee and the supervisor must be submitted to the CSE Human Resources Director to be maintained in the employee's personnel file.

It is the policy of Chico State Enterprises (CSE) to provide safe working conditions for all employees and to promote continuing, vital SAFETY AWARENESS at all levels, from top management to the individual worker. It is our belief that SAFETY AWARENESS is the basis on which a safety program must be founded; for, without this, safety is seriously compromised.

CSE recognizes its responsibility to furnish a place of employment which shall be safe for employees and visitors; to provide safety devices and mechanical safeguards; to the use of methods and processes to protect the life, health, safety and welfare of employees, visitors and the general public; and, to maintain and enforce a program to fulfill this responsibility.

Therefore, it shall be considered your responsibility to not only assure your own personal safety, but to develop a concern for the safety of all who work with you. If you become aware of a safety concern or hazardous situation, it should be reported immediately to your supervisor and the CSE administrative office. A Report of Safety Hazard is used for this purpose. Either use the link or contact the CSE administration office to request a form. In no circumstance, except an emergency, should an employee leave a shift without reporting a work related injury or illness that has occurred.

As an employee, you shall at all times, while on CSE or University property, conduct yourselves and perform work in a safe manner consistent with existing safety rules.

For safety training resources, contact the CSE administration office at csehr@csuchico.edu.

• Telecommuting Policy (PDF)
• Telecommuting Request Form (TRF) (PDF)

• Vacation Policy (PDF) 
• Leave Sharing Form - Donor (opens in new window)(DOC) 
• Leave Sharing Form - Recipient(opens in new window) (DOC)

• Wireless Device Stipend Policy (PDF)
• Wireless Device Stipend Authorization Form (PDF)
• Wireless Device Stipend FAQs (PDF)