Board of Regents Policy Manual

Official Policies of the University System of Georgia

8.2 General Policies for all Personnel

8.2.1 Equal Employment Opportunity

No person shall be excluded from employment or participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under any program or activity conducted by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) or any USG institution based on any characteristic protected by law. Incidents of discrimination, unlawful harassment, and retaliation will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the USG.

8.2.2 Age Criteria

Employment of all persons under the age of 18 years shall comply with United States Department of Labor regulations and applicable law.

8.2.3 Employment of Relatives

For the purpose of this policy, relatives are defined as husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers, sisters, and any in-laws of any of the foregoing (BoR Minutes, February 14, 1973, p. 312).

The basic criteria for the appointment and promotion of USG employees shall be appropriate qualifications and performance as set forth in the policies of the Board of Regents. Relationship by a family or marriage shall constitute neither an advantage nor a disadvantage.

No individual shall be employed in a department or unit that will result in the existence of a subordinate-superior relationship between such individual and any relative of such individual through any line of authority. As used herein, “line of authority” shall mean authority extending vertically through one or more organizational levels of supervision or management (BoR Minutes, 1989-90, p. 250).

This standard does not apply to the temporary or part-time employment of children under age 25, nor to any individual employed as of February 14, 1990, at any institution where a relative of such individual then holds a superior position at least one level of supervision removed from such individual in any line of authority. Exceptions may be approved by the Board of Regents upon recommendation of the Chancellor as being clearly in the best interest of the institution and the USG.

8.2.4 Employment of Foreign Nationals

The employment and payment of nonresident foreign nationals shall be in compliance with all applicable laws and relevant visa restrictions.

8.2.5 Employee Orientation

Each new employee shall read and become familiar with the contents of the policies and procedures of the Board of Regents, the University System of Georgia (USG), and the employee’s institution that are applicable to the employee.

8.2.6 Holidays

Each USG institution shall establish official paid holidays each calendar year for employees at the institution. The number of paid holidays shall equal the number of paid holidays allowed for State of Georgia employees under state law. These holidays shall be awarded in addition to earned vacation time and shall be observed in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the Board of Regents, the USG, and the institution. A terminating employee shall not be paid for any official holidays occurring after the last working day of employment.

8.2.7 Leave

8.2.7.1 Vacation/Annual Leave

Regular Employee
A regular employee, as defined in the Human Resources Administrative Practice Manual, who works one-half time or more shall earn paid vacation/annual leave. A full-time regular employee shall be entitled to vacation/annual leave earned at the rate of:

One and one-fourth working days per month (10 hours) for each of the first five years of continuous employment;
One and one-half working days per month (12 hours) for each of the next five years of continuous employment; and,
One and three-fourths working days per month (14 hours) for each year after the completion of ten years of continuous employment.

The accrual rate of vacation/annual leave for an hourly employee will be based upon his/her standard work commitment. The use of approved vacation/annual leave shall be recorded on institutional leave records.

A regular employee who works one-half time or more but less than full-time shall accrue vacation/annual leave prorated on the basis of full-time employment. An employee who is employed less than one-half time shall not be eligible to accrue vacation/annual leave.

Temporary Employee
A temporary employee, as defined in the Human Resources Administrative Practice Manual, is not eligible to accrue vacation/annual leave.

Faculty and Administrative Officers
A member of the faculty and an administrative officer are defined in Sections 3.2.1, 3.2.2, and 3.3.3 of this Policy Manual.

A full-time faculty member employed on a 12-month or fiscal year basis shall be entitled to vacation/annual leave earned at the rate of one and three-fourths working days (14 hours) per month. All working days during the fiscal year shall be counted. Absences during academic calendar breaks shall be recorded as vacation. All vacation days shall be recorded on institutional leave records.

A full-time administrative officer employed on a 12-month or fiscal year basis shall be entitled to vacation/annual leave earned at the rate of one and three-fourths working days (14 hours) per month. The use of approved vacation/annual leave shall be recorded on institutional leave records.

The accrual rate of vacation/annual leave for a faculty member or for an administrative officer will be based upon his/her contractual work commitment.

A faculty member who changes from a fiscal year contract to an academic year contract shall be paid his/her unused, accrued vacation/annual leave subject to the 45-day (360-hour) maximum payment restriction upon termination of the fiscal year contract.

A faculty member employed on an academic year (9- to 10-month) basis does not earn vacation/annual leave. An academic year contracted faculty member who teaches during Maymester and/or summer semester will not be eligible to accrue vacation/annual leave for such service.

Vacation/annual leave shall be accrued based on the initial employment date of an employee. A new hire must be employed on or before the fifteenth of a month to qualify for accrual of vacation/annual leave for that month.

Vacation/annual leave shall be taken at times mutually acceptable to the employee and his/her supervisor; provided, however, that a University System institution may, on not more than five days, require the use of vacation/annual leave during periods in which all or substantially all of the institution’s facilities are closed because classes are not offered.

On December 31 of each calendar year, each employee’s leave record shall be adjusted to reflect no more than 45 days (360 hours) of accrued vacation/annual leave.

All unused, accrued vacation/annual leave, not to exceed 45 days (360 hours), shall be paid to an employee upon his/her termination from employment. An employee who terminates on or after the fifteenth of a month shall accrue vacation/annual leave for that month.

Upon a move between USG institutions with no break in service, an employee must transfer all accrued vacation/annual leave up to 20 days (160 hours). For employees with accrued vacation/annual leave of greater than 20 days (160 hours), an employee may elect one of the following options:

Transfer of the total accrued vacation balance, not to exceed 45 days (360 hours); or,
Payment by the institution from which the employee is moving of accrued vacation leave in excess of 20 days (160 hours). The total accrued vacation leave for which the employee may be paid shall not exceed 25 days (200 hours).

(BoR Minutes, November 2002, BoR Minutes, October 2009)

8.2.7.2 Sick Leave with Pay

For all regular full-time USG employees as defined in Section 8.1 of the Policy Manual, sick leave shall be accumulated at the rate of one working day per calendar month of service.

Regular part-time employees working one-half time or more will accumulate sick leave in an equivalent ratio to their percentage of time employed. Sick leave for employees shall be cumulative.

Sick leave may be granted at the discretion of the institution and upon approval by the supervisor for an employee’s absence for any of the following reasons:

Illness or injury of the employee
Medical and dental treatment or consultation
Quarantine due to a contagious illness in the employee’s household
Illness, injury, or death in the employee’s immediate family requiring the employee’s presence

If sick leave is claimed for a continuous period in excess of one week, a physician’s statement is required to permit further claim of sick leave rights by the employee-patient.

A terminating employee shall not accumulate sick leave or be entitled to receive sick pay after the last working day of his/her or her employment.

Upon the movement of an employee among USG institutions, accumulated sick leave will be transferred if there is no actual break in service. (BoR Minutes, 1991-92, pp. 354-355)

8.2.7.3 Sick Leave without Pay

Any employee unable to return to work after exhausting all accumulated sick leave and accrued vacation leave may be granted sick leave without pay for a period not to exceed one (1) year. Furthermore, such approved sick leave shall allow the employee the right to elect to continue his or her group insurance benefits, and the institution will continue its share of the cost for such period. All other benefits are prohibited which otherwise would accrue to the employee.

8.2.7.4 Educational and Professional Leave

Leaves of absence of one year or less with or without pay may be granted by the institution’s president and reported to the Chancellor. Extensions of such leaves, or the initial granting of leaves of more than one year, require the approval of the Chancellor or his/her designee.

In considering a request for leave with pay, the president should bear in mind that it is the policy of the Board that such leave shall be granted only for the purposes of promoting scholarly work and encouraging professional development. The president should examine carefully the program or project on which the employee proposes to work, and he/she should also consider the likelihood of the employee’s being able to accomplish the purposes for which leave is requested. It is expected that scholarly and professional leaves shall be granted without pay where the leave is supported by an external grant or stipend.

In considering a request for a leave, the president should take into consideration the effect that the granting of the leave will have on the institution or on the department of which the employee is a member. If the employee’s work cannot be handled by other employees and if funds are not available for the employment of a substitute, the president will be justified in refusing to recommend that the leave be granted or in deferring action upon the request for a leave.

The president ordinarily should not approve a request for a leave with pay if the applicant for leave has been employed at an institution for the period of fewer than three (3) years. The USG chief academic officer will promulgate guidelines regarding educational and professional leave. (BoR Minutes, February 2007)

Any employee who has been granted a leave of absence with pay shall be required, before beginning the leave, to sign an agreement indicating that:

For a leave with pay of less than one year, the employee will return to the institution at the termination of the leave for a period of at least one (1) year;
For a one-year leave with pay, the employee will return to the institution at the termination of the leave for a period of at least two (2) years; and that,
If the employee does not return to the institution for the full amount of time specified in the agreement, the employee will reimburse the institution for the amount of compensation received while on leave, as well as any other expenses paid by the USG during the leave, including all benefit costs. (BoR Minutes, February 2007)

A faculty or staff member who returns from an authorized leave which enhances professional study and development shall be entitled to a salary which will include, as a minimum, the mandated across-the-board salary raises which occurred during the period of leave. (BoR Minutes, 1980-81, p. 191)

No leaves of absence will be granted to USG retirees and who are drawing retirement benefits from the Teachers’ Retirement System of Georgia or from the USG. Approved leave shall allow employees the right to elect to continue group insurance benefits with institutional participation. (BoR Minutes, 1949-50, pp. 452-53; 1990-91, pp. 298-299; February, 2007)

8.2.7.5 Military Leave with Pay

Ordered Military Duty
For the purpose of this policy, ordered military duty shall mean any military duty performed in the service of the State or the United States, including, but not limited to, service schools conducted by the armed forces of the United States. Such duty shall be deemed “ordered military duty” regardless of whether the orders are issued with the consent of the employee. (BoR Minutes, 1990-91, p. 173)

Leave of Absence
An employee who receives orders for active military duty shall be entitled to absent himself or herself from his or her duties and shall be deemed to have a leave of absence with pay for the period of such ordered military duty, and while going to and returning from such duty, not to exceed a total of eighteen (18) workdays in any one federal fiscal year (October 1 - September 30) as authorized by Georgia Law O.C.G.A. § 38-2-279[e]. At the expiration of the maximum paid leave time, continued absence by the employee shall be considered as military leave without pay. The employee shall be required to submit a copy of his or her orders to active military duty. (BoR Minutes 1990-91, pp. 173-174)

Emergency Leave of Absence
Notwithstanding the foregoing leave limitation of eighteen (18) days, in the event the Governor declares an emergency and orders an employee to State active duty as a member of the National Guard, such employee while performing such duty shall be paid his or her salary or other compensation as an employee for a period not exceeding 30 days in any one federal fiscal year.

Military Differential Pay
Institutions of the University System of Georgia may pay an employee Military Differential for absence while engaged in the performance of ordered military duty and while going to and returning from such duty, after expiration of the payment period provided for in the paragraphs above. Military Differential Pay is equal to the amount by which an employee’s projected state base pay for a covered pay period exceeds the employee’s actual military pay and allowances as applicable to that pay period. Military Differential Pay programs must be applied consistently to all eligible employees within the Institution, not to exceed a total of twelve months in any one federal fiscal year (October 1 - September 30). At the expiration of the maximum Military Differential Pay, continued absence by the employee shall be considered as military leave without pay unless annual leave is allowed. Funding for Military Differential Pay is based on existing institution budgets. (BoR minutes, May 2015)

Payment of Annual Leave
After an employee has exhausted his/her paid military leave, an institution may pay the employee for his/her accumulated annual leave. (BoR Minutes, 1990-91, p. 174)

8.2.7.6 Family and Medical Leave

In accordance with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993, to be eligible for FMLA leave, the employee must have worked for the USG:

For at least twelve (12) months total; and,
For at least 1, 250 hours during the 12-month period immediately preceding the commencement of such leave.

(BoR Minutes, August 2004)

The FMLA entitles an employee to up to twelve (12) work weeks of leave for one of the following conditions:

Birth and care of a newborn child of the employee;
Legal placement of a child with the employee for adoption or foster care;
Care of an immediate family member (defined as the employee’s spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or,
A serious health condition of the employee himself/herself, which renders the employee unable to perform the duties of his/her job.

Section 585 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) amends FMLA to permit certain relatives of military personnel to take up to twenty-six (26) work weeks of leave to care for a member of the Armed Forces in various situations. NDAA also permits an employee to take FMLA leave for a qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that an immediate family member, as defined by the FMLA, is on active duty in support of a contingency operation.

8.2.7.7 Other Leave

Education Support Leave
To supplement work-life balance options for University System of Georgia (USG) employees, each full-time, non-temporary employee of the USG shall be eligible for up to eight (8) hours of paid leave per calendar year for the purpose of promoting education in this state as authorized by O.C.G.A. § 45-20-32. Only activities directly related to student achievement and academic support will qualify for education support leave. Education support leave is not charged against any other leave. Education support leave does not accumulate or rollover and is not paid-out upon change of employment status. (BoR Minutes, May 2015)

Unpaid Leave - Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Exempt Employee
When an exempt employee is absent from work for less than one (1) scheduled workday and their accumulated leave is insufficient to cover the partial day of absence, the employer will:

Deduct the cost for such leave from an exempt employee’s salary; or,
Place the exempt employee on leave without pay.

Such action by the employer will not disqualify the exempt status of the employee’s position (29 CFR § 541.710 Employees of public agencies).

Court Duty
Court duty leave with pay shall be granted to regular employees for the purpose of serving on a jury or as a witness. Such leave shall be granted upon presentation of official orders from the appropriate court.

Voting Leave
USG will provide voting leave to employees as provided by Georgia law.

Military Physical Examination
Any regular employee required by Federal law to take a military physical examination shall be paid for any time lost to take such an examination.

Personal Leave
At the discretion of the president of an institution personal leave of absence without pay for periods not to exceed one (1) year may be approved when such leave is deemed in the best interest of the institution. Such approved personal leave shall allow the employee the right to elect to continue group insurance benefits. The employee must pay the full cost for any coverage continued under this provision.

Organ and Bone Marrow Donation Leave
As authorized by O.C.G.A. § 45-20-31, each University System of Georgia (USG) employee who serves as an organ donor for the purpose of transplantation shall receive a leave of absence, with pay, of thirty (30) calendar days; and

Each employee who serves as a bone marrow donor for the purpose of transplantation shall receive a leave of absence, with pay, of seven (7) calendar days.

Leave taken under this provision shall not be charged against or deducted from an employee’s accrued annual or sick leave. Such leave shall be included as service in computing any retirement or pension benefits. This provision shall apply only to an employee who actually donates an organ or marrow and who presents to the appropriate supervisor a statement from a licensed medical practitioner or hospital administrator that the employee is making an organ or marrow donation. (BoR Minutes, August 2002). Organ and Bone Marrow Donation Leave may qualify as a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If FMLA applies to the absence, the leave must run concurrently with FMLA.

Blood or Blood Platelet Donation Leave
As authorized by O.C.G.A. § 45-20-30, USG employees are eligible to request the following:

Up to two (2) hours of paid leave for the purpose of donating blood up to four (4) times each calendar year, or
Up to four (4) hours of leave for the purpose of donating blood platelets or granulocytes through the plasmapheresis process up to four (4) times each calendar year.

An employee who does not use the entire time allowed at the time of each donation does not accrue any right to any subsequent paid or unpaid leave.

Inclement Weather or Emergency
In the event of inclement weather or any emergency that requires leaves of absence of employees, the president of a USG institution may declare leave with or without pay. (BoR Minutes, 1992-93, p. 135)

8.2.7.8 Acceptance of Leave from a State of Georgia Agency by the USG

The USG shall accept up to a maximum of ninety-six (96) hours of sick leave from a benefited employee who moves from a State of Georgia agency to the USG. For a USG unit to accept sick leave, the employee must have no more than a 30-calendar-day break in service. Written verification of the employee’s sick leave balance must be provided to the USG by the terminating State of Georgia agency.

Annual leave will not be accepted for a benefited employee who moves from a State of Georgia agency to the USG. (BoR Minutes, June 2005)

8.2.8 Retirement and Post Retirement

8.2.8.1 Retirement Systems

In accordance with state law, the Board of Regents provides for the retirement of all eligible employees through the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS), the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia (ERS), or the Regents’ Retirement Plan (which is also referred to as the Optional Retirement Plan of the University System of Georgia) (ORP). Only FLSA-exempt USG employees are eligible to enroll in ORP. The only USG employees eligible for ERS are those who have vested in ERS prior to being hired by the USG and who elect, upon hire by the USG, to remain in ERS. Eligibility for TRS, ORP, and ERS are governed by those agencies and applicable state law.

8.2.8.2 Definition of a USG Retiree and Eligibility for Health Benefits Upon Retirement

Upon meeting one of the above conditions, an employee will be eligible for USG retiree benefits upon retirement. An employee must be enrolled in the benefits coverage at the time of retirement or disability to be eligible to continue coverage in retirement. The Board of Regents’ contributions to the retiree healthcare coverage will be established each year by the Board.

Effective November 1, 2002, to be eligible for retirement with benefits from the USG, an employee must meet one of the following four conditions at the time of his or her separation from employment, regardless of the retirement plan elected by the employee:

An employee must have been employed by the USG for the last ten years in a regular, benefited position and have attained age 60;
An employee must have at least 25 total years of benefited service established with a State of Georgia sponsored retirement plan, of which the last five years of employment must have been continuous and with the USG. An early pension benefit penalty will apply to an individual who elects to participate in TRS or ERS if he or she decides to retire with between 25 and 30 years of benefited service, prior to attaining age 60;
An employee must have at least 30 total years of benefited service established with a State of Georgia sponsored retirement plan, of which the last five years must have been continuous and with the USG; or,
An employee must be deemed to be totally and permanently disabled, as documented through the receipt of disability benefits from Social Security or from TRS following ten years of continuous service to the USG in a regular, benefited position.

For academic year faculty, the contract period covering fall and spring semesters shall be counted as a full year of service under this policy. The months between academic years without a summer contract shall not constitute a break in service.

An individual who has retired from another State of Georgia sponsored retirement plan may not count such retirement service toward meeting the eligibility criteria for retirement from the USG.

The Vice Chancellor for Human Resources shall have the authority to waive the requirements regarding continuous service with the USG as it relates to the eligibility to receive benefits provided by the Board of Regents. The decision of the Vice Chancellor is final and not subject to appeal. The Vice Chancellor shall notify the Committee on Personnel & Benefits of any waivers granted under this policy.

8.2.8.3 Employment Beyond Retirement

An individual who has retired from the USG and is receiving benefits from TRS, ERS, or ORP may be eligible for reemployment on a part-time basis by the USG. Reemployment of USG retirees by the USG must fall under the following conditions:

The reemployment of a USG retiree must be approved by the hiring institution’s president. Institutions must submit a copy of their hiring and approval procedures to rehire USG retirees to the University System Office of Human Resources upon request.
A rehired retiree must have a minimum break of at least one month between the effective date of his/ or her retirement and the effective date of his/ or her reemployment.
The work commitment of a rehired retiree must be less than half-time, i.e., less than 49 percent.
The salary that is paid to a rehired retiree must be:
- No more than 49 percent of the last compensation earned at retirement, or, the average compensation used to determine a retiree’s benefit at retirement (for TRS retirees), whichever is deemed higher; with consideration for the average cost of living adjustment increases that have been applied since the employee retired;
The salary that is paid to a rehired retiree must be consistent with his/ or her work commitment.

8.2.8.4 Career State Employees Eligibility for Retirement with Health and Life Benefits

A State of Georgia employee who transfers to the USG without a break in service shall be eligible to retire with Health and Life benefits provided that on the date of his or her separation of employment:

He or she has attained age 60 and has a minimum of ten years of service established with a State of Georgia sponsored retirement plan and the last 12 months of employment have been served with the USG; or,
He or she has a total of 25 years of service established with a State of Georgia sponsored retirement plan, regardless of age and the last 12 months of employment have been served with the USG.

An employee must be enrolled in the Health and Life benefits coverage at the time of retirement in order to continue coverage in retirement. A qualifying life event does not allow a retiree to add coverage in retirement. An individual who has retired from another State of Georgia sponsored retirement plan may not count such retirement service toward meeting the criteria for being a career employee.

8.2.9 Insurance

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia is solely responsible for the solicitation, selection, contracting and implementation of employee benefits to include health insurance, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment and all other group insurance plans. Institutions may not contract for employee health or voluntary benefits. Institutions may select, if desired, to contract for supplemental employee insurance coverage that is not in conflict with those offered by the Board of Regents. (BoR minutes, Sept. 2013, Oct. 2016)

8.2.9.1 Group Health Insurance

Hospitalization, surgical, medical and major medical benefits shall be made available to regular USG employees, with a work commitment of three-quarters time (30 hours per week) or more. A regular employee’s work commitment may be comprised of multiple job assignments to achieve benefits eligibility if the work assignments are six (6) months or longer. These benefits shall also be made available to dependents of the same employees. The USG shall pay that portion of the cost of such insurance as shall be designated from time to time by the Board. (BoR minutes, Jan. 2012, Sept. 2013, Oct. 2016)

8.2.9.2 Group Life Insurance

Group life insurance, with accidental death and dismemberment coverage, shall be made available to regular USG employees with the same benefits eligibility definitions as that of Group Health Insurance (Section 8.2.9.1). Group life benefits become effective upon hire. The USG, as employer, shall pay the premium on the basic amount of life insurance, which shall be $25,000. This amount of insurance is designated “basic life insurance” and the maximum premium therefore shall be established by the Board.

In addition, “supplemental life insurance”, with the same benefits eligibility definitions as that of Group Health Insurance (Section 8.2.9.1), may be offered to these same employees with no employer participation in the premiums. If elected, these benefits become effective on the first day of the month following enrollment unless enrollment is on the first day of the month in which case it becomes effective upon enrollment. For those employees covered under an academic contract, benefits will begin on the first day of the contract if enrolled on or before that day, or on the first day of the month following enrollment if they enroll after the contract start. Group life insurance for dependents of these employees shall be made available to them in amounts which shall be established from time to time by the Board. There shall be no employer contribution to the dependent life insurance premiums. (BoR minutes, 1987-88, pp. 63-64; Nov. 2011; Jan. 2012)

8.2.9.3 Other Insurance

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia may provide any additional types of group insurance protection on a voluntary basis if the total cost of such protection is paid by the employee with the same benefits eligibility definitions and benefits effective dates as that of Group Health Insurance (Section 8.2.9.1). (BoR minutes, Sept. 2013, Oct. 2016)

8.2.9.4 Benefits Continuation into Retirement

A USG retiree or career employee, who upon his/her separation of employment from the USG meets the criteria for retirement as set forth in Section 8.2.8.2 or Section 8.2.8.4 of this Policy Manual, shall remain eligible to continue as a member (if eligible on retirement date) and currently enrolled in the basic, supplemental and dependent group life insurance and health benefits plans. The USG shall continue to pay the employer’s portion of the cost for only those benefits that included an employer contribution during the employee’s active service. (BoR Minutes, Nov. 2011)

8.2.9.5 Disabled Employees Insurance

Employees who become permanently and totally disabled and who have less than nine and a half (9.5) years of continuous benefited service with the USG shall remain eligible for group health and life insurance benefits for a maximum of twelve (12) consecutive months following the receipt of the required documentation of a disability. The USG shall continue to pay the employer portion of the cost of group insurance for disabled employees for this 12-month period.

Participation in the group healthcare plan may continue after the 12-month period under the provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA). USG participation in the cost shall cease. The terms and conditions of COBRA participation that are described in the USG’s healthcare summary plan documents shall apply.

Continued participation in the group life insurance program is not covered by the provisions of COBRA. Participation in the group life insurance program may continue after the 12-month period; however, USG participation in the cost shall cease.

Employees who are deemed to be permanently and totally disabled following nine and a half (9.5) years of continuous benefited service with the USG shall remain eligible for group health and life insurance benefits. The USG shall continue to pay the employer portion of the cost of group insurance for these retirees (Section 8.2.8.2, Item 4).

Eligibility in the group plans will cease for reasons including, but not limited to, the following:

Failure to remit premiums in a timely manner;
A dependent child no longer meets the definition of a “qualified dependent” under the plan’s provisions;
The dependent becomes covered by another group health plan; and/or,
The plans cease to be offered to employees.

(BoR minutes, August 2005)

8.2.9.6 Dependents of Deceased Employees, Disabled Employees, or Retirees

The dependents of a deceased employee, a disabled employee, or a retiree may remain in the USG group health and life insurance programs consistent with the following provisions.

In no event shall the spouse of the deceased continue in the group after remarriage. Dependent children may remain in the group until they reach the legal age of majority or until they become eligible for another group benefits plan. The definition of dependent children as defined in the USG’s healthcare summary plan documents shall apply.

Eligibility in the group plans will cease for reasons including, but not limited to, the following:

Premiums are not remitted in a timely manner;
A spouse remarries;
A dependent child no longer meets the definition of a “qualified dependent” under the plan’s provisions;
The dependent becomes covered by another group health plan; and/or,
The plans are no longer offered to any employees.

(BoR minutes, August 2005)

Dependents of Deceased Employees with Fewer than 10 Years of Continuous Benefited Service
If an employee with fewer than ten (10) years of continuous benefited service dies while in active service with the USG, his/her dependents shall remain eligible to participate in the group health insurance program for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months following the death of the employee. The USG shall continue to pay the employer portion for the cost of the group health insurance for the surviving dependents for this period of 12 consecutive months.

If a deceased employee with fewer than ten (10) years of continuous benefited service had elected to participate in the dependent life insurance program prior to his/her death, his/her dependents shall remain eligible to continue to participate in this program for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months following the death of the employee. The surviving dependent(s) will be responsible for the entire cost of the dependent life insurance. At the conclusion of this 12-month period, a dependent will have individual policy conversion privileges.

Dependents of Deceased Disabled Employees with Fewer than 9.5 Years of Continuous Benefited Service
Those employees who become permanently and totally disabled and who have less than nine and a half (9.5) years of continuous benefited service with the USG shall remain in the group health insurance program for a maximum of twelve (12) consecutive months following the receipt of the required documentation of a disability (Section 8.2.9.5). If a disabled employee dies during this 12-month period, his/her dependents shall remain eligible to participate in the group health insurance program for the remainder of the 12-month period. The USG shall continue to pay the employer portion for the cost of group health insurance for the surviving dependents for the remainder of the 12-month period.

Participation in the group healthcare plan may continue after the 12-month period under the provisions of COBRA. USG participation in the cost shall cease. The terms and conditions of COBRA participation that are described in the USG’s healthcare plan summary documents shall apply.

If a permanently and totally disabled employee with less than nine and a half (9.5) years of continuous benefited service had elected to participate in the group life and/or dependent life insurance programs prior to becoming disabled, plan coverage will be permitted for a maximum of twelve (12) consecutive months following the receipt of the required documentation of a disability. If a disabled employee dies during this 12-month period, his/her dependents shall remain eligible to participate in the dependent life insurance program for the remainder of the 12-month period. The surviving dependents will be responsible for the entire cost of the dependent life insurance. At the conclusion of this 12-month period, a dependent will have individual policy conversion privileges.

Dependents of Deceased Employees with at Least 10 Years of Continuous Benefited Service
If an employee with at least ten (10) years of continuous benefited service dies while in active service with the USG, his/her dependents shall remain eligible to continue participating in the group health insurance program. The USG shall continue to pay the employer portion of the cost of group health insurance for the surviving dependents.

If a deceased employee with at least ten (10) years of continuous benefited service had elected to participate in the dependent life insurance program prior to his/her death, his/her dependents shall remain eligible to continue participating in this program. The surviving dependents will be responsible for the entire cost of the dependent life insurance.

Dependents of Deceased Retirees
Upon the death of a retiree, his/her dependents shall remain eligible to continue participating in the group health insurance program. The USG shall continue to pay the employer portion of the cost of group health insurance for the surviving dependents.

If a deceased retiree had elected to participate in the dependent life insurance program while in active service, his/her dependents shall remain eligible to continue participating in this program. The surviving dependents will be responsible for the entire cost of the dependent life insurance.

8.2.10 Workers’ Compensation Benefits

All University System of Georgia (USG) employees shall be covered under provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act.

8.2.11 Social Security

Title II of the Social Security Act, as amended, shall apply to all University System of Georgia (USG) employees except those specifically excluded under agreements between the Employee’s’ Retirement System of Georgia and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, which include the following classes of employees:

All employees eligible for the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia; and,
All temporary, seasonal, or intermittent employees whose work hours constitute a normal full-time working period.

Additionally, the following employees are not covered by Social Security:

Student assistants;
Graduate assistants;
Laboratory assistants; and,
Employees working less than half-time.

Non-immigrant aliens may be exempt, in accordance with the provisions of their visas.

There shall be withheld from any salary or compensation due any employee covered by Social Security a percentage of salary, wage, or compensation required to be withheld by the Act, whether computed in cash, quarters, subsistence, or in kind and reserved in an institutional agency account for quarterly remittance to the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia. Rules and regulations of the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia for administration of the Act shall be followed.

8.2.12 Voluntary Savings Plans/Deferred Compensation Programs

Effective May 1, 2019, the USG will offer a system wide voluntary 403(b) retirement savings plan and a system wide voluntary 457(b) retirement savings plan to which all USG employees are eligible to contribute under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Sections 403(b) and 457(b), respectively. USG institutions shall not offer any separate voluntary retirement savings plans or nonqualified deferred compensation plans after that date. Previously created institution plans will be consolidated into the system wide plans.

USG institutions shall utilize the USG deferred compensation plans when providing deferred compensation to employees. Any contribution to the USG deferred compensation plan by an institution for an employee other than the President must be approved by the Chancellor.

All USG institutions shall provide for employee deductions for the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 529.

8.2.13 Garnishment of Pay

Each University System of Georgia (USG) institution shall establish procedures to counsel employees who fail to meet their personal financial obligations. Repeated instances of default in payment by USG employees shall be considered sufficient grounds to terminate employment for cause.

The USG and any of its institutions may withhold paychecks or deduct from paychecks amounts owed by USG employees for any fine, fee, penalty, or other financial obligation to the USG or any of its institutions and shall withhold any amounts required by a validly issued court order.

8.2.14 Policy on Salary Administration and Incentive Rewards Program

Each University System of Georgia (USG) institution shall establish a compensation plan consistent with the guidelines issued in the Human Resources Administrative Practices Manual. Institutional compensation plans must be approved by the President or his or her designee and developed in consultation with the institution’s chief human resources officer and chief business officer. Institutions may establish incentive compensation programs consistent with state law, Board Policy, and applicable procedures, however, institutional incentive compensation programs must be reviewed and approved by the USG Offices of Fiscal Affairs and Human Resources.

Institutions may adjust employee compensation as a result of multiple factors, including, but not limited to, merit adjustments, promotions, position reclassification, counter-offers, in-range adjustments. Adjustments to employee compensation is an institutional decision and should be consistent with the approved institutional compensation plan. However, cumulative fiscal year adjustments greater than or equal to ten percent above the percentage increase authorized in the USG’s salary and wage guidance must be approved in advance by the Chancellor.

USG employees shall be paid exclusively by the USG institution or institutions at which they are employed from state appropriations and/or other appropriate fund sources held by the institution for work performed on behalf of their USG position.

8.2.15 Career Development

The Board of Regents is committed to the continued professional growth and development of University System of Georgia (USG) personnel. Faculty, staff, and administrators are encouraged to participate in development activities and study. Career development opportunities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Tuition Assistance Program;
Courses offered through Continuing Education;
Courses offered through a Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institution;
External professional programs and conferences; and,
System-wide or institution faculty and staff professional development programs.

Each USG institution shall commit an appropriate amount of funds for faculty and staff development, which will be matched by state appropriated funds to the extent that funds are available.

8.2.16 Use of University System of Georgia Resources

University System of Georgia (USG) resources may only be used in furtherance of authorized USG business. Such use shall be tightly controlled and employees must be able to provide information as to the location of all USG equipment upon request.

8.2.17 Voluntary Disclosure of Drug Use

If, prior to arrest for an offense involving a controlled substance, marijuana, or a dangerous drug, an employee notifies his or her immediate supervisor that he or she illegally uses a controlled substance, marijuana, or a dangerous drug and is receiving or agrees to receive treatment under a drug abuse and education program approved by the institution President or by the Chancellor, such employee shall not have his or her employment terminated by the institution or the University System Office on account of the drug use that was voluntarily disclosed for up to one year from disclosure as long as the employee follows the treatment plan. Retention of such employee shall be conditioned upon satisfactory completion of the program.

The employee’s work activities may be restructured if it is deemed advisable in the opinion of the employee’s immediate supervisor in consultation with Human Resources, the institution President, or the Chancellor. The rights herein granted shall be available to a University System of Georgia employee only once during a five-year period and shall not apply to any employee who has refused to be tested or who has tested positive for use of a controlled substance, marijuana, or a dangerous drug.

8.2.18 Personnel Conduct

8.2.18.1 Ethics Policy

The University System of Georgia (USG) is committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct in pursuit of its mission to create a more educated Georgia. Accomplishing this mission demands integrity, good judgment, and dedication to public service from all members of the USG community.

While the USG affirms each person’s accountability for individual actions, it also recognizes that the shared mission and the shared enterprise of its institutions require a shared set of core values and ethical conduct to which each member of the USG community must be held accountable. Furthermore, the USG acknowledges that an organizational culture grounded in trust is essential to supporting these core values and ethical conduct.

The following Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are intended to build, maintain, and protect that trust, recognizing that each member of the USG community is responsible for doing his or her part by upholding the highest standards of competence and character.

8.2.18.1.1 Applicability

The USG Ethics Policy applies to all members of the USG community, which includes:

All members of the Board of Regents;
All individuals employed by, or acting on behalf of, the USG or one of the USG institutions, including volunteers, vendors, and contractors; and,
Members of the governing boards and employees of all cooperative organizations affiliated with the USG or one of its institutions.

Members of the Board of Regents and all individuals employed by the USG or one of its institutions in any capacity shall participate in USG Ethics Policy training, and shall certify compliance with the USG Ethics Policy on a periodic basis, as provided in the USG Business Procedures Manual. Cooperative organizations, vendors, and contractors shall certify compliance with the USG Ethics Policy by written agreement as provided in the USG Business Procedures Manual.

The USG Ethics Policy governs only official conduct performed by or on behalf of the USG.

8.2.18.1.2 Statement of Core Values

Every member of the USG community is required to adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values – Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect – that form and guide the daily work of the organization.

Integrity – We will be honest, fair, impartial, and unbiased in our dealings both with and on behalf of the USG.
Excellence – We will perform our duties to foster a culture of excellence and high quality in everything we do.
Accountability – We firmly believe that education in the form of scholarship, research, teaching, service, and developing others is a public trust. We will live up to this trust through safeguarding our resources and being good stewards of the human, intellectual, physical, and fiscal resources given to our care.
Respect – We recognize the inherent dignity and rights of every person, and we will do our utmost to fulfill our resulting responsibility to treat each person with fairness, compassion, and decency.

8.2.18.1.3 Purpose of the Code of Conduct

The USG recognizes that each member of the USG community attempts to live by his or her own values, beliefs, and ethical decision-making processes. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to guide members of the USG community in applying the underlying USG Statement of Core Values to the decisions and choices that are made in the course of everyday endeavors. Each USG institution must ensure that its institutional ethics policies are consistent with this USG Ethics policy.

8.2.18.1.4 Code of Conduct

Uphold the highest standards of intellectual honesty and integrity in the conduct of teaching, research, service, and grants administration.
Act as good stewards of the resources and information entrusted to our care.
Perform assigned duties and professional responsibilities in such a manner so as to further the USG mission.
Treat fellow employees, students, and the public with dignity and respect.
Refrain from discriminating against, harassing, or threatening others.
Comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and professional standards.
Respect the intellectual property rights of others.
Avoid improper political activities as defined in law and Board of Regents Policy.
Protect human health and safety and the environment in all USG operations and activities.
Report wrongdoing to the proper authorities, refrain from retaliating against those who do report violations, and cooperate fully with authorized investigations.
Disclose and avoid improper conflicts of interest.
Refrain from accepting any gift or thing of value in those instances prohibited by law or Board of Regents’ policy.
Not use our position or authority improperly to advance the interests of a friend or relative.

8.2.18.1.5 Interpretation and Sources

The Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct do not address every conceivable situation or ethical dilemma that may be faced by members of the USG community. Members of the USG community are expected to exercise good judgment absent specific guidance from this policy or other applicable laws, rules, regulations, and Board of Regents’ policies and procedures.

Specific questions pertaining to the Statement of Core Values or Code of Conduct should be directed to a supervisor or other competent authority at the University System Office or at the institution’s office of Legal Affairs, Internal Audit, Compliance, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, or other appropriate office. Further specific explanatory notes and references may be found on the USG’s website.

8.2.18.2 Conflicts of Interest, Conflicts of Commitment, and Outside Activities

8.2.18.2.1 Conflicts of Interest and Apparent Conflicts of Interest

Each University System of Georgia (USG) employee shall make every reasonable effort to avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interests. An apparent conflict exists when a reasonable person would conclude from the circumstances that the employee’s ability to protect the public interest, or perform public duties, is compromised by a personal, financial, or business interest. An apparent conflict can exist even in the absence of a legal conflict of interest. USG employees are referred to State Conflict of Interest Statutes O.C.G.A. § 45-10-20 through § 45-10-70 and institutional policies governing professional and outside activities.

Each USG employee has an ongoing responsibility to report and fully disclose any personal, professional, or financial interest, relationship, or activity that has the potential to create an actual or apparent conflict of interest with respect to the employee’s USG duties.

Institutions shall adopt guidelines governing conflicts of interest and may further define methods of reporting conflicts of interest, how to manage said conflicts, and terms used within this policy section, so long as such guidelines and definitions are not inconsistent with this policy.

Conflicts of Interest – Research and Institutional

The USG recognizes the benefits of collaboration and commercialization with the private sector and other third-party entities that supports the USG mission. The resulting relationships and agreements, however, must not undermine the public’s trust, compromise the integrity of the USG mission, or inappropriately influence teaching, research, and service activities. Under no circumstances should a grant, gift, contract or other funding be accepted that limits the ability of USG employees to conduct or report the results of research in accordance with applicable scientific, medical, professional, and ethical standards.

Institutions shall incorporate policy and review procedures within its institutional guidelines consistent with this policy.

8.2.18.2.2 Conflicts of Commitment

A USG employee shall not engage in any occupation, pursuit, or endeavor that will interfere with the regular and punctual discharge of that employee’s official duties.

8.2.18.2.3 Outside Activities

Compensated Outside Activities of Faculty and Staff

Each USG employee with a work commitment of 30 or more hours per week (.75 or >FTE), and faculty members on contracts of nine months or more must obtain written approval prior to engaging in compensated outside activities that relate to the employee’s expertise or responsibilities as a USG employee. Such activities include consulting, teaching, speaking, and participating in business, professional, or service enterprises.

Employees at USG institutions must obtain written approval from the institution President or the President’s designee utilizing institutional procedures for defining and managing potential and apparent conflicts of interest. System Office employees and USG Presidents must obtain approval from the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee. Direct reports of USG Presidents and those with a title of Vice President or equivalent must obtain approval from the USG institution President, whose authority cannot be delegated, using procedures established by the Chancellor.

Required Leave and Honoria for Compensated Outside Activities

Except as authorized for eligible faculty employees, as set forth in Section 8.2.18.2.4, appropriate leave must be used by USG employees for outside activities during the employee’s work hours consistent with the USG procedures governing the use of leave.

Non-faculty employees may not receive Honoraria, as defined in Section 8.2.18.2.4, for activities during the employee’s work hours.

Consulting for USG Vendors

USG institution employees are generally prohibited from consulting with or otherwise receiving compensation from a current vendor of, or an entity seeking a vendor relationship with, the USG institution where the employee works. System Office employees are generally prohibited from consulting with or otherwise receiving compensation from a current System Office vendor or an entity seeking a vendor relationship with the System Office.

Exceptions to this provision may be granted by the institution President or President’s designee for USG institution employees that do not supervise, regularly interact with, or participate in the selection of vendors for that employee’s institution or in those instances where the employee seeking to consult for a vendor or potential vendor is not involved in any way with supervising, regularly interacting with, or selecting said vendor or potential vendor. Similar exceptions for System Office employees and USG Presidents may be granted by the Chancellor or Chancellor’s designee. This prohibition does not apply to vendor or service relationships between the USG and other government entities.

8.2.18.2.4 Institution Guidelines for Faculty Outside Consulting

Definitions

“Compensation” is defined as any payment, deferred payment, equity, or deferred equity provided in exchange for the expectation that the faculty member will perform work or services for the benefit of the outside payer. Compensation does not include standard Honoraria.

“Honoraria” are defined as any payments given for professional or voluntary services that are rendered nominally without charge, and any payments in recognition of these services typically forbids a price to be set. See Section 8.2.18.4 Gratuities for guidance on accepting expense reimbursement from outside parties.

“Faculty Primary Responsibilities” are defined as teaching, research, clinical practice, service, administrative duties, and other appropriate duties assigned by the institution to the faculty member.

“Faculty Secondary Responsibilities” are defined as professional activities or affiliations traditionally undertaken by faculty outside of the immediate institution employment context but where the faculty member represents the institution and his or her affiliation to it. Secondary Responsibilities may or may not entail the receipt of Honoraria, remuneration, or the reimbursement of expenses.

“Outside Consulting” is defined as any activity for Compensation other than Primary Responsibilities or Secondary Responsibilities that a faculty member may engage in that, (1) is based upon professional knowledge, experience, and abilities of the faculty member that relate to the faculty member’s expertise or responsibilities as a USG faculty member, and (2) is performed for any business, self-employment, or public or private entity other than his or her institution.

“Faculty” is defined in accordance with Section 3.2 Faculties, and includes full-time research and extension personnel and duly certified librarians on the basis of comparable training.

Required Institution Guidelines

Recognizing that teaching, research, and public service are the primary responsibilities of USG faculty members, it is reasonable and desirable for faculty members to engage in additional activity beyond duties assigned by the institution, which are professional in nature and based in the appropriate discipline for which the individual receives additional compensation during the contract year.

Each USG institution shall adopt guidelines governing outside consulting activities of faculty members that shall include the following:

Time that faculty may engage in outside consulting during work hours, if any;
1. If faculty outside consulting is permitted during work hours, the maximum limit is, on average, one day per week.
2. Unless express permission is granted by the institution President, whose approval authority may not be delegated, twelve-month faculty who earn annual leave must take leave consistent with USG and institutional procedures governing the use of leave when engaged in consulting during the faculty member’s work hours.
8.2.18.3 Prohibition on Certain Political Activities; No Official Endorsement or Affiliation and Avoidance of the Appearance Thereof

USG employees are encouraged to fulfill their civic obligations and engage in the normal political processes of society, including the right to express their personal opinions on matters of public concern, and nothing in this policy is intended to infringe or restrict free expression rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution or the Georgia Constitution. Nevertheless, it is inappropriate for USG employees to manage or enter political campaigns while on duty to perform services for the USG or to hold elective political office at the state or federal level while employed by the USG. Likewise, USG employees must not hold themselves out as speaking or acting on behalf of the USG or its institutions when participating in political activities and must take reasonable measures to avoid any appearance that such participation is in an official capacity as an employee of the USG or its institutions.

In light of the foregoing, the following rules govern all USG employees when engaging in political activities and associated political expression:
1. A USG employee may not manage or take an active part in a political campaign that interferes with the performance of duties or services for which he or she receives compensation from the USG.
2. A USG employee may not hold elective political office at the state or federal level.
3. A USG employee seeking elective political office at the state or federal level must first request a leave of absence without pay beginning prior to qualification as a candidate in a primary or general election and ending after the general or final election. If elected to state or federal office, a USG employee must resign prior to assuming office.
4. A USG employee may seek and hold elective office at other than the state or federal level, or seek and hold an appointive office, when doing so does not conflict or interfere with the employee’s duties and responsibilities to the USG or the employee’s institution, as applicable.
5. A USG employee engaging in political activities and/or associated political expression must do so only in their personal capacity and shall not speak on behalf of the USG or its institutions or hold themselves out as representing the USG or its institutions, unless specifically authorized by the USG or the employee’s institution, as applicable.
6. When a USG employee engages in political activities and/or associated political expression in their personal capacity, such employee must take reasonable steps to avoid any appearance that such political activities and/or associated political expression represents the views of, or is endorsed by, the USG or its institutions. For example, USG employees are not prohibited from noting in a biographical description their employment status, title, or affiliation with the USG or their institution, or their background and credentials, but if an employee does so, the employee must make clear that the employee is not speaking in the employee’s capacity as an employee of the USG or the employee’s institution.
7. USG employees are prohibited from using state property, resources, or materials (including work email) or work time to communicate personal political views or in conjunction with any political campaigning. In addition, employees are prohibited from using any USG registered trademarks when expressing personal opinions on political issues, unless they are expressly authorized to do so.
8.2.18.4 Gratuities

A University System of Georgia (USG) employee shall not directly or indirectly solicit, receive, accept, or agree to receive a thing of value by inducing the reasonable belief that the giving of the thing will influence his or her performance or failure to perform any official action. The acceptance of a benefit, reward, or consideration, where the purpose of the gift is to influence an employee in the performance of his or her official functions, is a felony under O.C.G.A. § 16-10-2.

A USG employee, or any other person on his or her behalf, is prohibited from knowingly accepting, directly or indirectly, a gift from any vendor or lobbyist as those terms are defined in Georgia statutes (O.C.G.A. §§ 21-5-70(6) and 45-1-6(a)(5)). If a gift has been accepted, it must be either returned to the donor or transferred to a charitable organization.

A gift may be accepted by the employee on behalf of the institution subject to reporting requirements of the Board of Regents. If the gift is accepted, the person receiving the gift shall not maintain custody of the gift for any period of time beyond that reasonably necessary to arrange for the transfer of custody and ownership of the gift.

For purposes of this policy a gift is defined as lodging, transportation, personal services, a gratuity, subscription, membership, trip, loan, extension of credit, forgiveness of debt, advance or deposit of money, or anything of value.

A gift shall not include:
1. Food or beverage consumed at an occasional meal or event, provided the value is reasonable under the circumstances but in no event exceeds $100 per person.
2. Food, beverages, and registration at group events to which substantial numbers of employees of the University System Office or a USG institution are invited.
3. Food, beverage, or expenses afforded employees, relatives or others that are associated with normal and customary business or social functions or activities.
4. Actual and reasonable expenses for food, beverages, travel, lodging and registration provided to permit participation in a meeting, demonstration, or training related to official or professional duties if participation has been approved in writing by the Chancellor, the President, or his/her designee.
5. Promotional items generally distributed to the general public.
6. Textbooks, software, and instructional materials to be reviewed by teaching faculty.
7. An award, plaque, certificate, memento, or similar item given in recognition of the recipient’s civic, charitable, political, professional, private or public service or achievement.
8. Legitimate salary, honoraria, benefit, fees, commissions, or expenses associated with the recipient’s non-public business, employment, trade, or profession.
9. Gifts from a person or entity who is neither a lobbyist nor a vendor as those terms are defined in State Statutes, nor a student or patient at an institution.
10. Consulting fees, honoraria, or financial benefits from sponsors or foundations, received in conformance with USG policies, institution policies, and Georgia law.
11. Gifts to or from USG foundations or other separately incorporated, charitable entities.
8.2.18.5 Sexual Harassment

It is an unlawful discriminatory practice for any employer, because of the sex of any person, to discharge without cause, to refuse to hire, or to otherwise discriminate against any person with respect to any matter directly or indirectly related to employment or academic standing. Harassment of an employee on the basis of sex violates law and Board of Regents’ Policy.

Sexual harassment of University System of Georgia (USG) employees or students is prohibited and shall subject the offender to dismissal or other sanctions after compliance with procedural due process requirements. Unwelcome sexual advancements, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic standing; or,
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions affecting an individual; or,
3. Such conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment.
8.2.18.6 Amorous Relationships

A University System of Georgia (USG) employee, including a graduate teaching assistant, is prohibited from having a romantic or sexual relationship with any student or USG employee who the individual supervises, teaches, or evaluates in any way. Additionally, a USG employee is prohibited from having a romantic or sexual relationship with any student or USG employee whose terms or conditions of education or employment the individual could directly affect.

8.2.18.7 Violations

A violation of any Personnel Conduct policy may subject an employee to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

8.2.19 Tuition Assistance Program

The University System of Georgia (USG) and its institutions encourage full-time faculty, staff, and administrators to participate in development activities and study by remitting tuition for those activities that have been authorized by the University System Office for System Office employees and by the employee’s institution for individuals employed at USG institutions. Participation in the Tuition Assistance Program shall be available to full-time, benefits-eligible employees who have successfully completed at least six months of employment in a benefits-eligible position as of the date of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application deadline for the desired academic semester.

Full-time employees who meet the applicable admissions standards and who have received appropriate prior authorization from their institution may enroll in up to nine academic semester credit hours for each of the three designated semester periods: fall semester, spring semester, and summer semester.

Tuition assistance is the waiver of tuition and certain fees. The Board approved applicable face-to-face or online tuition rate will be waived in full for all undergraduate and graduate programs and classes eligible under TAP. Student status will be secondary to employee status in all considerations, including student fee waivers. TAP participation will be granted on a space-available basis. For limited-slot enrollment programs, approval must be granted by the teaching institution. An employee must receive a grade of C or better in each approved TAP academic course. The following programs are not eligible for the TAP waiver:
1. Dental (First professional degree)
2. Medical (First professional degree)
3. Pharmacy (First professional degree)
4. Veterinary
5. Law (First professional degree)
6. Executive total cost programs
8.2.19.1 Employee Auditing of Courses

In addition to the TAP benefits provided for above, employees of a USG institution may attend classes offered by the same institution as auditors without registering for the course and without credit being offered for such attendance. This provision applies to non-credit courses on a space-available basis. Institutions may permit employees to attend job-related continuing education classes, as determined by the appropriate supervisory authority, at a reduced rate or without payment of a fee.

8.2.19.2 Special Tuition Assistance Program for Nursing Faculty

The University System and the institutions encourage full-time faculty, staff, and administrators to participate in development activities and study by remitting tuition for those activities that have been authorized by the employee’s institution. Due to the current shortage of nursing faculty in the state of Georgia, the Tuition Assistance Program is available to Part-Time Nursing Faculty members seeking a graduate degree in Nursing. Any part-time nursing faculty member taking advantage of this program shall be required to work full time within the University System at least two (2) years following receipt of the graduate degree in Nursing (or Education, if such would allow one to teach Nursing at the University level). The utilization of this program by part-time nursing faculty shall end in 2015, unless such utilization is extended by further action of the Board.

Participation in the Tuition Assistance Program for Nursing Faculty shall be available to part-time nursing faculty who have successfully completed at least six (6) months of employment as of the date of the Tuition Assistance Program application deadline for the desired academic semester. Qualified part-time nursing faculty (who meet the applicable admissions standards and who have received appropriate prior authorization from their institution) may enroll in up to nine (9) academic semester credit hours for each of the three designated semester periods: fall semester, spring semester, and summer semester. Student status will be secondary to employee status in all considerations, including student fee waivers. Tuition assistance is the waiver of tuition and the waiver of certain fees. Tuition Assistance Program participation will be granted on a space-available basis. For limited-slot enrollment programs, approval must be granted by the teaching institution. An employee must receive a grade of B or better in each approved Tuition Assistance Program academic course.

(BoR Minutes, October 2009)

8.2.20 [Reserved]

8.2.21 Employment Appeals

Employee appeals of final decisions of University System of Georgia institutions are governed by the Board of Regents’ Policy on Application for Discretionary Review.

8.2.22 University System of Georgia Staff Council

The University System of Georgia Staff Council (USGSC) shall provide a staff voice on matters related to non-faculty employment within the University System. The USGSC shall be mindful and respectful of matters that are more appropriately within the authority and responsibilities of each institution’s administration.

Membership of the USGSC shall be comprised of one voting representative from each University System of Georgia (USG) institution who must be in the classified service of the represented institution. A copy of each institution’s process for determining its USGSC representative shall be filed with the chief human resources officer. The organization and governance of the USGSC shall be implemented according to policies and procedures established by the membership of the USGSC in the USGSC’s bylaws, in consultation with, and subject to the approval of, the Chancellor.

Nothing in this policy or the USGSC’s bylaws shall supersede the authority and responsibilities of institutional presidents addressed in this Policy Manual. With respect to matters specific to their institutions, presidents remain the official media of communication between institutional employees and the Chancellor.