DISCIPLINE POLICY Update Delete

Rules of Conduct

In the interest of maintaining good working conditions, employees are expected to observe the university’s policies, procedures and rules of conduct, including, but is not limited to, the procedures, policies, and rules set out in the Employee Handbook. Although cause is not required for dismissal or other disciplinary action, violation of any of the university’s policies, procedures, and rules may result in dismissal or less severe disciplinary action.

In deciding what action should be imposed for violation of policies, procedures, and rules, the university will take into consideration all of the circumstances involved, as well as the employee’s overall work record.

Examples of Conduct That May Result in Dismissal

1. Not having current, active membership in a local Seventh-day Adventist church. Current active membership” includes, but is not limited to,
   1. Regular church attendance.
   2. Supporting the church by tithing.
   3. Living a representative Seventh-day Adventist life, this includes refraining from the following:

(1) Use of tobacco and/or alcoholic beverages in any form.
(2) Illegal use of drugs, such as marijuana, etc.
(3) Repeated display of uncontrolled temper.
(4) Use of profane language.

The employment of any member in a church organization or institution confers upon the employee the privilege of service, but does not confer special privileges as a church member distinct from those enjoyed by other members. Such a member-employee is subject in local church relationships to the authority of the church in which he/she holds membership.

The privilege of employment places a special responsibility upon the one thus employed to live a life both within and without the church that is in harmony with the highest concepts of church membership. Such an individual should consider fidelity to church standards as a condition of his/her employment, pledging to cooperate with the policies of the church and loyally uphold them.

1. Not maintaining the Adventist principles of morality, honesty, and integrity. This includes, but is not limited to:
   1. That practices of business, in and outside the institution, be those of unquestionable honesty and integrity.
   2. That moral practices and family fidelity be above reproach.
      Employees who are placed under censure by the local church may have their employment terminated by Southern Adventist University.
2. The habitual use of improper or inappropriate work habits. This includes, but is not limited to:
   1. Excessive tardiness, regardless of the reason.
   2. Habitually leaving work without permission from the immediate supervisor.
   3. Habitual carelessness about the quality and quantity of work produced.
   4. Failure or refusal to take instructions or counsel from immediate supervisors or management.
   5. Consistently displaying a negative attitude.
   6. Inattention to duties, sleeping on duty, loafing or idleness.
3. Failure to respect the standards of dress, conduct, etc., as outlined in this handbook or other university policies.
4. Evidences of dishonesty. This includes, but is not limited to:
   
   1. Fraudulent recording of time for another employee.
   2. Other falsification of records or reports, oral or written.
   3. Stealing of materials or property of the university, co-workers, or students.

5. Damage to buildings and/or equipment.

6. Sexual Misconduct as defined in Policy 2030.

7. Failure to fulfill job requirements or standards of efficiency and productivity.
8. Creating or contributing to unhealthy or unsanitary conditions.
9. Creating a hazardous condition for the employee, coworkers, or students.
10. Violating safety rules or common safety practices.
11. Soliciting or accepting gratuities, tips, or loans.
12. Unauthorized release of university, personnel, or student confidential information.
13. Gambling.
14. Violation of the Drug Free Workplace policy.
15. Indulging in disorderly conduct, abusive, profane, or offensive language or conduct.
16. Engaging in physical, visual or verbal harassment on account of sex, race, religion, color, age, ethnicity, or disability.
17. Fighting, threatening, intimidating, attempting bodily harm or injury or interfering with another person.