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Q & A's From EAC

As a team, EAC tries to acknowledge, respond, and make changes accordingly within their control for the well-being of non-faculty employees. If at any point you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please first see if it is listed below, otherwise feel free to anonymously submit them here.

(*Most recent submissions are listed at the top of each category.*)

Miscellaneous:

Q: Why can’t Cabinet let staff off at noon the Friday of spring break?

A: While it would be great to have an additional half day, EAC feels we need to remember that we, the non-faculty, are here to support the operations of the institution and the College must remain open for business during spring break. Spring break differs from our summer half-days, when departments can rotate coverage or rely on work-study to cover offices. With that being said, vacation hours are an option or planning a service event and using VTO is a possibility throughout the year. (3/10/16)

Q: What stress relievers are available on a personal level?

A: EAC encourages any employee that is feeling overwhelmed with workload and stress to contact Simpson’s confidential Employee Assistance Program at 515-263-4004. (2/11/16)

Q: What is the policy on notifying other employees when you are out of the office or in a meeting?

A: There is no set policy on this; however, in an effort to make communication more inclusive across campus, EAC encourage all employees to use the campus calendar tool within Outlook, which allows you to set an out of office reply message in emails.  Please also take the short time to update your office phone’s voicemail. Instructions for setting up your voicemail can be found here. (1/17/15)

Q: Do we have a staff grievance policy?

A: The Human Relations Department has drafted the grievance policy and it is currently being read by council. Once approved by council, the policy will need to be vetted through various campus groups. It is the hope to have the policy in place later this fall.

In the meantime, if you have a grievance, we ask that you contact Mimi Bartley-Nancarrow or President Simmons directly to report the issue. (9/13/16)

Dress Code:

Q: What are SC Cares Stickers and where can I purchase them?

A: SC Cares offers employees the opportunity to purchase stickers to wear in exchange for a jean days. All proceeds from the SC Cares Program go toward helping Simpson students in need. It is strictly a volunteer program.

Stickers can be purchased year-round at the Business Office. EAC will also set up a selling booth at select Employee Council meetings. Stickers are $2.00 each or 13 stickers for $25.00. (5/16/16)

Q: Can we wear jeans during Spring Break while students are off campus?

A: Yes. “Spring Break” has been added to the Dress Code verbiage in the Employee Handbook. However, some situations may be present where a department sees fit that business attire is required during this time. (3/10/16)

Q: Is there a different dress code for faculty than there is for staff?

A: The Dress Code is applicable to all employees of the College. With this being said, the code states that “No dress code can cover all contingencies so employees must exert a certain amount of judgment in their choices of clothing to wear to work. If you experience uncertainty about acceptable, professional business casual attire for work, please ask your supervisor or your Human Resources staff.” (3/10/16)

Q: Can we wear jeans on half-day Fridays during the summer?

A: Not unless otherwise specified. Please note though, the SC Cares stickers (only $2.00 each sold at the Business Office) allow jeans on any day. (6/11/15)