[Faculty Handbook Category #3]
In order to maintain our excellent reputation in the community and to provide the best possible work environment for you and your coworkers, we expect you to follow the rules of conduct set forth in this policy.
Integrity, Honesty, and Respect
Any time you are interacting with someone connected to our workplace, their perception of your words, actions, and behavior is more important than your intent, since a bad experience can taint a relationship and spread into the community. As a result, we expect you to perform with the highest level of integrity and to be honest and fair when interacting with others in connection with work.
Similarly, consideration, respect and courtesy play critical roles in maintaining positive and productive working relationships with your supervisors, coworkers, and anyone with whom you may come into contact when performing your job. As a result, you are expected to be considerate, respectful, and courteous in every work-related interaction.
If you are ever in doubt about whether a particular course of action is appropriate, seek guidance from the Human Resources Office.
Unacceptable Conduct
While it is not possible to list all the forms of behavior that are considered unacceptable in the workplace, the following are examples of actions and behaviors that may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment:
- Theft or inappropriate removal or possession of property
- Unethical, immoral, or criminal conduct in or outside of the workplace
- Dishonesty or misrepresentation including, but not limited to, falsification of timekeeping records, misrepresentation on employment applications, or dishonesty in an investigation
- Using, possessing or distributing alcohol or drugs in the workplace, while on duty, or while operating College tools or equipment
- Working under the influence of alcohol or legal or illegal drugs
- Fighting or threatening violence in the workplace
- Boisterous or disruptive activity in the workplace
- Negligence or improper conduct leading to damage of employer-owned or student-owned property
- Insubordination or other disrespectful conduct
- Violation of safety or health rules
- Smoking or using tobacco in prohibited areas
- Sexual or other unlawful or unwelcome harassment
- Unless otherwise provided by law, possession of firearms, explosives, weapons, weapon paraphernalia, or any other dangerous or unauthorized materials, in the workplace or while performing work on behalf of the College. (This prohibition applies even if you have a legal permit to carry a weapon)
- Excessive absenteeism or any absences without notice
- Unauthorized use of computers, telephones, mail system, or other employer-owned equipment or networks
- Unauthorized disclosure of business “secrets” or confidential information
- Inappropriate words, actions, or conduct, inside or outside of the workplace that may reflect poorly upon, or cause harm to, the college. This prohibition applies to words, actions, or conduct that occurs completely on your personal time, including on Internet social networking sites. However, this prohibition is not intended to stop you from exercising legal rights, and you will not be disciplined for engaging in protected activity.
- Unsatisfactory performance or conduct, including inefficiency, inattentiveness, and failure to manage and complete necessary workloads within scheduled hours, or failure to complete training as assigned by the College
- Violation of personnel policies.
Duty to Report Violations and Campus Conduct Hotline
Report any matter that you believe violates this policy and/or may result in any of the following: harm to an individual or individuals, monetary loss, or damage to reputation. Reporting such matters is essential so that we can respond appropriately. We do not retaliate against any employee who, in good faith, reports suspected violations of our policies.
While we would hope that every employee would feel comfortable about bringing issues and concerns directly to College leadership, we recognize that there may be situations where it is difficult or uncomfortable to do so, especially where the concern involves a supervisor or leader. As a result, we have partnered with a neutral third party that offers a Campus Conduct Hotline for reporting concerns about unlawful, unethical, or other concerning conduct. Campus Conduct Hotline is an independent resource that facilitates reports submitted by phone or online. The resource is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. An individual filing a report can choose to remain anonymous, and if so, the individual will be assigned a unique case number that can enable them to receive follow-up information about the College’s response. When should you use Campus Conduct Hotline? Anytime you have information about harmful, unethical, unlawful or other concerning activities occurring on campus. Examples include theft or misuse of College property, conflicts of interest, harassment, discrimination, bias incidents, health or safety risks, security concerns, or other behaviors that are contrary to the College’s policies and values. This service is intended to overlap with other reporting options that are available on campus, including other anonymous reporting resources. If in doubt, use whatever reporting option feels most comfortable to you. More details can be found here: https://wp.stolaf.edu/generalcounsel/reporting-concerns/. To report a concern call 1-866-943-5787 or report online at: www.intouchwebsite.com/CCH2442.
updated 1/1/2026