Student Employee Guide

The purpose of this manual is to define the rules and regulations of the student employment program at Missouri State University and to provide information on student employee's conduct in a working environment. It is important for student employees to be willing to make every effort to apply the instructions and training given by their supervisors. The University offers the student two work opportunities:

1. On-campus general student employment - No financial aid eligibility requirement.
2. Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) – Eligibility for financial assistance has been determined.

The office of financial aid has been established to provide services for students and to assist them in furthering their educational goals and careers. We believe that work provides you with educational experiences, opportunities for personal growth, career development and skills training. We believe that work enhances the total educational program through the learning of responsibilities, attitudes and processes associated with employment. The office of financial aid is a referral service to the students and Springfield community. We do not screen employers or interview employees.

A student employee is a part-time hourly employee who is concurrently enrolled at Missouri State University with the primary goal of achieving a degree and therefore, must be degree seeking. Thus, the employment is interim or temporary in nature and is incidental to the pursuit of an academic program.

Students may not perform any work or subsequently be paid for work performed before all steps in the hiring process have been completed.

In order for a student to qualify for student employment, the following criteria must be met:

1. During the regular school year students must be enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours for the semester in which they are employed.

   Exception: Students enrolled in only the number of credit hours required to graduate can be considered half-time students if they are in their last semester of course work. These students would be eligible for student employment with written verification from either the degree check office or the graduate office that their reduced course load will complete graduation requirements. This exemption would be applicable for one semester and applies only to continued employment from the previous semester.

2. For summer, the student must be enrolled for three (3) credit hours. Students not enrolled in summer classes must have been enrolled for at least six (6) credit hours in the spring and pre-registered for at least six (6) credit hours for the upcoming fall semester. International undergraduate student employees must be pre-registered for at least 12 credit hours. International graduate student employees must be pre-registered in at least nine (9) credit hours.

   Exception: In order to work during the summer, work-study students must be awarded summer work study through Financial Aid and be enrolled in a minimum of three (3) credit hours.

   International students who meet Missouri State enrollment requirements but do not meet U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) full-time enrollment requirements must have a letter from the designated school official in the International Services office certifying their eligibility to work. Note: International students from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines or South Korea who were in the United States in student status on or prior to June 10, 1998 may be eligible to carry less than full-time status. These students should obtain the designated school official's approval signature for their I-20 prior to their interview with the international payroll specialist.

3. To work between semesters, a student employee must be pre-registered for the upcoming semester and have been enrolled for the previous semester.
4. Students new to the University may begin working the semester they start classes. Those students not eligible for student employment in a given semester may not begin in a student position until the day after graduation of the current semester if they are registered for the upcoming semester. Student employees must continue to be enrolled for the appropriate number of credit hours in order to be eligible for continuation of employment in a student position.

   Student employees who drop below the applicable minimum semester hours of enrollment, withdraw or are suspended are not eligible to work. If the employing department wishes to continue such a person as an employee in a staff position, the department may do so in accordance with the Staff Employee Handbook. In most cases, this is a temporary staff position cleared through Human Resources.

5. A student employee who is not returning to the University the following semester must terminate employment by the last day of finals.
6. All student employees must be degree seeking.
7. Students on academic probation (GPA less than 2.00) or suspension cannot be employed unless an appeal for an exception is approved by student employment. Appeal forms can be obtained at the office of financial aid. Work study students on academic probation must appeal through the office of financial aid.
8. International Students see Section VIII for additional work eligibility requirements.
9. Student athletes, whether receiving a scholarship or not, must complete required NJCAA paperwork in the athletics office prior to beginning any employment.

Note: Eligibility requirements for student employment are separate from criteria required for Social Security tax-exempt status. See Section VI.

Students desiring to work on campus should first determine if they are eligible to participate in either the Federal Work-Study Program or general student employment according to the preceding student employment criteria. Students eligible for general employment need to contact student employment Services located in 113 Blair Shannon, 836-5627, to view and receive referrals for available on-campus positions. Current positions may also be viewed at www.missouristate.edu/studentemp. See Section VII. B. for Federal Work Study.

International students are required to have their employment eligibility verified prior to completing the I9 and appropriate tax documents and prior to the beginning of each additional job. The International Student Temporary on Campus Employment Verification form can be obtained in the payroll office. International students have the responsibility to inform the hiring department if they are also working for any of the on-campus vendors, such as University food service or any Plaster Student Union food services.

1. Allowable Work Hour

   The University may not employ students to work 1,000 hours or more during a rolling 12 month period. All hours a student works for the University will be counted toward the 1,000 hour limit. Student workers should generally be limited to 20 hours per week so that the requirements for the position are expected to be less than 1,000 hours during a rolling 12 month period. This is important for academic reasons and to assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

   Students may work at multiple departments. However, all employing departments must monitor total hours worked in all departments, so that the student does not exceed the 1,000 hour limit. Timesheet approvers and the office of financial aid will monitor a student's hours worked. When a student has worked more than 1,000 hours, the student must stop working until the student's total hours drop below 1,000. Timesheet approvers should monitor student employees' hours every pay period. The office of financial aid will remove from payroll students who go over 1,000 hours in a rolling 12 month period.

   To reinstate a student employee that has been removed from payroll after reaching 1,000 hours, the employee's supervisor must submit a new clearance form to the office of financial aid.

   The rolling 12 month, 1,000 hour limit is effective December 1, 2013.

   In addition to the 1,000 hour limitation set forth above, per USCIS regulations international students can only work up to a total of 20 hours per week university-wide while school is in session and full time during school breaks and vacations, including summer. Working more than 20 hours a week while school is in session can cause the student to be in violation of status and may require the student to apply for reinstatement of status. Any international student found to be working more than 20 hours will be immediately removed from payroll (i.e., terminated). The student will be required to withdraw from classes and return to their home country at which time the student may reapply to the institution. Both the student and Missouri State University can be subject to penalties associated with international students working who are in violation of their status. For further policies concerning international students, please refer to Op7.15-8 International Students.

2. Overtime

   Overtime is defined as work in excess of 40 hours per week. If a student employee works over 40 hours in a week, the student employee must be compensated at the rate of one and one-half times the regular rate of pay for the hours over 40.

3. Social Security Tax

   Student wages will be exempt from Social Security taxes if the following conditions are met:

   1. Undergraduate student employees must be enrolled in at least six credit hours for fall and spring semesters and three credit hours during the summer session.
   2. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least five credit hours for fall and spring semesters and three credit hours during the summer session.
   3. International students are generally exempt from social security depending upon their tax status. Resident Aliens will be subject to the domestic student rule as stated above. Any international student not in F-1, J-1, Q-1 or M-1 visa status will be subject to the domestic student rule.

   Enrollment will be checked prior to payroll checks being issued. If the enrollment criterion is not met, Social Security taxes will be withheld from all earnings for the pay period.

   Hours worked between semesters are exempt from Social Security taxes if the student was enrolled in the previous semester and is eligible for enrollment for the upcoming semester.

4. Conditions of Employment

   Student employees are employees at will and are hired on an as-needed basis. This means that the student's employment can be terminated at any time. The University makes every effort to employ as many students as possible but there is no guarantee that a student will find a position. Student employees are covered by Workers' Compensation in case of an accident on the job but are not eligible to receive most other employment benefits such as, but not limited to: paid vacation, sick leave, holiday leave, medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, unemployment compensation insurance and retirement benefits.

5. Other Applicable Policies

   Student employment at the University is governed by a wide array of other University policies, many of which are not found or specifically referenced in this handbook. Many such policies may be found in the University's policy library. Applicable policies include, but are not limited to:

   1. Op7.01 Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy
   2. Op1.02-2 Discrimination Complaint and Investigation Procedures
   3. Op1.02-5 Employee Disability Accommodation Policy and Procedures
   4. G7.02 Employee Handbook for Administrative, Professional and Support Staff Employees (applicable to the extent it is not inconsistent with this handbook or practices otherwise duly authorized by the University for student employees)
   5. Op1.02-6 Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy
   6. G1.05 Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
   7. Op1.02-8 Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure Policy
   8. Op11.18 Tobacco Use / Smoking Policy
   9. G1.25 Whistleblower Policy (Ethics Hotline)

1. Student Employment Clearance

   Departments are responsible for submitting a Student Clearance Form to student employment Services to hire a student. This form allows student employees to be placed on the payroll system. New student employees are required to complete the W4, I9 and Direct Deposit forms. These forms are available in the hiring department and must be completed before working. Students should be prepared to complete the I9 form by bringing their proper identification and proof of eligibility to work. No faxes or copies of these documents will be accepted. A current voided blank check must accompany the Direct Deposit Form.

   Students must have a valid Social Security Number. Numbers that begin with "899" or "900" are not valid for employment purposes. Federal regulations require valid social security numbers for payroll reporting. Students must apply for a valid Social Security number either with the Office of International Students if an international student or the Social Security Administration if a domestic student.

   New International students must contact the international payroll specialist via the InternationalPayroll@MissouriState.eduemail address to obtain a username and password for the online Foreign National Information System form. This information is used for determining the appropriate tax status for the foreign national student. Once the form has been completed and submitted, the student will need to schedule an appointment with the international payroll specialist located in the payroll office in order to complete the W4, I9 and Direct Deposit forms.

2. Federal Work Study

   Federal Work Study (FWS) is not like a grant or loan where you receive the money in a lump sum. It is a regular job where you work then get paid for the hours that you worked in that pay period.

   Students are awarded work study through the office of financial aid for Fall/Spring (academic year) or Summer. Students will be notified of award eligibility and will have access to a work-study Information Form through My Missouri State.

   The work-study information form must be completed and brought (Cass Hall) or mailed to the Financial Aid Office, 128 Garfield Ave., West Plains, MO 65775. Awards expire at the end of each semester on the last day of finals.

   New work-study students must make an appointment with the financial aid technician for work study in the financial aid office to be placed in a department to work. At this appointment, the student is made aware of available jobs on and off campus in his/her field of interest. Upon selecting a department, a referral form is filled out for the student to take to the department of choice and a contact person is identified so an interview can be held. The student may elect to accept or decline the position if offered by the department. This must be indicated on the referral form, signed and returned to student employment.

   New work-study students must complete W4, I9 and Direct Deposit forms available in the hiring department.

   Students returning to the same department must request a renewal work-study referral directly from the financial aid technician for work study. After the department and student sign the form it must be returned to the financial aid office. The student may begin work at that time.

   After completion of the referral form and I9/W4 if necessary, a copy of the referral will be sent to the department within three working days, longer during peak periods, which occur at the beginning of each new semester.

   If the student desires, work-study awards may be divided between more than one department. Another appointment and referral must be submitted for each referral/employment site.

   Students having a valid reason to change departments (example: schedule changes) must make an appointment with the Financial Aid Technician for Work Study to select another department and complete another referral form.

   The work-study referral expires on Spring commencement day for the academic year (Fall/Spring), Fall commencement day for Fall graduates and on Summer commencement day for summer work study.

   International students are not eligible for the Federal Work-Study program.

3. Time Records

   Time entry is done via My Missouri State. Access instructions on student banner time entry.

   Minutes should be recorded in the following manner:

   Minutes	Quarter Hour
   0 - 7	.00
   8 - 22	.25
   23 - 37	.50
   38 - 52	.75
   53 - 59	.00 + 1 hour

   The University workweek begins 12:01 AM Monday and ends at 12:00 Midnight Sunday.

4. Payment for Work

   Student employees are paid once a month and receive hourly wages according to the classification of their positions. Paydays are based on the published schedule on the web site https://experts.missouristate.edu/display/bhrpayroll/Payroll+Calendars. Pay periods begin at 12:01 AM Monday and end at 12:00 Midnight the following Sunday. Payment will be direct deposited.

   Payroll Earnings Statements are available online at:

   My Missouri State, under the Work Resources tab, Banner Self-Service folder, Employee folder, Pay Information folder. Students may print copies of their Earnings Statement for their records.

   All wages paid to a student employee by the University, including those earned through the Federal Work-Study Program, are subject to federal and state income taxes. Questions on exemptions or withholding for taxes may be directed to the payroll office.

   Student employees may be eligible to receive raises at the discretion of the employing department. Raises will begin on the first day of a new upcoming pay period.

   At the end of the calendar year, each employee receives a Wage and Tax Statement, the W-2 Form and/or 1042s Form for certain international employees. The forms are mailed to the address recorded under My Missouri State, Profile tab, Address. A change of address or name change in Records does not affect the 042s address and should be changed by the International Payroll Accountant. If the W-2 form has not been received by the first week in February, the student should contact the payroll office.

   Any student claiming exempt must renew that status by December 31 of each year in order to maintain the status, by filling out a new W4 in the student employment Services. Students who fail to complete the new W4 will have taxes withheld at the highest rate as required by the IRS and Missouri Department of Revenue.

   International students whose tax status is non-resident alien cannot claim exempt.

5. Direct Deposit

   All new direct deposits can be put on at any time. Changes can be made in the payroll office, Carrington 119 or through My Missouri State, Profile tab from one day after a payday through one week before the next payday. If a direct deposit change is turned in too late, it will be held until the following pay period is open for changes. All changes are due no later than one week before payday and subject to individual bank processing schedule.

   Direct deposit changes made in Financial Aid will not affect direct deposit information for payroll. A separate form will need to be completed with the payroll office.

   When making changes to your direct deposit, please verify the changes on your account(s) before you rely on them and do not close your old account until the new account has received your new deposit. This could catch any mistakes made and keep you from having overdraft charges on your checking account.

   International students who plan to leave the United States prior to receiving their last pay should notify the international payroll specialist and are encouraged to keep their bank accounts open. There will be no special pay arrangements to receive pay before leaving the country.

6. Break and Meal Times

   Paid breaks are optional when students work a 4-hour block of time and should be only 15 minutes in duration. Breaks are not used to report late or leave early. Students should take a meal break of at least 30 minutes if they work more than six (6) consecutive hours. All meal breaks are unpaid.

7. Training

   The training process can vary from a very informal get together with the supervisor on the first working day to an elaborate program consisting of training workshops or classes. Students should look at every working day as an opportunity to learn and to develop characteristics of good judgment, dependability, initiative and responsibility. On the first day of work, the supervisor and the student worker should review the student's responsibilities and hours. At this time, the student may be introduced to the people she/he will be working with. The student should listen carefully and ask questions as necessary to understand his/her responsibilities and the department's policies and procedures. If they are not provided, the student should ask for the names and positions of the department's staff and find out about working conditions such as how and to whom, absences or tardiness should be reported. It would be a good idea to make a note of the supervisor's name and phone extension. The students should provide their supervisors with their own phone number and their schedule of classes.

International students are subject to domestic student requirements as well as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations. Per USCIS the primary purpose of a student visa status is to attend school. Employment in general is restricted. However, international students possessing an F-1 or J-1 visa may be employed through student employment, although they are subject to certain regulations, procedures and restrictions per immigration law. These should be followed not only to ensure students do not violate their status as a legal alien, but also, to ensure the university is not responsible for employing an illegal alien. Additionally, an international student cannot displace a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. To "displace a U.S. citizen or resident" means that an on-campus employer cannot remove a U.S. student employee in order to hire a foreign student employee.

1. International students must maintain their immigration status in order to work on campus. This includes carrying a full-time course of study during the academic year, keeping their passport valid, unless exempt from the passport requirement (i.e. Canada), keeping immigration status documents such as I-20 or DS-2019 current and limiting work to no more than 20 hours a week.
   1. Undergraduate students are required to maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours. Graduate students are required to maintain a minimum of nine (9) credit hours or six (6) credit hours for those students holding teaching or research assistantships. International students are not required to attend summer sessions.

      However, in order to work during summer they must have been enrolled for at least 12 credit hours in the previous spring and be pre-registered for at least 12 credit hours for the upcoming fall semester. International graduate student employees must have been enrolled for at least nine (9) credit hours in the previous spring and be pre-registered in at least nine (9) credit hours in the upcoming fall semester.

      Students from tax treaty countries will lose treaty benefits if they are enrolled in less than full-time status or do not remain enrolled in full-time status subject to the language of the Student Article of the respective tax treaty.

      1. International students who meet Missouri State University enrollment requirements, but do not meet (USCIS) full-time enrollment requirements, must have proper authorization from the designated school official (DSO) in the International Services office approving the under enrolled status for the purposes of USCIS. Note: International students from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines or South Korea who were in the United States in student status on or prior to June 10, 1998 may be eligible to carry less than full-time status. These students should obtain the designated school official's approval signature for his/her I-20 PRIOR to his/her interview with the international payroll specialist.
      2. For summer, international students must be pre-registered in full-time status for the upcoming Fall semester.
   2. Valid passports are a requirement for maintaining immigration status. Since, Missouri State University requires international students to be maintaining status as an eligibility requirement for on campus work through student employment, international students will be required to keep their passports valid at all times. If a passport needs to be mailed to an embassy for renewal, the student should mail it registered mail with a return receipt requested. The receipt can be used as verification that the passport renewal is in process.
   3. F-1 and J-1 students are generally authorized to work for the "duration of their status". The duration of an F-1 student's status is determined by the expiration date of the I-20 or the end of the student's studies, whichever is the earliest date. J-1 students are given permission to work by the Program Sponsor (see section B below) and are authorized to work until the date specified by the responsible officer. This date generally matches the end date of the DS-2019, which also determines the duration of the J-1 student's status.
      
      Since the I-20 and the DS-2019 documents verify student status and generally shows work authorization, these documents must be kept current. The I-20 is updated and extended through the international services office and the DS-2019 document is updated and extended through the Program Sponsor. Any student working with an expired I-20 or DS-2019 document jeopardizes their status and the student is no longer authorized for employment. Until a new form is on file in the payroll office, the student will be removed from payroll.
   4. International students can work up to a total of 20 hours per week university-wide while school is in session and full-time during school breaks and vacations, including summer. Working more than 20 hours a week while school is in session jeopardizes the student's status. Students who have worked more than 20 hour a week will be removed from payroll until the designated school official or responsible officer has notified the payroll office that the situation has been addressed.

      It will be the student's responsibility to inform the hiring department or any of the on-campus vendors, such as University or Plaster Student Union food services.

      Note: International students from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines or South Korea who were in the United States in student status on or prior to June 10, 1998 may be eligible to work more than 20 hours a week. These students should obtain the designated school official's approval signature for his/her I-20 PRIOR to his/her interview with the international payroll specialist.

   Both the student and Missouri State University can be subject to penalties associated with international students working who are in violation of status. Any student who is in violation of status is therefore ineligible to work until the situation has been addressed. International students who deviate from any of the above requirements will be expected to address the situation through the designated school official or responsible officer in the international services office.

2. International students in J-1 exchange visitor status must obtain written authorization for employment. The responsible officer of the exchange visitor program sponsor grants permission to work. If Missouri State University is the sponsor, permission to work is granted through the international services office.
3. International students must have a valid Social Security number (SSN). Numbers beginning with "899" or "900" are not valid for employment purposes. Students who do not have a valid SSN must apply for a Social Security card. This application is available in the Office of International Services and the Payroll Department.
4. International students should not attempt to apply in person at the Social Security Office. The application should be turned in to the international services office with copies of their passport, visa, I94 and I-20 or DS-2019. An international student's University records and BearPass Card are required to be changed to reflect their social security number prior to working.
5. New international students are required to meet with the international payroll specialist in the payroll office prior to the beginning of his/her employment as part of the student employment Clearance Process. International students previously cleared for another department do not need to meet with the international payroll specialist.
   1. Contact the international payroll specialist at InternationalPayroll@missouristate.edu to obtain a username and password for the online information form and receive a copy of the I9 form. The online information form is used for determining the international student's tax status.
   2. When the student has completed the online information form and I9 and appointment will be scheduled to meet with the international payroll specialist.
   3. The student should be prepared to bring to his/her appointment: passport, I-20 or DS-2019 with sponsor's employment authorization letter, I94, social security card and any other pertinent immigration documentation.
   4. The W4, Direct Deposit Form and any other tax documents will be completed during the interview with the international payroll specialist.
6. Payroll/Taxation Issues
   1. International students who plan to leave the United States prior to receiving his/her last pay should notify the international payroll specialist or Payroll Manager in the payroll office and must keep their bank accounts open. There will be no special pay arrangements to receive pay before leaving the country. In most cases this will apply to international students who are in the foreign exchange program and are in the U.S. for only a semester or two. Administrators may want to work with the student in terms of scheduling in the event that it would not be feasible for the student to leave his/her bank account open.
   2. International students should see the international payroll specialist for any changes to the W4 address. Most international students have a different tax status than a U.S. citizen which dictates the appropriate way to complete the form. Completing a new W4 with changes in the payroll office will help ensure that the form is correctly completed.
   3. International students whose tax status is Non-Resident Alien is not allowed to claim exempt on their W4.
   4. International students are generally exempt from social security depending upon their tax status. Resident Aliens will be subject to the domestic student rule as stated in the Social Security tax section. Any international student NOT in F-1, J-1, Q-1 or M-1 visa status will be subject to the domestic student rule.
7. International students are not eligible for the federal work-study program.

1. Attendance

   Students are expected to report to work on time and be ready to work. Students are to inform their supervisors whenever they will be absent or late. If an emergency occurs, students must call their supervisor as soon as possible. In non-emergency situations, students must give notice when they cannot work as scheduled and explain the reasons for their absence or tardiness. Make up time for excused absences are totally at the discretion of the supervisors. Students do not have a "right" to make up absences. Students should give appropriate notice (minimum of one week) when terminating a position. Failure to do so may reflect on future references.

2. Appearance

   Students must use acceptable hygiene and maintain a well-groomed appearance. Dress code: Brief shorts, tank tops, tube tops, torn jeans, flip-flops or bare feet are usually not acceptable. Students should ask their supervisor if the department has a specific dress code.

3. Attitude and Jobs Performance

   Students must try to establish a good working relationship with their supervisors and other department members. A positive attitude will go a long way in establishing this relationship. Any task the student is asked to perform should be done correctly and completely to the student's best ability. Students must always follow department's policies and procedures. If instructions are not understood, ask questions to complete the task accurately. Many people depend on student employees to conduct themselves in a professional and businesslike manner. Therefore, it is important that student employees be aware of the image they are projecting. Keep conversations and language appropriate for a work setting. Student employees need to be aware of the things they are saying and their appropriateness. Student employees serve an important role in helping departments provide quality services.

4. Public Relations

   Student assistants are representing the University at their work place and should always listen carefully and give clear and polite responses to visitors or other students.

5. Telephone Calls and Visitors

   Personal phone calls and visitors to the workplace are not acceptable unless pre-approved by your supervisor.

6. Telephone Etiquette

   Answer a telephone call by identifying the department and inform the caller of your name. Take messages neatly or transfer the call to voice mail. If not sure of the spelling of a name, ask the caller to spell it for you and always repeat a phone number to make sure it is correct.

7. Confidentiality

   The confidentiality of student information, including class schedules and grade information, is protected under a federal law known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Inappropriate release of confidential student information is a serious offense. If you have access to student information as part of your employment, it is imperative that you not share the information with anyone outside of your office.

   Do not discuss department issues with anyone outside of the department, nor remove files or other materials from your workplace.

8. Equipment and Supplies

   Equipment and supplies are to be used only for official University business. Use equipment only after receiving instructions and always keep safety in mind. Do not misuse supplies.

9. Termination

   Employment with the University is "at will" and may be terminated at any time. The University, at its discretion, may utilize progressive disciplinary procedures in circumstances determined appropriate as outlined below.

   Employees who do not perform work to standard or who violate rules, regulations or policies of the University may be disciplined according to the seriousness or the repetition of the violation. Formal disciplinary steps are not usually required for dismissal of probationary, temporary or part-time employees.

   Certain actions can cause employees to be disciplined, including (but not limited to) the following:

   • Insubordination;
   • Inefficiency, incompetency or inability in the performance of duties;
   • Refusal to obey directions or accept assignments;
   • Careless workmanship or negligence in the performance of duties;
   • Sleeping, loitering or loafing during working hours;
   • Conducting personal business on the job;
   • Continual tardiness or chronic absenteeism; failure to notify supervisor of absence;
   • Excessive, unnecessary or unauthorized use of University supplies, materials or equipment, particularly for personal purposes;
   • Unauthorized use or misuse of all computer systems, equipment and software;
   • Careless, negligent or improper use of University property; including official vehicles;
   • Dishonesty, including falsifying employment application or work records or other University work records; clocking in/out for another student worker or falsifying time cards;
   • Conviction of a criminal act or illegal activity reasonably related to conduct relevant to the workplace;
   • Violating the University's nondiscrimination and/or sexual harassment policy;
   • Violating University rules, policies or regulations or departmental work rules;
   • Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances on University property or as part of University activities;
   • Possession, use or distribution of alcohol on University property. The possession, use or distribution of alcohol in conjunction with University activities not on University property shall be in compliance with applicable federal laws, state laws and local ordinances;
   • Reporting to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol; refusal to consent to drug or alcohol testing;
   • Fighting or using obscene, abusive or threatening language or gestures;
   • Theft;
   • Unauthorized possession of ammunition, firearms, explosive weapons, other weapons as defined in Missouri Revised Statutes Section 571.010 (2), (6), (10), (11), (13), (17) and (18) on University premises or while on University business. Authorization to possess such items on University property may be granted by the Director of University Safety or his/her designee;
   • Disorderly or immoral conduct on the University premises;
   • Disregarding safety and/or security regulations;
   • Smoking where/when prohibited;
   • "Horseplay" which endangers self or other employees;
   • Excessive or unauthorized use of telephones;
   • Leaving the job during working hours without permission;
   • Unauthorized release of confidential information from official records;
   • Gambling during working hours;
   • Misconduct off duty of such a nature as to reflect discredit on or cause embarrassment to the University or to the State.

1. The University, at its discretion, may determine that disciplinary action less than discharge may be appropriate in some circumstances. Any of the following disciplinary actions may be imposed by the University depending upon the University's judgment of the necessary action to address student employee conduct in violation of appropriate standards.
   1. Verbal Warning
      Verbal warning brings the problem to the attention of the employee, stresses the seriousness of the situations and presents suggestions or instructions to resolve or correct the problem.
   2. Written Reprimand
      Written reprimand documents the occurrence and usually warns that further violations will result in suspension without pay or termination. It may be a final opportunity to improve.
   3. Suspension Without Pay
      Suspension without pay may be used to impress upon the employee that a behavior or performance level must be changed or termination will be inevitable. Suspension results in the loss of pay for a specified period of time (usually three days).
   4. Disciplinary Suspension
      Disciplinary suspension may be used in cases when the infraction is of such seriousness (theft, fighting, insubordination or similar infraction) that it may warrant dismissal pending review of the facts. Disciplinary suspension should be followed immediately by a thorough investigation of the situation to determine the appropriate action to be taken.
   5. Dismissal
      Serious offenses and repeated disciplinary problems will require dismissal. While employment may be terminated at any time without cause, examples of conduct that can result in dismissal for a single incident are dishonesty, insubordination, immoral conduct, theft, use of drugs or alcohol or other serious conduct as outlined in the University's disciplinary guidelines.
2. Prior to termination from employment, a student employee will be provided a written notice stating the reasons for the proposed employment termination and an opportunity to respond to the proposed action. Following the opportunity to respond, if the supervisor determines termination is necessary, the supervisor will provide a recommendation to the Director of Human resources, who will notify the student of termination. The student may then pursue the grievance procedure set forth in this Student Employee Guide.