Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1968 [PAGE 779]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1967]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

727

In addition to a number of technical changes, particularly in the Rules of Administration, the revised statement differs from the existing statement in that: personal leave and vacation benefits are combined into a single account; eligibility is clarified and standardized; a uniform definition of the service year is established throughout the University; the present deferral of vacation is discontinued but a maximum accumulation of up to two years at the current earning rate is permitted; and payment of cash in lieu of vacation is not contemplated but once the maximum accumulation is reached, further leave is not earned except as the accumulation is reducedPolitical Activity Currently, various provisions relating to the political activity of nonacademic employees appear in State statutes, University General Rules, Civil Service statutes and elsewhere but are not easily available in a single reference. Therefore, it is proposed that the Policy and Rules include references to such provisions advising employees where they may be found and their general nature. In addition, employees would be directed to appropriate University offices where questions about the provisions can be answered. The Director of Nonacademic Personnel also has proposed that a general statement of policy, positively phrased, be provided to encourage employees to exercise the rights they possess as citizens to the extent they are not limited by the existing provisions. Accordingly, the following statement of policy is recommended to become effective October 1, 1967: University-wide General Policy: Political Activities Employees are encouraged to exercise their rights and obligations as citizens and to participate in political activities except those that are prohibited by law or conflict with their University duties. Schedules, H o u r s , and Overtime University-wide General Policy: Schedules, Hours, and Overtime — to become effective October 1, 1967 Work schedules, the number of hours to be worked and starting and quitting times shall be established by the President or under his authority. W o r k schedules may be changed from time to time to meet varying conditions of the University's programs. The University may require employees to work overtime. Overtime work shall be limited to unusual, essential, or emergency situations and, insofar as practicable, shall be fairly distributed. In general, the new text is a delegation of the President of the University to establish work schedules, the hours to be worked and starting and quitting times. The present policy which is being superseded established actual work schedules. As the maximum weekly hours and the minimum overtime rates are now established by Statute (e.g., the Fair Labor Standards Act), it appears desirable to give the President discretion to establish work schedules and rules within these statutory limitations. The manner in which this discretion will be exercised is reflected in the proposed rules, a copy of which is being filed with the Secretary of the Board for record. C o n d u c t and Discipline The text of the proposed policy statement follows. The purpose of this statement is to lay a foundation upon which the President may issue appropriate guides for employee conduct. The policy will become effective upon adoption by the Trustees. Basic Policy: Conduct and Discipline Employees are expected to perform their work efficiently and effectively and to be mindful of the public expectations of the University and of University employees. Supervisors are expected to provide leadership for the group they supervise, to respect the dignity and rights of employees as individuals, and to set an example by their own conduct, attitude, and work habits. Appropriate disciplinary measures should be applied firmly, consistently, and impartially. The present Policy and Rules contain a ban on solicitation but no other rules on Conduct and Discipline. Several months ago, Governor Kerner issued a Code