Philosophy

General Personnel Policies

The University of Rochester values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. Further, The University complies with all applicable non-discrimination laws in the administration of its policies, programs and activities.

The University’s respect for each individual is fundamental. This philosophy dictates that all personnel decisions and actions be based on individual qualifications for the work, and most particularly, the individual’s job performance which is directly supportive of University objectives and goals. In recognition of the vital contributions of faculty and staff to the work of The University, it is University policy to promote from within, giving preference in filling jobs to those qualified individuals who are already employed.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is legislation designed to mutually benefit individuals with disabilities and employers. In general, an employer must provide equal access to employment opportunities and make reasonable accommodations for a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to enjoy the same benefits and privileges as an applicant or employee without a disability. Departments are encouraged to contact the Office of Human Resources for assistance during the hiring and recruitment process, and with issues regarding current employees. University Disability Resources provides additional guidance in support of these issues.

Confidentiality

The University is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals (employees, students, patients, and volunteers) and the confidentiality of records. As an employee, you have the responsibility for making sure that this commitment is upheld. If you have been given information in confidence or have been authorized to secure sensitive information, you are entrusted with maintaining the confidentiality of that material. Breaches of confidentiality may be subject to corrective action, up to and including termination of employment. If you have questions about access to information that may be sensitive or that may violate the privacy rights of individuals, you should talk with your immediate supervisor.

Harassment and Discrimination

The University’s respect for each individual is fundamental. It is the aim of the University to provide an atmosphere in which each employee is encouraged to develop his or her full potential. The University will not tolerate any behavior, including verbal or physical conduct, that constitutes sexual or racial harassment.

All students, employees and faculty are accountable for compliance with this policy. Violations may lead to corrective actions which, in sufficiently severe cases, may result in separation from the University.

Supervisors are required to take immediate and appropriate corrective action upon observing or learning of any incident of sexual or racial harassment against any member of the University community. Such action must include a careful determination of the facts whether or not a complaint results.

Sexual harassment is defined by the University to include unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which involves the misuse of authority in an attempt to obtain personal benefits or favors, or which a reasonable person in that position would regard as severe, persistent or pervasive enough to disrupt the working or learning environment.

The University regards as racial harassment any verbal or physical act which is intended to cause, or could reasonably be expected to cause, individuals or groups to feel intimidated, demeaned or abused because of their racial or ethnic background or national origin.

Indicators of racial/sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

Negative jokes, graffiti, pictures or cartoons
Stereotyping activities
Degrading and derogatory words, epithets, statements or physical acts

Employees may obtain assistance from the Office of Human Resources at the Medical Center (5-2513) or on the River Campus 5-3396), or from the University Intercessor (5-9125).

For additional information, also see the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination Guide at http://www.rochester.edu/working/harassment/.

Standards of Conduct

The University has established standards of conduct for maintaining public order on University campuses and other property. These principles, regulations and procedures are in compliance with provisions of Section 6450 of the Education Law of the State of New York.

No member or guest of The University community may engage in the following behavior on University premises:

Obstruction or disruption of teaching or other University activities.
Prevention of free movement, such as pedestrian or vehicular movement.
Possession or use of firearms and explosives; dangerous, destructive or obnoxious chemicals; or any dangerous or apparently dangerous weapons, other than as allowed by law and University regulation.
Detention, physical abuse, or conduct that threatens bodily harm or endangers the health of any person.
Intentional damage or theft of University property or the property of any person when it is located on the premises of the University.
Entry into living quarters, private offices, or working areas of another person without express or implied permission of that person or of an authorized University official; or invasion of the privacy of records, data, or communications belonging to individuals, to The University or to others.

Violators of these standards are subject to corrective action