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Policies & Procedures
Below you can find information here about the policies and union contracts that govern employment at the Bridgewater State College.
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ATTENDANCE, HOURS OF WORK AND PUNCTUALITY
All employees are expected to report to work on a regular and punctual basis. The length of the work week is specified in collective bargaining agreements and Board handbooks.
For administrators, librarians and classified employees, specific work hours are determined by managers and supervisors in each department in consultation with each employee. Most administrative offices are required to be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and work schedules should be planned accordingly. Faculty work hours are determined by class schedules and contract provisions.
SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS
If classes are cancelled because of adverse weather conditions or other emergency circumstances, only essential personnel are required to report for work. All essential personnel will receive written notice of such status, which may be indicated on job postings and/or in annual written notices. All other full-time personnel are excused with pay.
Classified essential personnel will report to supervisors for assignments. If no special assignment is given, they will perform normal duties.
Essential personnel who work their normal tour of duty during a school cancellation or closing will be credited with straight time compensatory or flex time (depending on employee category) for all such hours worked. Classified personnel who work beyond their normal tour of duty during such a closing will receive time and one half compensation according to the provisions of their collective bargaining agreement or Board handbook.
Under extreme emergency conditions (such as a total ban on road travel or a natural disaster), the college may be completely closed. In the event of such a closing, the radio announcement will specify which personnel, if any, are expected to report for work.
| Announcements pertaining to school cancellations are usually carried on the following stations: | ||
| WBET | 1460 AM | Brockton |
| WCAV | 97.7 FM | Brockton |
| WBZ | 1030 AM | Boston |
| WBZ-TV | Channel 4 | Boston |
| WPEP | 1570 AM | Taunton |
| WBIM | 91.5 FM | Bridgewater |
| WHDH-TV | Channel 7 | Boston |
| WLVI-TV | Channel 56 | Boston |
| WRKO | 680 AM | Boston |
| WCVB-TV | Channel 5 | Boston |
| WLNE-TV | Channel 6 | New Bedford |
BEREAVEMENT POLICY
The following is the procedure for responding to notification of an employee
death or death of an employee's immediate family member. Circumstances
around each situation will most likely vary.
Death of an Employee
Any report of an employee death should be referred to the Associate Vice
President for Human Resources. If
the death occurs on campus, the BSC Police Department will contact the next of
kin, in consultation, if possible, with the divisional vice president or
designee. The Associate Vice President for Human Resources will verify that the
information is accurate; inform the president's office
Death of an Employee's Immediate Family Member*
The
person notified will inform the employee's divisional vice president.
*Immediate
family is defined as spouse, parent, sibling, child, grandparent, grandchild
and "step" relative including those of domestic partners and persons
living in the same household.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY
Bridgewater State College seeks to maintain an environment that is safe and secure and that promotes productivity for all students and employees. Since the inappropriate or illegal use of alcohol and other drugs on college property or at college activities may impair the health and safety of students and employees, inhibit the personal and academic growth of students, lower productivity and the quality of work performed by employees, and undermine the public's confidence in the college, a strong policy prohibiting such use has been established.
All members of the college community are urged to carefully and seriously reflect on their personal responsibility to remain drug free and to demonstrate care and concern for others who may be experiencing a substance abuse problem through timely intervention and referral.
An employee of the college (including student employees) shall not unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use controlled substances or alcohol on college property or in conjunction with any college activity, whether work-related or non-work related. Alcohol may not be served at any college sponsored employee activity without the express permission of the appropriate Vice President or the President.
Any employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. For unit employees, this disciplinary action will be in accordance with the relevant provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Disciplinary action may include suspension from employment, mandatory participation in an alcohol/drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program as a condition of continuing employment, or termination of employment. Violations of criminal law will also be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Any employee who is convicted of a workplace violation of any criminal drug statute must notify the Associate Vice President for Human Resources of that conviction in writing no later than five days after such conviction. If the employment of any employee so convicted is partially or fully federally funded, the college will notify the federal agency providing those funds of the conviction.
It is the policy of Bridgewater State College to enforce all state and federal laws pertaining to controlled substances and to prosecute individuals who violate those laws on college property.
The college encourages employees who believe they have a problem with respect to the use of drugs or alcohol to seek assistance. Employees who are enrolled in any of the health insurance plans offered through the Group Insurance Commission should consult their plan booklets or service offices to determine which programs may be paid through their health insurance. Employees who need to enter a residential treatment program may wish to consult with the Associate Vice President for Human Resources to be advised of applicable policies and procedures for such absences.
Employees who have questions about this policy should contact the Associate Vice President for Human Resources at extension 1324.
SMOKING POLICY
In 1987 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted a policy that called for the elimination of smoking in public buildings which fall under the jurisdiction of the state. The measure was designed to reduce the health risks that are associated with secondhand smoke. Smoking is prohibited in the residence halls and has not been allowed since 2001.
Employees are prohibited from smoking within 25 feet of exterior entrances, operable windows or outdoor air-intake.
The college is prepared to offer assistance to individuals who are interested in participating in smoking cessation programs. Employees should contact either Health Services or HRD to express an interest in such programs.
WORKPLACE SAFETY
Emergencies on Campus
All serious (life-threatening) campus emergencies, whether civil or medical, should be reported immediately by dialing extension 1212 or 911. You will reach the Campus Police Department. State your name, location and the nature of the emergency. Stay on the line until the person called acknowledges the nature and details of the emergency. Assistance will be sent as soon as possible.
The Right-to-Know Law
The Massachusetts Right-to-Know Law went into effect September 26, 1984. The law requires that all employers label hazardous substances and obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on those substances and that all employees who handle hazardous substances receive right-to-know training.
An employee has the right to request a copy of the MSDS on those substances used in the performance of his/her duties. The MSDS lists the ingredients of the substance, potential hazards, physical characteristics and necessary precautions in using the substance. MSDSs may be obtained from the Environmental Health & Safety Office.
Safety Procedures
Job-Related Safety: The moving of office furniture is the responsibility of the Central Receiving and Inventory Control. Employees who need office furniture moved should contact that office directly at extension 1362.
Good "housekeeping" practices in offices and work areas eliminate many accident hazards. Floor areas should be kept free of loose papers and miscellaneous objects which may cause falls.
Employees should use and maintain only equipment that they have been trained/authorized to operate. An employee who needs to use unfamiliar equipment should obtain assistance from a supervisor or an employee who is experienced in operating and maintaining the equipment.
Employees should secure loose jewelry, clothing and hair before operating certain equipment since those items may become entangled and cause injuries.
Employees who must use materials that are potentially hazardous should learn what precautions to take before handling the material. This information can be found on MSDSs which may be obtained from the Environmental Health & Safety Office.
Objects should be lifted by bending the legs not the back. Employees should always ask for assistance with heavy items.
All injuries must be reported immediately after they occur to the immediate supervisor and HRD.
Personal Safety: Employees whose positions involve evening work hours may request a Campus Police escort when returning to their vehicles in the parking lot.
Since theft is a potential problem at all institutions, employees are advised not to leave personal items unattended and to lock their office areas when they leave them.
Missing items should be reported immediately to the Campus Police Department at extension 1380.
Any unusual occurrences (disruptive behavior, safety hazards, traffic accidents, etc.,) should be reported immediately to the Campus Police Department or the Facilities Department, whichever is appropriate.
WORK-RELATED INJURIES
All work-related injuries must be reported to the immediate supervisor and to HRD on the day they occur. The college is required to comply with strict time limits in reporting industrial accidents. Therefore, all work-related injuries must be reported promptly.
The injured employee must complete an "Employee Accident Report" form and a medical release form. The immediate supervisor must complete an "Internal Claims Investigation" form.
Worker's compensation insurance is provided by Human Resources Division - Worker's Compensation Section for all employees. Worker's compensation insurance pays for medical expenses associated with job-related injuries. If you are unable to work due to such an injury for five days or more, worker's compensation also provides a weekly income for the period during which you are disabled. Further details are available in HRD.
EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE
Employees may be subject to disciplinary action if they violate college policy or contract provisions. Specific disciplinary procedures are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement or Board handbook.
GRIEVANCE AND COMPLAINTS
All employees have the right to file a grievance or an appeal if they believe that the college administration has violated a contract provision or a policy. Specific details on grievance procedures are contained in each respective collective bargaining agreement.
TRAVEL POLICY
Employees who must travel on college business should use college vehicles when possible. Staff vehicles are available for college employees to use to conduct college business while away from the college campus. The Transit Office in the Facilities Department is responsible for scheduling the vehicles, and any questions concerning their usage and availability should be directed to that department.
If an employee must use his/her own vehicle for this purpose, reimbursement will be made at the rate of 32.5 cents per mile (unless the applicable handbook or agreement provides a higher rate of reimbursement). Parking, hotel, meals and other expenses may also be paid by the college, depending upon the length, distance and nature of the trip.
All employees who travel on college business should complete a "Request for Absence for Professional Travel" form even if no expense reimbursement is involved. This substantiates the business nature of travel in the event of a worker's compensation claim and documents authorization to be absent for business purposes.
Reimbursement for expenses can only be made if the travel authorization form has been completed and fully approved and if proper receipts have been submitted. Further details on travel reimbursement are specified in collective bargaining agreements.
USE OF COLLEGE EQUIPMENT
Use Of Telephones
College telephones are intended to be used for business purposes. While occasional and necessary brief local personal calls are permitted, employees are expected to limit such use.
USE OF COLLEGE FACILITIES
Cafeteria
The Commuter Cafeteria is located on the ground floor of the Rondileau Campus Center. It is open all year with limited services available when classes are not in session. The cafeteria is operated by an independent contractor.
Employee Dining Areas
The Bridgewater Dining Room (BDR) is located on the main floor of the Rondileau Campus Center. It is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Monday-Friday) while classes are in session. The BDR has waitress services and is open to everyone.
Library
The Maxwell Library is located on Park Avenue. While classes are in session, the library is open from 7:45 a.m. until 11:45 p.m., Sunday - Thursday and until 5:00 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday, their hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Employees may check out books and other materials from the library by presenting their college employee identification cards.
Bookstore
The bookstore is located on the main floor of the Rondileau Campus Center. Employees receive a 10% discount on textbooks and on a variety of other items. The bookstore is operated by an independent contractor.
Children's Center
The Children's Center is located in the Burnell Campus School. The Center provides services for children (of students, faculty, and staff) ages two years nine months through five years, with limited slots also available for children six to eight years of age. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and offers six different enrollment plans ranging from two half-days to five full days. For further information call extension 1244.
John Joseph Moakley Center
The Moakley Center is a 50,000 square foot building with a 180-seat amphitheater, state-of-the-art television studio and teleconference room, and three floors of computer labs and electronic classrooms. The Moakley Center is a hub for the sending and receiving of voice, video and data from across the campus, around the country, and throughout the world.
The focus of the Moakley Center has been to harness the growing power of technology to improve education in the higher education sector and in grades K-12. As an ongoing learning laboratory for computer-based education, the Moakley Center helps students and teachers from a variety of disciplines and geographic locations explore how technology's many dimensions can open new avenues of knowledge.
In addition, the Center provides assistance to businesses in the commonwealth by providing services for employers seeking training for their workers, managers in need of videoconferencing facilities, and companies in need of technical research facilities. For further information, call extension 6145.
Meeting/Conference Rooms
Meeting/conference rooms are available throughout the campus. To reserve a room, contact the Campus Center and Conferences Office at extension 1272.
Classrooms
Classrooms may also be available for uses other than scheduled instruction. Such use of classrooms must be arranged through the Campus Center and Conferences Office at extension 1272.
Lost and Found
Items found on campus should be turned in to the Campus Police Department. Lost items should also be reported to the Campus Police at extension 1380.
Health Services
Health Services is located on the bottom floor of Tillinghast Hall and provides assistance with minor injuries and medical problems. This office can be reached at extension 1252.
Media Service
Media Service is located on the ground floor of the Maxwell Library (Room L11) and offers a variety of services such as A/V equipment, computer projections, and laminating. This office, which is opened Monday - Saturday, can be reached at extension 2020.
Kelly Gymnasium
The Kelly Gym is located on Park Avenue. The gym has scheduled times during the year that are available for employee use. Watch for the fliers!
Campus Center and Student Activities
The Campus Center and Student Activities offices offer many different forms of entertainment throughout the year, such as discounted movie passes, lectures, and comedy nights. Watch for posters and fliers announcing upcoming events!
Campus Mail
The Mailroom is located on the bottom floor of Tillinghast Hall. The campus mail is picked up and delivered daily to administrative and academic departments.
Last Modified: July 9, 2009
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