Employee Conduct and Disciplinary Action
There are certain standards of conduct that we all must observe as good citizens and employees. Keuka College employees must conduct themselves in a responsible, professional and ethical manner. While it would be impossible to list all unacceptable and prohibited conduct, the following list provides examples of some, but not all, misconduct:
- Theft or unauthorized removal or possession of the College’s property or the property of a customer, vendor, guest or fellow employee, including documents and electronic data of any sort.
- Dishonesty, falsification or misrepresentation on an employment application or other work records, including requests for time off, timekeeping records or other information requested by or provided to the College.
- Dishonesty, falsification or misrepresentation by altering College’s records or other documents.
- Reporting for work or working under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, controlled substances, or non-prescribed prescription drugs.
- Possession, use, sale, distribution, transfer, manufacture, or transportation of illegal drugs, controlled substances, non-prescribed prescription drugs or controlled substances on the College’s premises or while on duty.
- Bringing or using alcoholic beverages on the College’s property or using alcoholic beverages while engaged in College business, unless job-related and authorized by the College.
- Possession of dangerous or unauthorized materials, such as explosives or firearms in the workplace.
- Fighting or threatening violence in the workplace.
- Disorderly conduct such as horseplay.
- Creating unsafe or dangerous situations for students and other members of our College community.
- Engaging in dangerous or disruptive activity in the workplace, including using obscene, abusive or threatening language or gestures.
- Conduct or language that is disrespectful, harassing, abusive, rude or offensive to another employee, customer, vendor or other guest.
- Engaging in inappropriate relationships or conduct with students.
- Customer neglect, abuse or mistreatment.
- Discrimination, harassment or retaliation in violation of College policies or the law.
- Interfering with another employee’s job performance.
- Negligence or improper conduct in the performance of assigned duties.
- Insubordination or refusing to follow instructions properly issued by a supervisor.
- Creating or contributing to unsanitary conditions.
- Violation of health or safety rules.
- Smoking in violation of the Smoking Policy.
- Excessive tardiness, absenteeism or any absence without notice.
- Abuse of break or meal period privileges including leaving the premises without punching out when required to do so.
- Unauthorized or improper use of telephones, mail, computers, printers, internet system or other College owned equipment.
- Unauthorized and/or unnecessary use of College supplies, including for personal use.
- Soliciting during work hours and/or in work areas, including selling merchandise or collecting funds of any kind for personal interest, profit or gain.
- Violation of any rule or policy contained in this Handbook or for Faculty, any policies set forth in the Faculty Handbook.
- Unauthorized disclosure, use or release of trade secrets, confidential or proprietary information.
- Unsatisfactory performance or conduct.
- Any conviction for a criminal offense. A criminal conviction does not mean automatic termination. Consideration will be given to how the conviction relates to the specific requirements and conditions of the position and the implications for the safety and welfare of employees and clients of the College as required by New York law.
- Unauthorized or careless use of or damage to College owned property, tools, equipment or other items.
- Soliciting or accepting gifts, remuneration or benefits from inappropriate sources or entities, or their agents or families, except for small gifts (value less than $50), without the express approval of management.
- Gambling while on duty or on College premises.
- Sleeping on duty.
Employees must report any suspected violations of any College policies and any unethical, unprofessional or dishonest behavior to their immediate supervisor or The Office of Human Resources. The College may investigate such reports, and employees must cooperate with such investigations. Violations of any College policies and any other unethical, unprofessional or dishonest behavior may result in disciplinary action, which may consist of a verbal or written warning, suspension, or termination, depending upon the nature of the offense.
It is the College’s policy and intention to apply these rules in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the National Labor Relations Act and the federal and New York discrimination laws.