- Solicitation and Distribution of Literature Policy


: Human Resources
: President
: 09/20/2018
: 09/20/2018
: 09/20/2019
Comment on Policy

.1 - AUDIENCE

All University employees.

.2 - PURPOSE STATEMENT

The purpose of this Policy is to establish the University’s intent to have a work environment that is free from solicitation efforts that do not relate to Thomas More University business or interest.

.3 - DEFINITIONS

Solicitation: includes, canvassing, soliciting or seeking to obtain membership in or support for any organization, requesting contributions, and posting or distributing handbills, pamphlets, petitions, and the like of any kind on University property or using University resources (including without limitation bulletin boards, computers, mail, e-mail and telecommunication systems, photocopiers and telephone lists and databases).

Work Time: that time when an employee is scheduled and expected to be properly engaged in performing his/her work tasks.

Work Areas: all areas of the University in which regular University activity takes place, including without limitation offices, classrooms, lecture halls, libraries, etc.

.4 - THE POLICY

In order to ensure efficient operation of the University and to prevent annoyance to employees, it is necessary to control solicitations and distributions.  Solicitation of any kind (i.e., proposing and/or procuring memberships in any organization, contributions, raffle tickets, email solicitations, food vending, sports pools, etc.) by employees during working time or the work time of the employee(s) being solicited, as well as the distribution of literature in working areas of the University is prohibited.  Off-duty employees are prohibited from being on campus unless they are participating in a campus-sponsored event.

Solicitation or distribution of literature by non-employees on University property is prohibited.

The policy of Thomas More University is not to contribute as a University to any charitable or political organization.  Employees have their own option as to whether they wish to participate in any of these requests.

The University does however, support charitable efforts and programs as approved by the Chief Financial Officer or President and from which Thomas More University will derive benefit.  Accordingly, the University does encourage its employees to donate to these charitable programs.

Violations of this Policy will result in the University taking appropriate disciplinary action against the violator, up to and including discharge from employment with the University.  Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures that apply to the violator. 

.5 - RELATED POLICIES AND APPLICABLE LEGAL OR ACCREDITATION STANDARDS

Acceptable Use Policy

.6 - PROCEDURES

All University employees may report any concerns with respect to this Policy to an immediate supervisor or the Director of Human Resources.

Those who report violations in good faith and in an appropriate manner, whether or not further investigation substantiates the claim, will be free from retaliation in any form.  The identity of the reporter will be protected, within legal limits, and those who retaliate against them will be disciplined.  All reported violations will be investigated promptly.

.7 - REFERENCING THE POLICY

.8 - HISTORY

This is a new policy, replacing language in the Staff Manual (May 2014).

.9 - APPENDIX

There are no appendices to this Policy.

.10 - APPROVALS

Laura Custer, Director of Human Resources

Dr. Kathleen Jagger, Acting President