Policies by Audience - Faculty

Academic Calendar
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Academic Calendar

Academic Freedom
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Academic Freedom

Academic Honesty Policy
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

A. Introduction

Academic honesty is an essential part of the Saint Francis University experience. Dishonesty in any aspect of the life of the University is viewed as being incompatible with the school's moral tradition. Accordingly, Saint Francis University has prepared a policy on academic honesty that will guide students in dealing with such issues in the process of learning regardless of the course delivery method.

Academic Rank
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

The Board of Trustees has ultimate legal responsibility for determining the appropriate rank of all faculty appointments and for promotions. The Board of Trustees may delegate to the President the responsibility for determining the appropriate rank of initial faculty appointments. Faculty recommendations concerning appropriate rank of initial appointments and concerning promotions are of the utmost importance.

The University provides the email, network, guest network, and Internet resources for University-related activity. The purpose of the campus network is to support education and research by providing access to valuable resources. It also provides opportunity for interaction and collaborative work using the Internet through e-mail services and other network applications. The Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources policy is applicable to all employees and students.

Accidents and Incidents
Responsible Office: Risk Management

Accidents and Incidents

Acquiring Alcohol for Use at University Functions
Responsible Office: Business Office

Acquiring alcohol for use at all University related functions

Additional Locations for Offering Courses
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

To insure that new locations for offering Saint Francis University courses are approved by University administration, and in compliance with government regulations and accreditation agencies.

Additional Titles
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Additional Titles

Due to severe inclement weather the University may find it necessary to delay, or cancel classes, or may declare the classes as a required "virtual class day" in lieu of cancellation. Delay or cancellation of classes, or declaration of "virtual class day"  does not mean that the University is closed. In fact, when classes are delayed or cancelled, or when a virtual class day is in effect, operations continue.

Alternate Promotion Procedure for Exceptional Cases
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Alternate Promotion Procedure for Exceptional Cases

Appeal Procedure for Negative Tenure Recommendations
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

General Principles Governing Appeals

Given the nature of the value of tenure to the applicant and the university, a negative recommendation for tenure is reviewable. Due to the Tenure committee's failure to adhere to the Faculty Handbook article governing tenure, discrimination against membership in a protected class, or violation of academic freedom.

Application for Promotion
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Application for Promotion

Appointment of Academic Program Coordinators and Graduate Program Directors

Athletic Facilities
Responsible Office: Athletics

Athletic Facilities

Attendance and Class Meetings Policy
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

SCOPE

This policy applies to students and faculty with respect to all graduate and undergraduate courses offered, regardless of their modality.

PURPOSE

To establish policy, procedures, and guidelines for the management of attendance for both on-ground and online students and their attendance records in accordance with state (22 PA Code) and federal regulations (34 CFR 668.22).

Although the teaching of classes is the basic responsibility of the faculty, the University can truly be a community of scholars only by the participation of each member in those activities that promote the smooth functioning of the institution, that offer opportunities for intellectual exchange, that assist in University governance through the Faculty Senate, and uphold the image of the University in the public eye.

Audiovisual Equipment
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Collections of audiovisual equipment are maintained by several academic departments. Information about such equipment can be obtained from department chairpersons. 

Bereavement Leave
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Bereavement Leave

Bookstore
Responsible Office: Bookstore

Bookstore

Campus-Wide Communications
Responsible Office: University Communications and Marketing

For email to work as an effective strategic communication tool, inboxes should be respected, not flooded.  This policy establishes the process for group email messaging and outlines what is appropriate for sharing through email distribution lists, message board postings and alternative ways to communicate.

Cash Receipts
Responsible Office: Business Office

This statement sets forth University policy and procedures for the handling and deposit of cash. 

Children on Campus Guidelines
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Children on Campus Guidelines

Circulation of Materials
Responsible Office: Library

Circulation transactions are legal contracts between the library and the borrower. Borrowers are responsible for appropriate care of library materials charged out to them. The library is responsible for keeping borrowers' records confidential. Prompt return of library materials when due is a consideration shown to fellow library users.

Commitment to Privacy
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

The Library of Saint Francis University values the privacy of individuals using library resources. The Saint Francis University Library subscribes to the American Library Association Code of Ethics as a guide for protecting the privacy of our users. The Saint Francis University Library will only release names or other personally identifying details in response to a search warrant, subpoena, or other lawful directives issued in accordance with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, 50 U.S.C. 1801, et seq., as amended by the USA PATRIOT ACT (Public Law 107-56), and Pennsylvania Law 24 P.S. Section 428. Personal information collected from library users is used to process requests and meet an individual’s library information and resource needs. The Saint Francis University Library does not sell personal information to any third party. 

Committee on Promotion and the Committee on Tenure
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Committee on Promotion and the Committee on Tenure

Compassionate Leave Program
Responsible Office: Human Resources

The University desires to provide an opportunity to mitigate financial hardships for all full-time University employees who have completed one year of service and are dealing with catastrophic, unforeseen, and major personal or family illness. This will be accomplished by the creation of a Compassionate Leave Program whereby employees may donate accrued unused vacation or sick leave. Employees, who are experiencing a significant personal or family illness, as defined below, may receive donated paid time off if all of the qualifications are met.

Compensation Policy
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Compensation Policy

Confidentiality of University Documents and Records
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Confidentiality of University Documents and Records

Conflict of Interest Policy
Responsible Office: Human Resources

The term “conflict of interest” pertains to situations in which financial or other personal considerations compromise, or have the appearance of compromising, an individual’s professional judgment and ability to perform his or her responsibilities at Saint Francis University.

Consortial Course Policy
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

To provide clear and consistent practices for allowing students to register for courses through any academic consortium in which Saint Francis University is a participating member. What is an academic consortium? It is an organized group of colleges and universities that share courses under a specific agreement. When Saint Francis University participates, a student may, under certain conditions described in this policy, take courses through the consortium; a consortial course is directly aligned with a SFU course and the course will be recorded on the student transcript as the SFU course.

Consultant Selection
Responsible Office: Business Office

The following procedures have been adopted by Saint Francis University (University) as authorized by action of the Board of Trustees (Board). These procedures shall be used for the orderly determination of the need to use consulting engineering firms, qualification and selection of firms, and general administration and monitoring of the engineering agreements.

Continuity of Operations Plan
Responsible Office: President's Office

This Continuity of Operations Plan provides the framework by which Saint Francis University will mitigate impacts and restore essential services and operations at the University in the event of a catastrophic event. This plan identifies the overall concepts to manage University continuity objectives, identify operational priorities, clarify continuity of leadership, and activate processes and procedures for use during continuity operations. This policy aims to address 34 CFR 602.24(c) and works in conjunction with the Saint Francis University Crisis Communication Plan, Emergency Response Manual, and Pandemic Response Plan.

Copyright Policy
Responsible Office: IT Services

Recognizing the balance between fostering creativity and protecting ownership, Saint Francis University expects and requires all students, faculty, and staff to comply with applicable copyright laws and this policy. Saint Francis University students, faculty, and staff are expected to have a basic understanding of copyright law in order to ensure compliance with the law and this policy. 

Course Reserves Policy
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

The primary purpose of course reserves is to make limited supplies of library and faculty-owned materials available to students.  

Course Syllabi
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Course Syllabi

Credit Union
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Credit Union

Criteria for Promotion and Tenure by Rank
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Saint Francis University desires to maintain a high level of quality instruction, so it encourages faculty to grow professionally. Therefore, by its system of promotion and tenure, the University provides incentives for advancing the scholarly pursuits of the teachers and establishes a fair and equitable basis for rewarding that academic progress.

Saint Francis University also recognizes tenure as a safeguard to academic freedom and extends the security of tenure to full-time faculty who have attained the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor and who, after the satisfactory completion of a period of probation, have given clear evidence of their fitness for the academic work they were appointed to perform. Tenure may not be granted to adjunct faculty or to faculty at the rank of instructor.

 

Curriculum and Courses
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Curriculum and Courses

Data Classification
Responsible Office: IT Services

Accurate classification provides the basis to apply an appropriate level of security to University data. All University data are therefore classified into four levels of sensitivity to provide a basis for understanding and managing University data. These classifications take into account the legal protections (by statute, regulation, or by the data subject’s choice), contractual agreements, ethical considerations, or strategic or proprietary value. They also consider the application of "prudent stewardship," where there is reason to protect the data to protect individuals or the institution.  This policy defines these classification levels and the care and maintenance of data based on these levels.

Data Governance
Responsible Office: IT Services

The purpose of data governance is to establish a culture that ensures that institutional data is both secure and available to those who should have access to it. The policies and procedures delineated below serve as useful guidance to data stewards, users, and seekers alike.

Deadly Weapons and Fireworks
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Deadly Weapons and Fireworks

Dean and Chief Academic Officer Input
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Dean and Chief Academic Officer Input

Debt and Capital Structure Policy and Guidelines
Responsible Office: Finance and Administration

This policy focuses on procedures the University follows to authorize major capital projects, and the steps it takes to ensure that the issuance of new debt used to acquire, improve or construct major capital assets are both strategic and fiscally responsible.

To comply with our regional accreditation organization and government regulations, Saint Francis University establishes semester and credit hour definitions.

Department Chair Input
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

The department chair evaluates each faculty member in the department with regards to their teaching, scholarship and service on an annual basis. The procedure for evaluation of Tenured, Non-Tenured Tenure Track, and Non-Tenure Track Faculty differ based on their current status.

Distance Education Policy Manual
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

The Saint Francis University Distance Education Policy Manual is intended as a resource for faculty teaching online courses at Saint Francis University (SFU). The purpose of this manual is to: 

  1. detail policies and procedures specific to online courses at SFU; 
  2. establish standards to meet or exceed distance education requirements at the state and federal levels;
  3. ensure consistency of delivery of online courses across all SFU programs; and 
  4. provide information about resources and support for faculty teaching online at SFU.

This guide was written by the Committee on Distance Education which was later merged and renamed the Contemporary Instruction, Learning, and Resources Committee. This document was approved by the SFU Faculty Senate. This guide will be accessible to faculty via my.francis.edu. 
 

Drug/Alcohol Free Workplace
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Drug/Alcohol Free Workplace

Duplicating Services and Supplies
Responsible Office: Purchasing

Duplicating Services and Supplies

Duties of Department Chair
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Duties of department chair

Educational Opportunities
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Educational Opportunities

Describes the elements of the promotion and tenure application packet

Emeritus or Emerita
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Emeritus or Emerita

Employee Assistance Program
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Attendance Policy (Administrators and Staff) Purpose

Employee Background Checks
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Employee Background Checks

Employee Code of Conduct
Responsible Office: Human Resources

The success of the University is based on the commitment of its employees to put forth their best effort in all assigned duties. Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which promotes efficient and professional operations.

Employee Drug and Alcohol Policy
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Employee Drug and Alcohol Policy

Employee Identification Cards
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Identification Cards

Employee Purchasing
Responsible Office: Purchasing

Purchasing

Employee Versus Independent Contractor Classification
Responsible Office: Business Office

To provide departmental budget managers and others with budget responsibilities a basic understanding of IRS requirements and a procedure for ensuring that individuals hired or contracted to perform services are properly classified. Please note that payments made to a corporation for the services of an individual are not affected by this policy.

Employment Definitions, Guidelines and Terms
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Employment Definitions, Guidelines and Terms

Endowed Chairs
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Endowed Chairs serve multiple needs at Saint Francis University including maintaining a faculty of distinction, encouraging scholarship among faculty and students, providing for visiting lecturers, granting financial aid to students, and generally enhancing scholarship and the teaching process.

Saint Francis University ("the University") is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities, that are free from discrimination and harassment based on a protected characteristic, and retaliation for engaging in a protected activity.  

The University values and upholds the equal dignity of all members of its community and strives to balance the rights of the parties in the grievance process during what is often a difficult time for all involved.  

To ensure compliance with federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the education program or activity, the University has developed policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair, and impartial process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or harassment on the basis of a protected characteristic, and for allegations of retaliation. 

Saint Francis University seeks to provide leadership and a consistent means to unite the university in a single voice in support of a framework designed to ensure fair treatment, full participation, and a sense of belonging for all members of the University Community. There are currently multiple committees, accreditation teams, and positions that have developed over the past few years all over the University to address questions of fair treatment, full participation, and a sense of belonging for all University Community members for the the NCAA, SAAC, SGA, as well as all of the academic accrediting bodies, the University is prone to be influenced by voices that are not congruous with our own tradition. In response, the following policy ensures that all published statements, activities, and representatives are compliant with the overall University Mission and align with Catholic Social Teaching, which ties directly back to our Catholic and Franciscan tradition. This ensures that the University is speaking and acting with a consistent voice and purpose.

Ethical Recruitment of Students
Responsible Office: Financial Aid

Saint Francis University strives to be an institution of high integrity and is committed to ensuring that recruitment and enrollment activities conducted at the University promote such an environment. The purpose of this policy is to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulation in order to prevent and eliminate fraudulent and aggressive recruitment of students (including but not limited to veterans and Military Service members) to the University.

Evaluation Related, Individual Development and Tenured Faculty Review

Acquiring and use of alcohol for events within the Curry Innovation Center, Altoona, and may only occur through Options A or B as detailed below.

Faculty Awards
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

The policy describes how faculty awards are determined and managed. 

Faculty Governance
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

University governance involves a myriad of complex, interrelated issues. Faculty, by virtue of their experience and training, are uniquely qualified to recommend, review, and enforce University policy. The faculty, through the Faculty Senate, communicates, collaborates, and cooperates with trustees, administrators, staff, and students on issues inside and outside of the academy.

Faculty Offices
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Faculty Offices

Family and Medical Leaves of Absence
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Family and Medical Leaves of Absence

Final Examinations
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

To establish a uniform final examination schedule in order to facilitate fairness and help maximize the educational experience for students.

Final Pay of a Deceased Employee
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Final Pay of a Deceased Employee

By law, all Investigators applying for and working on Public Health Services (PHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), or National Science Foundation (NSF) funded research must disclose significant financial interests (SFIs) that are related to the Investigators institutional responsibilities. Investigators are ALL persons, regardless of title or position, who are responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of research proposed for funding by the PHS, NIH, or NSF, including collaborators or consultants. This policy provides the framework to identify, evaluate and correct or remove real, apparent and potential conflicts of interest.

Flexible Benefit Plan
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Flexible Benefit Plan

Formal Complaint Procedure
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Saint Francis University recognizes that an employee may occasionally feel that he/she has a complaint in relation to his/her work based upon the non-application, misapplication or inconsistent application of official University policies or procedures. If so, it is in the best interest of both the employee and the University that all such problems be resolved as soon as possible. The procedure that follows provides an opportunity for staff to have their complaints and proposed settlement reviewed by appropriate administrative personnel in a timely manner.

Note: Any complaints that relate to discrimination and/or harassment shall be addressed following the steps outlined in the Non-discrimination Policy and No-Harassment policy complaint procedures..

Freshman Advising Program
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Freshman Advising Program

General Principles Governing Promotion
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

General Principles Governing Promotion

General Principles Governing Tenure
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

General Principles Governing Tenure

Gifts and Grants
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Gifts and Grants

Grading System
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Policy regarding the grading system 

Graduate Assistant Contract
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

To describe the University philosophy for graduate assistantships, process to secure a graduate assistant, terms of a contract, conditions for the experiential learning assignments, terms for the tuition waiver, associated and necessary information flow, reporting responsibilities, and other constraints and limitations.

Grant Policy and Procedures
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Saint Francis University encourages faculty and staff members (hereinafter referred to as "project director/principal investigator") to seek grant funding from public and private organizations to support the overall mission of the University. The policy has been developed to ensure that the University, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the ultimate recipient of all grant funding, retains control of the administration of all externally funded grants to satisfy the requirements of all federal, state, and private funding entities and to remain in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.

Group Life Insurance
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Group Life Insurance

This policy is intended to provide general guidance for faculty, staff and students so that they may fully engage in the political process in a manner that does not jeopardize the University's tax-exempt status. This policy also provides guidelines for permissible appearances of candidates on campus.

The chair of an academic department is appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Academic Officer, the school dean, and department members. The chair serves with the consent of the President, normally for a continuous period of three years (including summers) and is eligible for successive reappointments. The chair is responsible to the school dean for the maintenance of academic standards in the department.

Health Benefit Plans
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Health Benefit Plans

Hiring Relatives
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Hiring Relatives

Holidays
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Holidays

Honors and Benefits for Retirees
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Honors and Benefits for Retirees

Information Security Policies
Responsible Office: IT Services

Table of Contents

INFORMATION SECURITY POLICY
DATA CLASSIFICATION POLICY
ORGANIZATION OF INFORMATION
LOGICAL ACCESS CONTROL POLICY
CONFIGURATION AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT
MOBILE DEVICE EMAIL POLICY
PRIVILEGED ACCESS POLICY

Information Technology Governance
Responsible Office: IT Services

The Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) relies on standards and best practices from across the IT industry to promote efficient and effective IT service management.  Collegis' approach to IT governance is organized around a common industry standard framework called ITIL.  Within ITIL, there are a number of processes that guide the information technology department in the management of IT services.  In ITIL, new services are managed carefully and attentively, and ITS is organizing to better manage service design and operation with regard to projects and services.  ITIL provides a policy framework for the management of IT at the University which, by this policy, is adopted for use at Saint Francis University.

The purpose of this governance framework is to ensure that ITS does the following with respect to information technology service management at Saint Francis University:

1.    Establish responsibilities;
2.    Develop a strategy to meet the University's objectives;
3.    Ensure that hardware / software is acquired for valid reasons;
4.    Ensure performance where required;
5.    Ensure conformance with compliance rules and policy; and,
6.    Ensure respect for human factors.*

Institutional Review Board
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Saint Francis University has established an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to review all research involving the use of human subjects and to implement institutional policies and procedures regarding such research. 

Integrity and Accuracy of University Documents and Records

Intellectual Property Ownership
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

The faculty and administration of Saint Francis University believe that the public interest is best served by creating an intellectual environment whereby creative efforts and innovations can be encouraged and rewarded, while still retaining for the University and its learning communities reasonable access to, and use of, the intellectual property for whose creation the University has provided assistance.

Saint Francis University supports the development, production, and dissemination of intellectual property by its faculty members.

 

Interlibrary Loan Policy
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Interlibrary Loan provides access to materials which are not available within the collections of the Saint Francis University Library. In order to provide global access to information resources, the Library participates in the OCLC Resource Sharing network, reciprocal borrowing programs, and library consortia.

The Saint Francis University Library provides basic interlibrary loan services at no cost to University users. The library also pays the cost of postage to send books to distance education students, and the cost for the return of these books to the Library.   

Joint Appointments and Initial Appointments
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Appointments (Joint and Initial)

Jury Duty
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Saint Francis Univeristy will compensate all full-time university employees at their regular rate of pay for time served on jury duty during their regularly scheduled work hours. Employees are required to notify their supervisor immediately upon receiving a jury duty summons.

Leaves of Absence without Pay
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Leaves of Absence without Pay

Librarians Rank and Promotion
Responsible Office: Library

The purpose of this policy is to define appointment, rank and promotion policies and procedures for the University librarians.

Library Resource Planning and Collection Development
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

This policy governing Resource Planning and Collection Development applies to the selection of all materials comprising the collections of the Saint Francis University Library.   

Philosophy

The Saint Francis University Library provides the students, faculty, and staff of Saint Francis University and members of the community at large with excellent access to information resources, support for academic programs, and also promotes intellectual freedom as described in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement.

Logical Access Control
Responsible Office: IT Services

The purpose of this policy is to ensure access to the university information technology network by authorized persons as intended by University leadership, and the Department of Information Technology Services.  This policy defines the levels of intended access by user type (role) and authorizes the Department of Information Technology Services to monitor for, detect and take actions to remedy violations of the Logical Access Policy.

Mail Services
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Mail Services

Marian Loan Fund
Responsible Office: Business Office

To provide short-term loans to the faculty, staff and employees. Loans will be made only if funds are available.

Military Service Leave
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Military Service Leave

Minimum Computing Standards
Responsible Office: IT Services

Saint Francis University requires that all students in undergraduate and graduate academic programs have a notebook/laptop computer that meets or exceeds the listed requirements.

 

Misrepresentation
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

This policy is to establish the standard that those employed by the University are prohibited under federal regulations from making any false, erroneous, or misleading statement directly or indirectly to a student, any member of the public, an accrediting agency, a state agency, or the U.S. Department of Education.

Naloxone Policy
Responsible Office: University Police

Opiate overdose is one of the leading causes of accidental death in Cambria County. Fatal and non-fatal overdose can result from the abuse of opiates such as morphine, heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone as found in OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and hydrocodone as found in Vicodin. Act 139 of 2014 allows law enforcement to administer NALOXONE to individuals experiencing and opioid overdose provided certain requirements have been met.

New Hire Employment Requirements
Responsible Office: Human Resources

To outline the University's policy on submission of paperwork required upon hire of new or rehired employees.

Non-Commercial Fundraising Policy
Responsible Office: Student Development

The Saint Francis University policy for non-commercial fundraising refers to income-generating activity that is conducted for private business or personal profit. The policy is aimed at protecting the use of Saint Francis University's name, brand, and logo.

Non-Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Non-Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty

Obligation to Report Suspected Code Violations
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Obligation to Report Suspected Code Violations

Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens and Infectious Diseases 

Office Hours
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Office Hours

On-Campus Credit Card Marketing
Responsible Office: Finance and Administration
This policy is in accordance with Pennsylvania Code Section 23 -2302 A: Regulation of On-Campus Credit Card Marketing, effective July 1, 2024
Orientation
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Orientation

Orientation for New Faculty
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

The beginning of the academic year is an exciting and often confusing time for all University personnel, but it can be particularly chaotic for a new member of the faculty. When one is new to a campus, its rules and regulations, its students, and the community, an organized orientation program can provide needed answers to many important questions.

Out-of-State Academic Activities
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

As an institution that participates in federal financial aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Saint Francis University is committed to fully complying with federal regulations regarding state authorization as well as all requirements issued by States regarding the operation of higher education institutions within their jurisdictions. This policy is intended to address certain federal regulations, specifically 34 CFR 600.9, 34 CFR 668.43, and the rules of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

This policy therefore:

  1. Defines the offices, departments, and personnel responsible for ensuring the University’s compliance with laws, regulations, and agreements related to State Authorization;
  2. Establishes governance and communication structures necessary to maintain State Authorization compliance; and 
  3. Empowers University offices, departments, and/or personnel described herein to expect cooperative assistance from other University offices, departments, and/or personnel in order to comply with State Authorization laws, regulations, and agreements.

This policy does not govern the University's compliance with laws, regulations, and agreements pertaining to issues beyond state authorization.

Scope:

This policy applies to all administration, faculty, and staff.

Outside Employment and/or Business Interests
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Outside Employment and/or Business Interests

Overload Contracts
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

To maintain reasonable workloads, to clarify the use of overload contracts, and to ensure conditions for high quality teaching.

Parental Leave Program
Responsible Office: Human Resources

To provide eligible employees an opportunity to request paid parental leave, in concurrence of an approved FMLA leave, for the birth or adoption of a child and to establish guidelines for participation in the Parental Leave Program as a recipient or donor.

Parking
Responsible Office: University Police

Parking policy

Pay Schedules
Responsible Office: Business Office

To outline the University's schedule for payment of wages.

Performance Planning and Development (Administrators and Staff)

Personal Appearance and Standards of Dress
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Professionalism is reflected by the appearance and manner of faculty, staff, and student employees. Consequently the following guidelines have been established for maintaining and enhancing the Universitys image. Because the University is diverse in its operations different standards are deemed acceptable to different operations. Questions about acceptable dress should be first directed to an employees supervisor, then to the Human Resources Manager.

Personal Leave
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Personal Leave

Personnel Records
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Personnel Records

Personnel Requests
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Personnel Requests

Pets on University Property
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Pets on University Property

Photocopying, Printing and Office Supplies
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Photocopying, Printing and Office Supplies

PNC Purchasing Card
Responsible Office: Purchasing

The purpose of the P-card program is to streamline and simplify the requisitioning, purchasing and payment process for small dollar transactions. The program is designed to shorten the approval process and reduce the paperwork of procurement procedures such as purchase orders, check requests and expense reimbursements.

Policy Hierarchy and Precedence
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

In accordance with the document, "Policy on Policies," 'Policies that apply to the operation of a division or departments may not conflict with university-wide policy, but may be more restrictive.

Policy on HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
Responsible Office: Risk Management

Policy on HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

Policy on Policies
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Saint Francis University community has ready access to well-developed and understandable University policies.

Policy Statement on Hazing
Responsible Office: Student Development

Saint Francis University has always taken hazing seriously and continues to raise awareness about hazing and its prevention. The Stop Campus Hazing Act provides an additional layer to SFU's prevention efforts and response to campus hazing.

Position/Department Transfers
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Position/Department Transfers

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Policy
Responsible Office: Human Resources

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires the federal government as well as private, state, and local employers with 15 or more employees to "make reasonable accommodations to the known limitations related to the pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions of a qualified employee, unless [doing so] would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business."

Saint Francis University is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of education records, to providing students with appropriate access to their education records, and to compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and its regulations. The purpose of this policy is to set forth the University’s policies and procedures regarding the privacy of and access to education records.

Probationary Period
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Probationary Period

Probationary Period (Administrators and Staff)
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Probationary Period (Administrators and Staff)

Procedure for Promotion
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Procedure for Promotions

Reasonable accommodations are alterations/changes in the workplace that enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs and to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment.

Procedures for processing workplace accommodations will allow the University to process requests in a prompt, fair and efficient manner. The procedures also provide guidance to individuals with disabilities on steps to request accommodations and what to expect.

Professional Licensure Disclosures
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

This policy helps to ensure the University's compliance with federal regulations (34 CFR 668.43) and its obligations as a SARA-participating institution regarding public and direct disclosure requirements related to Professional Licensure Programs.

Scope:

This policy applies to academic administration, recruitment, and admissions personnel who administer Professional Licensure Programs, regardless of modality or geographic location.

Professional Societies
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Professional Societies

Property
Responsible Office: Risk Management

Property

Protection of Minors
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Protection of Minors

Public Relations/Press Policy
Responsible Office: University Communications and Marketing

Public Relations/Press Policy

PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act
Responsible Office: Human Resources

The PUMP Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) effective immediately with the exception of certain changes regarding remedies.

Reassigned Time for New Faculty
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

As an investment in the early development of new faculty, this policy provides opportunity for departments to request reassigned time for new faculty during their first semesters at Saint Francis University.

Recruitment and Relocation Expenses
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Recruitment and Relocation Expenses

Recruitment Philosophy, Policy, and Procedures
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Recruitment Philosophy, Policy, and Procedures

Reductions in Non-Faculty Personnel and Re-Employment Guidelines

Refunds and Withdrawals Student Billing Procedures
Responsible Office: Business Office

Policy related to student billing class withdrawals and refunds

Registration in Graduate Courses by Undergraduates
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

The purpose of this policy is to define in what instances undergraduate students may enroll in graduate-level courses, how these courses are counted toward GPA calculations, how these courses are counted toward degree requirements, and limitations regarding the number of credits.

Related Party Policy
Responsible Office: Business Office

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for identifying related parties, managing conflicts of interest, and ensuring transparent disclosure of related party transactions at Saint Francis University. This policy is designed to ensure that all transactions with related parties are conducted fairly, in the best interests of the institution, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Reporting a Work Related Injury
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Workers' Compensation Program

Research Misconduct
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Saint Francis University is committed to the highest ethical standards of integrity for its administration, faculty and student body. The University expects all research conducted under its auspices to adhere to the strictest levels of intellectual honesty.  This policy has been designed to meet the requirements of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS), under which the National Institutes of Health (NIH) operates, and other federal agencies. 

Resignation
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Resignation

Resignation and Retirement Procedures
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Resignation and Retirement Procedures

Responsibilities for Promotion and Tenure
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Responsibilities for Promotion and Tenure

Retirement Plan
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Retirement Plan

Return from Medical Leave
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Return from Medical Leave

Revision of the Faculty Handbook
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Revision of the Faculty Handbook

Sabbatical Leave
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Sabbatical Leave Policy

Saint Francis Honor Society Distinguished Faculty Award

Saint Francis University Remote Work Policy
Responsible Office: Human Resources

As Saint Francis University enters an era of growth we will do so with the mission of the University as our guiding light. The mission states, in part, that the university expresses the lived example of Saint Francis of Assisi in the modern world and promotes a culture that seeks understanding through innovation. With this in mind, we aim to ensure our employee work environment is led by our Catholic values and is understanding, flexible, and equitable. To meet the reality of the modern world, the University is establishing and supporting this remote work policy.

Service and Assistance Animal Policy
Responsible Office: Student Development

Service and Assistance Animal Policy

Service Awards
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Service Awards

SFU Digital Accessibility
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Statement of Commitment Saint Francis University is committed to making our digital materials accessible. "Accessible" means that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can access our electronic information and educational opportunities fully, independently, and in a timely manner or with substantially equivalent access and ease of use. We actively work to identify, prioritize, and remove accessibility barriers in our digital platforms, applications, and electronic resources. Our efforts include ongoing assessment of our information technology, implementation of universal design principles, and continuous improvement of our accessibility standards.

Sharing of Grant Indirect Funds
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

This policy describes how indirect funds from grants will be shared by different offices and individuals in order to recognize the cost of grant administration and to encourage grant writing by faculty and others.

Sick Leave
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Sick Leave

Smoking Policy
Responsible Office: Risk Management

Smoking Policy

Scope:

Faculty, staff, students and visitors to campus.

Social Media Policy
Responsible Office: Communications

Social Media Policy

Social Security and Medicare Program
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Social Security and Medicare Program

Speakers
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Speakers Policy

Special Compensation For Hourly (non-exempt) Employees

Stop Campus Hazing Act
Responsible Office: Human Resources

The University strongly encourages all members of the University community who believe they have witnessed, experienced, or are aware of conduct that constitutes hazing to report it.

Student Activities and Organization: Travel Policy and Notification Procedure

Student Complaint Resolution
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

This policy is established to provide an appropriate framework to resolve student complaints, to maintain the integrity of the academic environment, and to ensure the rights of students in such matters are clearly ensured and protected.

Student Input
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Describes the administration of the IDEA survey.

Student Location Policy
Responsible Office: Registrar's Office

This policy is in accordance with the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 34 CFR 668.43(c) and 34 CFR 600.9, which require the institution to make a determination regarding the State in which a student is located at the time of the student's initial enrollment in an educational program and upon formal receipt of information from the student that the student's location has changed to another State. This policy is necessary to provide a general structure under which the institution shall determine a student's location for purposes of complying with the federal rules, a condition of Title IV eligibility (i.e., the ability to offer federal student aid), and with the state authorization rules of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

This policy is intended to address federal government consumer protection requirements of 34 CFR 668.43. When requested, and subject to applicable privacy laws, Saint Francis University will make the determination regarding a student's location, together with any supporting documentation, available to the Secretary of Education as required by 34 CFR 600.9(c)(2)(ii).

The Saint Francis University Student-Athlete Missed Class Due to Athletics Participation policy establishes guidelines to deal with class attendance and class absence(s) associated with student-athletes' participation in intercollegiate athletics.  

Swatsworth Award
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

The Swatsworth Award recognizes excellence in teaching, research, and service. It includes a monetary award funded by the Swatsworth family. Any full-time employee of Saint Francis University, who teaches one or more courses at the University in a given academic year, is eligible both to be a recipient of and to vote for the recipient of the award given that year.

Tailgating Policy
Responsible Office: Athletics

Tailgating Policy

Teaching by Non-Faculty Employees
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Staff and administrators with appropriate academic qualifications may choose to teach courses for Saint Francis University

Teaching Load
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Teaching Load

Tenure Application
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Tenure Application

Termination of Tenure
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Termination of Tenure

Tests, Examinations, and Papers
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Tests, Examinations, and Papers

Threats and Random Acts of Violence
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Threats and Random Acts of Violence

Training and Development (Administrators and Staff)
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Training and Development (Administrators and Staff)

Transcript Service
Responsible Office: Registrar's Office

Saint Francis University understands the importance of providing our students with effective and efficient transcript services. A new career, entrance to Graduate School, professional certification, or other important events depend on the prompt and secure delivery of your transcript. We also understand the need to protect the privacy of student transcripts and our obligations under Federal law.

Transfer of Credit - Graduate
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

To provide clear and consistent practices for accepting graduate credit for transfer to Saint Francis University.

Scope:  

Students formally accepted and enrolled in a graduate-level program at Saint Francis University.

Transportation Policy
Responsible Office: Risk Management

This policy provides employee and student requirements for operation of Saint Francis University (SFU) owned, leased, or rented motor vehicles, and requirements for use of personal vehicles on SFU business. The policy’s design is to optimize the motor vehicle related safety of SFU drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The policy includes requirements related to the authorization, training, safe driving, and accident reporting of employees and students who drive SFU motor vehicles.

Travel and Entertainment
Responsible Office: Business Office

Travel and Entertainment

Tuition Exchange Scholarship Programs
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Tuition Exchange Scholarship Programs

Unemployment Compensation Program
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Unemployment Compensation Program

University Artificial Intelligence Policy
Responsible Office: President's Office

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly emerged as a transformative technology with profound implications for education, research, and university operations. This policy outlines the principles, guidelines, and practices that SFU shall follow in the development, deployment, and use of AI within the University by employees.

Use and Operation of University Vehicles and Equipment

To establish the standard for the use of the Statement of Nondiscrimination and ADA statements in University publications as part of Saint Francis University's commitment to providing a safe and nondiscriminatory employment and educational environment as well as in response to legal mandates.

Policy Officer:  Chief Academic Officer; Vice President for Enrollment Management; Vice President for Innovative Partnerships and Student Development

Responsible Office: Marketing; Title IX; Accessibility Services

 

Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Responsible Office: Student Development

To define the requirements for the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) on property owned or controlled by Saint Francis University ("Saint Francis" or "University"), or elsewhere for University-affiliated activities.

Vacation
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Vacation

Veterans Educational Benefits
Responsible Office: Business Office

To ensure the University's compliance with 38 U.S. Code Chapter 36, Administration of Educational Benefits, and the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018.

Voluntary Leave of Absences
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Voluntary Leave of Absences

Voluntary Short Term Disability
Responsible Office: Human Resources

Voluntary Short Term Disability

Web Privacy Policy
Responsible Office: IT Services

SCOPE

Saint Francis University, located in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States of America, provides the following information related to the privacy of users to the University's main website and other websites in the francis.edu domain (together, the "Sites"). 

PURPOSE

This privacy policy was established to address the collection, protection, and utilization of information that may be obtained by Saint Francis University through your use of the University's main website and other websites that we own or control (together, the "Sites"). 

Withdrawal from the University
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

It is recommended that students contemplating withdrawal from the University first discuss this matter with their advisor or counselor. If students decide to withdraw, the Career Services' staff is available to assist them in clarifying and reaching their future goals. Information and counseling are available regarding transferring to other institutions as well as assistance in reaching new occupational objectives.

Workplace and Environmental Health and Safety
Responsible Office: Risk Management

Workplace and Environmental Health and Safety