Handbooks

College of Southern Idaho Human Resources Department Website

Introduction to the CSI Employee Policies & Procedures Manual
6.  POLICIES & PROCEDURES

6.01  NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY  (Rev: 2/00;10/03)

Discrimination Grievance Form
Non-Discrimination Grievance Form

The College of Southern Idaho is committed to maintaining a working and educational environment that fosters appropriate and respectful conduct and communication between all persons within the College community. CSI complies with Federal and State Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations and strives to keep the College free from all forms of discrimination/harassment, including sexual harassment.

Discrimination or harassment is defined as repeated, health-harming mistreatment that could involve verbal abuse, threatening, humiliating, or offensive behavior or actions, or work interference. The College considers discrimination and harassment in all forms to be a serious offense. Accordingly, the College will continue to make every effort to provide equal opportunity rights to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, pregnancy and disability.

This policy is designed to protect the entire College community from illegal discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment. Violation of this Policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination. (See also 2.05 Policy and Procedures on Harassment and Discrimination.)

Individuals who believe they have been subject to prohibited discrimination or harassment should immediately report the incident to their supervisor or to the appropriate administrator within the College. If, due to the situation, the employee is not comfortable with reporting the issue to their supervisor, he/she may contact the Director of Human Resources directly. Complaints may be resolved informally or through a formal investigation. (See 2.03 Problem Solving & Grievance Procedure, including Discrimination Complaints.) Supervisors should inform the Director of Human Resources of any discrimination and harassment concerns.

Complaints are investigated in a timely manner and handled as confidentially as possible. Confidentiality, however, must be distinguished from anonymity. Due process and fair treatment requires that an individual accused of an offense and subject to sanctions be informed of the allegations, which may require disclosure of the identity of the complainant. The complainant must therefore be prepared to be identified.

Due to the damage that could result to the career and reputation of any person falsely or in poor faith accused of sexual harassment, all investigations and hearings surrounding such matters will be designed to the maximum extent possible to protect the privacy of, and minimize suspicion toward, the complainant, as well as the accused. Only those persons responsible and involved in the investigation will have access to confidential information.

The College has identified Monty Arrossa, Director of Human Resources, as the Coordinator for Title VII of Education Amendments of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Sections 503 & 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to help employees and students deal with discrimination and harassment issues. He may be contacted at 208-732-6267 or by E-mail to Monty Arrossa .

6.02  POLICY & PROCEDURES ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT (Added: 2/00; Rev: 10/03; 7/06)
The College of Southern Idaho is committed to an environment that is safe, secure, and free from all forms of sexual harassment.  This commitment encompasses all relationships among administration, faculty, staff, or students.  To this end, the college, in conjunction with federal and state guidelines, operates with the following policy designed to:

  • Offer sexual harassment training and education to all members of the college community
  • Provide all members of the college community with a process for reporting
  • Provide for prompt and effective response to reports of sexual harassment in accordance with the policy.

Sexual assault and/or sexual harassment are crimes that will not be tolerated on campus under any circumstances.

Sexual Assault/Sexual Battery
Sexual assaults that occur on campuses are referred to as "campus rapes." Although some assaults are committed by strangers, the majority are perpetrated by someone the victim knows. These assaults are called "acquaintance, or date rapes."

Rape is generally defined as forced sexual intercourse that is perpetrated against the will of the victim. The same definition applies regardless of whether the assailant is a stranger or an acquaintance. The type of force employed may involve physical violence, coercion, or the threat of harm to the victim. A sexual assault may also occur with incidents where there is no penetration.  An example would be an assailant ripping off a victim's clothes and touching an intimate part of his/her body against his/her will. This type of assault is referred to as "sexual battery," which is generally defined as the unwanted touching of an intimate part of another person, such as a sexual organ, buttocks, or breasts for the purpose of sexual arousal.  Regardless of the relationship between them, if one person uses force to coerce another into submitting to sexual intercourse, the act is defined as rape.

Sexual Assault and/or Sexual Battery are felony crimes defined by law in the state of Idaho.  The college both recognizes and supports the jurisdiction that law enforcement officials have in such matters and commits to working cooperatively with the appropriate law enforcement personnel where appropriate action can ensue.   

Sexual Harassment
Any form of sexual harassment is an affront to the culture of the College of Southern Idaho as well as a direct violation of federal law.  Any member of the faculty, staff, student body or other employee of the college who engages in such harassment is violating the college's ethical standards and this policy.  Sexual harassment is also prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972.

Under law, sexual harassment is a type of gender discrimination that can occur in either a workplace or academic environment.   This harassment manifests itself in both attitude and action.

Sexism is an attitude held by a person of one sex that he or she is superior to a person of the opposite sex. For example, a male who thinks that women are too emotional or a woman who thinks men are chauvinistic.

Sex discrimination is behavior that occurs when employment decisions are based upon an individual’s gender or when an employee is treated differently because of his or her gender. For example, an administrator who only promotes men because he thinks women will have to spend too much time away from work with their families has a sexist attitude that results in discriminatory behavior.

Sexual harassment is a behavior. It is defined as unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment at work or academia occurs whenever unwelcome conduct on the basis of gender affects a person’s job or educational opportunity. It is defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as:

“Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

  • Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, or;
  • Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or;
  • Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.”

Persons need not intend or be aware that their actions are offensive in order for them to be culpable. If the complainant has previously told the accused that the behavior in question is offensive and the behavior continues, alleged conduct will be evaluated from the standpoint of a "reasonable person." Typically, the alleged conduct may substantially affect a reasonable person's work or academic environment, including residence halls, and official college-sponsored events. The "reasonable person" standard should take into account the context in which the alleged harassment took place as well as the complainant's perspective.

There are two legally recognized types of sexual harassment:

  1. Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or educational benefits or services, or submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting the individual.  
  1. Hostile environment sexual harassment occurs when unwelcome sexual conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual’s job performance or creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive work environment even though the harassment may not result in tangible job or academic consequences, that is, the person may not lose pay or promotion.

Employers, supervisors, coworkers, students, peers, and/or clients can create a hostile work environment.

Examples of Sexual Harassment
Examples of behaviors that could constitute Quid Pro Quo and Hostile Environment sexual harassment include but are not limited to:

  • Direct or indirect promises of academic or work benefits, such as high grades, promotions, or letters of recommendation, in return for sexual favors.
  • Adverse decisions or evaluations, such as negative evaluations, failure to hire or promote, low grades, because conduct of sexual nature has been rejected.
  • Unnecessary and unwanted touching, patting, hugging, or brushing against a person's clothing or body.
  • Spreading rumors about a person's sexuality; remarks about sexual activity or speculations about previous sexual experience.
  • Perverse displays of pictures, calendars, cartoons, or other materials with sexually explicit or graphic content.
  • Sexually suggestive sounds or gestures such as sucking noises, winks, or pelvic thrusts.
  • Intrusive sexually explicit questions.
  • Repeated requests for sexual favors
  • Demeaning sexual inquiries and vulgarities
  • Offensive language
  • Other verbal or physical conduct of sexual or degrading nature
  • Sexually offensive, explicit or sexist signs, cartoons, calendars, literature or photographs displayed in plain view
  • Offensive and vulgar graffiti

Examples Cases of Sexual Harassment

Student A Reports:
Student A is a female enrolled in a program that traditionally attracts males, and she does not want to go to class anymore. Each day a group of male students sit in the back of the classroom and tell jokes of a sexual nature, and engage in conversation about their sexual experiences. Even though Student A is not the target of their conversation, she can clearly hear what is being said because she sits close to them in the back. Several times she has told them to stop and told them that others in the class do not want to hear their sexual jokes and all about their sex lives. They laugh and tell her to move to another seat if she does not want to hear.

Student B Reports:
Student B is a female enrolled in the XYZ program. One male instructor has been very friendly with her since the beginning of the semester. She feels he goes out of his way to talk to her about personal things that don't pertain to class. She is not doing well in the class and is close to failing, but needs this class to graduate. One day, she went to the instructor's office to talk about her grade. To her surprise, he offered her a passing grade if she would have sex with him. He told her that no one would have to know; that it would be their secret and with a passing grade she would be able to graduate.

Student C Reports:
Student C is in the Auto Body Repair and Painting program. She participates in the Cooperative Education Program which gives her the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in auto body repair and painting. As a co-op student this semester, she is working for LCK's Auto Body Repair and Painting Shop. She has reported that each time she goes to the shop, one of LCK's employees often touches her on the shoulder or waist, pats her thigh and slaps her on the rear end. He refers to her and other women in a very demeaning way, and tells her that her place is in the kitchen.

Employee A Reports:
Within the first few month of her employment, Employee A began to experience behavior from her immediate supervisor that made her feel very uncomfortable about coming to work. He often questioned her about her sex life and told her how bad his sex life was, complimenting her on how good she looks after having a baby, and made sexual comments about other female employees. All of the unwanted, unsolicited behavior began to make her sick to her stomach. There were many days that she called in sick because she did not want to face her supervisor.

Girl A came to a Resident Advisor with some complaints about a boy (Boy B) following her to her room, staring at her for two hours straight, and waiting outside the women's bathroom watching numerous girls going in and out, including her, of the women's bathroom. The RA informed the Resident Director and had Girl A document the situation.  Girl A gave the information to the dorms Supervisor.  The documentation state that the problem had been going on for two weeks.  Girl A stated that she did not feel safe with this resident and felt like she was being harassed.

Student G
is a non-traditional student who returned to school. Having had a hard time adjusting after almost ten years away, he visits one of his professors to discuss ways to improve his grade. She suggests that he visits her in her office after four o'clock class so that they can discuss the situation. When he arrives, she suggests they have dinner together so they can get to know each other better and find ways to help him get better grades. He declines. Following this, the professor will not see Student G during office hours. He receives a "D" for the course

Employee F
worked as an administrative assistant at the College. Over a five-week period: her supervisor told employee F that she had a "good body" and that "If you worked out, you'd have a great body." Employee F made no response and redirected the conversation; two weeks later, her supervisor approached employee F to within a foot, scanned her body from head to toe and in a soft voice said, "You look good in tight skirts. They show off your butt." Employee F thereafter turned around and walked away; her supervisor repeated the statement "You look good in tight skirts" to employee F on a subsequent day when she was similarly dressed. Employee F ignored the statement; during lunch at a local restaurant, the supervisor took employee F’s hands, looked at her and commented "I like my women with good looks and brains." Employee F removed her hands and, after a brief period of silence, started talking about office matters.

Campus-Wide Sexual Harassment Education
The College shall make every effort to ensure that all members of the campus community are provided with sexual harassment training.  To this end:

  • All faculty, staff, and administration will be required to attend training (provided several times a year in a variety of formats) through the Human Resource Department.
  • New faculty and staff will be required to undergo such training as a condition of hire.
  • New student orientation will include a component of sexual harassment education.
  • New student dorm orientation will include a component of sexual harassment education.

Procedures for Reporting and Responding to Reports of Sexual Harassment

Reporting and Responding

Making Reports of Sexual Harassment
All members of the CSI community are required to contact appropriate personnel if they observe or encounter conduct that may be defined as sexual harassment.  Reports of sexual harassment may be brought to the Director of Human Resources, to any manager, supervisor, administrator, or other designated employee responsible for responding to reports of sexual harassment. If the person to whom harassment normally would be reported is the individual accused of harassment, reports may be made to another manager, supervisor, human resources coordinator, or designated employee. Managers, supervisors, and all other employees shall be required to notify the Director of Human Resources when a report is received. The campus shall respond, to the greatest extent possible, to reports of sexual harassment brought anonymously or brought by third parties not directly involved in the harassment. However, the response to such reports may be limited if information contained in the report cannot be verified by independent facts.

Conflict Resolution
The College recognizes that some problems of sexual harassment are a result of miscommunication or misunderstanding of intentions.  As such, when appropriate, the College will attempt to resolve complaints through discussion and education/training.  The campus encourages this option when the parties desire to resolve the situation cooperatively and/or when a formal investigation is not likely to lead to a satisfactory outcome. This may include inquiry into the facts, but typically does not include a formal investigation. This shall be a flexible discussion and encompass a full range of possible appropriate outcomes including mediating an agreement between the parties, separating the parties, referring the parties to counseling programs, negotiating an agreement for disciplinary action, conducting targeted educational and training programs, or remedies for the individual harmed by the harassment. It can also include options such as discussions with the parties, making recommendations for resolution, and conducting follow-up after a period of time to assure that the resolution has been implemented effectively.

While the College encourages non-adversarial resolution of a complaint, it recognizes that some reports of sexual harassment may not be appropriate for such resolution, and may require a formal investigation at the discretion of the victim and/or the Human Resource Director. 

Procedures for Formal Investigation
If the conflict cannot be resolved by informal means, the campus may conduct a formal investigation. In such cases, the individual making the report shall be encouraged to file a written request for formal investigation. The wishes of the individual making the request shall be considered, but are not determinative, in the decision to initiate a formal investigation of a report of sexual harassment. In cases where there is no written request, the Human Resource Director, in consultation with the administration, may initiate a formal investigation after making a preliminary inquiry into the facts.

Formal investigation of reports of sexual harassment shall incorporate the following standards:

The individual(s) accused of conduct violating the Policy on Sexual Harassment shall be given a full and complete written statement of the allegations, and a copy of the Policy on Sexual Harassment and Procedures for Responding to Reports of Sexual Harassment.

  • The individual(s) conducting the investigation shall be familiar with the Policy on Sexual Harassment and have training or experience in conducting investigations.
  • The investigation generally shall include interviews with the parties if available, interviews with other witnesses as needed and a review of relevant documents as appropriate. Disclosure of facts to parties and witnesses shall be limited to what is reasonably necessary to conduct a fair and thorough investigation. Participants in an investigation shall be advised that maintaining confidentiality is essential to protect the integrity of the investigation.
  • Upon request, the complainant and the accused may each have a representative present when he or she is interviewed. 
  • At any time during the investigation, the investigator may recommend that interim protections or remedies for the complainant or witnesses be provided by appropriate College officials. These protections or remedies may include separating the parties, placing limitations on contact between the parties, or making alternative working or student housing arrangements. Failure to comply with the terms of interim protections may be considered a separate violation of the Policy on Sexual Harassment.
  • The investigation shall be completed as promptly as possible.
  • Generally, an investigation should result in a written report that at a minimum includes a statement of the allegations and issues, the positions of the parties, a summary of the evidence, findings of fact, and a determination by the investigator as to whether College policy has been violated. The report also may contain a recommendation for actions to resolve the complaint, including educational programs, remedies for the complainant, and a referral to disciplinary procedures as appropriate. The report shall be submitted to a designated College official with authority to implement the actions necessary to resolve the complaint. The report may be used as evidence in other related procedures, such as subsequent complaints, grievances and/or disciplinary actions.
  • The complainant and the accused shall be informed promptly in writing when the investigation is completed. The complainant shall be informed if there were findings made that the policy was or was not violated and of actions taken to resolve the complaint, if any, that are directly related to the complainant, such as an order that the accused not contact the complainant. 

Privacy

The College shall protect the privacy of individuals involved in a report of sexual harassment to the extent required by law and College policy. A report of sexual harassment may result in the gathering of extremely sensitive information about individuals in the College community. While such information is considered confidential, College policy regarding access to public records and disclosure of personal information may require disclosure of certain information concerning a report of sexual harassment. In such cases, every effort shall be made to redact the records in order to protect the privacy of individuals. An individual who has made a report of sexual harassment may be advised of sanctions imposed against the accused when the individual needs to be aware of the sanction in order for it to be fully effective (such as restrictions on communication or contact with the individual who made the report). However, information regarding disciplinary action taken against the accused shall not be disclosed without the accused's consent, unless it is necessary to ensure compliance with the action or the safety of individuals.

Confidentiality of Reports of Sexual Harassment

Confidential resources provide members of the College community who may be interested in talking to someone about a sexual harassment situation with a safe place to discuss their concerns and learn about the procedures and potential outcomes involved. Confidential resources include:

  • Dean of Students
  • Resident Director of the Dorms
  • Director of Human Resources
  • Health Center Personnel

Because content of discussions with confidential resources is not reported to an office of record, such discussions do not serve as notice to the College to address the alleged sexual harassment. However, individuals should be informed of the appropriate campus offices to which sexual harassment incidents may be reported.

6.03 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) (Added: 2/00; Rev: 12/02)

ADA Medical Certification Form
ADA Request Form

The College of Southern Idaho complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in any aspect of employment. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that employers provide opportunities for selection, testing and hiring of qualified applicants with disabilities. Monty Arrossa, Director of Human Resources, serves as the Title II ADA Coordinator. He is located at TAB 123 or may be reached at 208-732-6267.

The ADA requires reasonable accommodation for a disabled person, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Reasonable accommodations allow an otherwise qualified person with a disability to perform essential job functions. Any qualified individual employed at the College of Southern Idaho with a disability who needs to have the disability reasonably accommodated must complete the procedure as outlined below.

ADA Definitions
Individual with a disability: any person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one, or more, major life activity, (2) has a record of such an impairment or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. To be protected by the ADA, the individual must be a qualified individual with a disability.

Qualified individual with a disability: with respect to employment, a person with disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job in question.

Essential function: the ADA covers only qualified individuals with disabilities. Determining the "essential functions" of a position is critical in evaluating whether or not a person with a disability is qualified for the position he or she holds. If an individual with a disability can perform the essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, he or she may be considered qualified for the position held. EEOC regulations define essential function as "the fundamental job duties of the employment position the individual with a disability holds." Marginal duties are not included.

Procedure for Requesting Reasonable Accommodation by a Qualified Individual with a Disability (Added: 2/2000)
The employee may request the accommodation by obtaining a copy of the request form from the Human Resource Department (HR), completing and signing it, and returning it to HR along with appropriate medical documentation.

If an employee makes a verbal request for accommodation to a supervisor, or other administrator, that individual should refer the employee to the Human Resource Department and notify HR of that referral.

When HR receives a signed request form, the Director will convene a meeting of a representative from HR, the supervisor/unit head and other administrative personnel as appropriate to discuss the request and reasonable accommodation.

The supervisor will provide this committee with a current job description for the position held by the qualified employee.

If the individual meets the definition of a qualified individual with a disability, a reasonable accommodation plan will be developed. Once it is agreed upon by the requesting employee, the supervisor, and HR, the plan will be signed and implemented. All accommodation plans will be reviewed after six months unless a shorter period of review is agreed to in the plan.

If the employee does not believe that they have been treated fairly during this process or that the accommodation plan is not reasonable or does not reasonably accommodate their disability, they may file a grievance with the College through the formal grievance procedure (see 2.06 below).

6.04  INFORMATION & POLICY ON AIDS  (Rev: 2/00)

Introduction
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.  This disease is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which primarily attacks the body's immune system, but may also affect other parts of the body.  The College of Southern Idaho does not condone or support discrimination of students or employees infected with HIV or suspected of being infected with HIV.  The College will respond to each case as required by its particular facts, and in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act.  Any person who feels they are being discriminated against, should immediately contact the Director of Human Resources.

A healthy immune system normally defends the body against disease, but once HIV gains a foothold, the immune system begins to weaken.  As a result, the body becomes more vulnerable to infections and cancers.  As AIDS progresses, a person becomes overwhelmed by diseases and eventually dies.

People with HIV infection may be healthy, but have evidence of the infection because of the presence of an antibody to the virus in their blood.  Others have a condition meeting the criteria of the surveillance definition of AIDS itself, or one of the lesser symptomatic manifestations of infection, such as AIDS-related Complex or Progressive Generalized Lymphadenopathy, as it is commonly referred to now.

HIV is transmitted by intimate sexual conduct and by exposure to contaminated blood.  Although HIV may be found in many body fluids and secretions of people who are infected, its presence is correlated with transmission only through blood, semen, and female genital secretions.  Current knowledge indicates that students or employees with any form of HIV infection do not pose a health risk to other students or employees in an academic setting.  There has been no confirmed case of transmission of HIV by any household, school, or other casual contact.  In fact, the public Health Service states that there is no risk created by living in the same place as an infected person, caring for an AIDS patient, eating food handled by an infected person, being coughed or sneezed upon by an infected person, casual kissing, or swimming in a pool with an infected person.  These facts are the basis for this policy, which is derived from the best currently available medical facts about HIV infection and AIDS and applies to all students or employees.

Procedures

  1. General Committee.  The College of Southern Idaho will designate a General Committee to organize and oversee the educational programs, and to provide a mechanism for making such policy decisions as become necessary.
  2. Confidentiality of Information.  Without the expressed written consent of the patient, the College will not release specific or detailed information concerning complaints or diagnosis of HIV status to faculty, administrators, or parents.  The College will strictly observe public health reporting requirements.
  3. Safety Precautions.  The College of Southern Idaho will follow the standard precautions recommended by the Center for Disease Control.  The Rules and Regulations enacted in the Idaho Session Laws will be followed in the handling of blood and body fluids of all persons, not just those previously known to have HIV infection.
  4. Please contact the Human Resource Department with any questions you may have.  For additional information, please refer to Idaho Code Ch. 45, Sec. 1,  39-601 and Sec. 4, 39-609; and Ch. 151, Se. 1, 39-608.

6.05 DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE CAMPUS POLICY AND DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES (Revised and Approved 9/00; 4/02, 1/06)

Informational Brochure
Drug & Alcohol Screening Request Form
Drug-Free & Alcohol-Free Campus Acknowledgement & Agreement Form

Purpose
The College of Southern Idaho recognizes the health risks and costs associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol and is committed to providing a drug-free and alcohol-free educational environment which supports the mission of the College.

Statement of Policy
It is the policy of the College of Southern Idaho that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, use of a controlled substance, or the use of alcohol by students and employees is prohibited in the workplace, on College time, or on College property. This prohibition covers any individual's actions that are part of College activities occurring on College property or in the conduct of College business away from campus. At any time when an employee of the College, on College business, accompanies students away from campus, or is in a position to supervise students away from campus, the possession, use or dispensation of a controlled substance or the use of alcohol by such employee is strictly prohibited. The employee-student policy applies even when the President, or his designee, deems it appropriate to permit the presence of alcohol at an off-campus College sponsored event.

It is a condition of employment with the College that employees abide by this policy. All employees must sign a CSI Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Acknowledgement and Agreement . Employees who have previously signed the Drug Free Workplace Agreement are subject to this policy. New employees will be required to sign the Agreement. A copy of this policy and these procedures are available on the CSI web site. Employees may request a hard copy from the Human Resource Department. All employees, prospective employees, and contract employees are subject to the terms and conditions of these revised policies and procedures. If the College of Southern Idaho functions as the fiscal agent and grantee for a specific program, that program may have greater, but not lesser, requirements.

Testing Policy
The State of Idaho has codified the procedure under which a political subdivision of the State of Idaho may test its employees for drugs and/or alcohol at Title 72, Chapter 17 of the Idaho Code.

The Board of Trustees of the College of Southern Idaho has determined that it is in the best interest of the College, its administration, faculty and staff to have a drug and alcohol testing policy. The College may require any employee or prospective employee to submit to appropriate testing for the presence of drugs or alcohol under circumstances which may include, but not be limited to the following: post-accident, reasonable suspicion and return to duty/follow-up.

Employees will not be permitted to work with a detectable level of prohibited drugs in their system. The basis for determining "under the influence" and/or "detectable level" is, for the purposes of this policy, a positive test result for drugs and/or alcohol. A positive result for alcohol shall be .02 alcohol concentration or more. Prohibited drugs include both illegal and legal substances, including alcohol or prescription drugs that have not been specifically prescribed, or used as prescribed, by a licensed physician for specific treatment purposes of the employee at that time.

The policy of the College of Southern Idaho, which may be amended at any time, is as follows:

Post-accident:
Any employee whose performance either contributed to any accident or injury or cannot be completely discounted as a contributing factor to an accident will be tested based upon the following conditions:

  1. If the accident caused injuries resulting in medical treatment being provided by a physician or his/her designee (other than first-aid).
  2. If the accident resulted in significant property damage.

Reasonable suspicion:
When trained supervisory personnel determine there is reasonable suspicion to believe an employee is under the influence, or in possession, of any substance prohibited by these standards or is otherwise in violation of this policy, the College may:

  1. Require the employee to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test when at least one designated/trained employee and the President of the College, or his designee, have reasonable suspicion to believe that an employee is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. These beliefs will be based upon specific physical behavioral or performance indicators.
  2. Turn over to appropriate law enforcement agencies any illegal substance found on the premises. This may result in criminal prosecution.

Return to duty/follow-up:
An employee who tests positive for drugs or alcohol may not return to work until such employee tests negative. The College of Southern Idaho has the option of disciplinary action up to and including termination for a confirmed positive test. When disciplinary action has been chosen as an option, the employee may return to duty when the following conditions, which may be at the employee's expense, are met:

  1. The employee must have a negative return-to-duty test for drugs and/or alcohol as specified in this policy. The sample collection and analysis of the specimen must be conducted at the company's designated site. The sample must have been collected no more than 24 hours prior to the employee's return to work..
  2. The employee must submit to an evaluation (a copy of which is sent to the employer) by the College's designated Substance Abuse Professional/Employee Assistance Program identifying:
    • Recommendations for treatment, if any.
    • A signed agreement from the employee stipulating to his/her commitment to the outlined plan/recommendations.
    • A plan for follow-up drug/alcohol testing to be completed for a period of time to be determined by the substance abuse professional.

Testing Procedures

  1. Any testing for drugs or alcohol on current employees will be considered work time for compensation purposes. Prospective employees shall not be paid for any time spent for drug/alcohol testing. The College shall pay all initial costs of drug or alcohol testing pursuant to this policy.
  2. An employee does have the right to refuse to be tested. However, refusal to submit to the test may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination.
  3. Sample collection, testing and analysis for drugs or alcohol shall be performed by the third party administrator and within the guidelines as set forth within a Substance Abuse and Mental
    Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) approved lab and Department of Health and Human
    Services (DHHS). The third party administrator will assure validity, confidentiality and security of samples and test results. Sample selection and testing will conform to the above guidelines, including scientifically accepted analytical methods and procedures.
  4. The third party administrator will designate a Medical Review Officer (MRO), or his designee, to interpret, evaluate and monitor the drug testing program and results. The MRO will be a licensed physician with knowledge of drugs, testing methods and drug abuse disorders.
  5. The College of Southern Idaho and/or physician shall determine the drug testing technique
    (e.g., urine sample, breath sample, blood sample, physical examination, sobriety examination) to be administered.
  6. All individuals who are required to be tested under the conditions of this policy will report to the third party's administrator/College of Southern Idaho's designated collection site and at the requested time.
  7. If the test or retest is negative, the chain of custody form is reviewed for completeness and accuracy and the results are reported to the College of Southern Idaho.
  8. If any test is positive for drugs or alcohol, the College of Southern Idaho shall receive a confirmatory test.
  9. If an employee or prospective employee tests positive for drugs or alcohol:
    • The employee shall be contacted by the MRO, prior to notification of the College of Southern Idaho, so that the MRO may determine whether a legally prescribed medication resulted in the positive drug test. It is the employee's obligation to be available to the physician so the situation can be discussed.
    • Any employee or prospective employee who tests positive for drugs or alcohol must be given written notice of that test result, including the type of substance involved.
  10. Any employee who tests positive for drugs or alcohol may not return to the work force until such employee tests negative.
  11. Any employee or prospective employee who has a positive test result may request that the same sample be re-tested by a mutually agreed upon laboratory. A request for retest must be made in writing to the Director of Human Resources within seven (7) working days from the date of the first confirmed positive test notification and be paid for by the employee or prospective employee requesting the test. If the retest results in a negative test outcome for an employee, the
    College will reimburse the cost of the retest and/or compensate the employee for his time if suspended without pay.
  12. Upon receipt of a confirmed positive drug or alcohol test result or other proof which indicates a violation of this policy, or upon the refusal of an employee to provide a test sample or upon an employee's alteration or attempt to alter a test sample, the College may use that test result or the employee's conduct as the basis for disciplinary or refusal-to-hire action. The College may require that the current employee utilize the return-to-work procedure as a condition of continued employment or reinstatement. Actions by the College may include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • Per the evaluation of a substance abuse counselor, the employee will enroll in a private employer-approved rehabilitation, treatment or counseling program, which may include additional drug or alcohol testing, as a condition of continued employment;
    • Suspension of the employee with or without pay for a period of time;
    • Termination of the employee;
    • Other disciplinary measures as deemed appropriate by the College.
  13. All tests results will be maintained by the College of Southern Idaho in a manner which assures their confidentiality and will be available to other parties only upon specific written consent of the individual tested.
  14. This policy shall conform in all respects with the provisions of Title 72, Chapter 17, Idaho
    Code.
  15. This policy shall not in any way create a physician-patient relationship with the College of Southern Idaho and a prospective or current employee.
  16. If an employee tests positive for drugs or alcohol, such employee shall not be considered disabled by virtue of the test results alone.
  17. All prospective and current employees will be fully informed of the Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy and procedures prior to any testing being administered. All employees will be provided with a copy of this policy. No current or prospective employee will be tested until this information is made available to him/her.

Appeals Process
In the event that any employee is found to have violated this policy and is not satisfied with any action taken by the College under the provisions of 12 (a), (b), (c) or (d), such employee may appeal as follows:

  1. Within ten (10) days following notice of the action taken by the College concerning a violation of the policy, notify in writing the Director of Human Resources that the employee desires to appeal the decision, the basis for the appeal and the grounds upon which the employee believes that the action taken by the College was inappropriate;
  2. The "Appeals Committee" shall be composed of 5 members . The committee will include two members each from faculty and staff, and one member from the administration. Members from faculty and support staff will be selected by the faculty senate and by the staff organization.
    Administration, professional and the President's Council members will be appointed by the President.
  3. Any appealing employee will be provided a full hearing on his or her appeal within thirty (30) days of the written notice of appeal and will be provided with a written decision by the Appeals Committee within ten (10) days following the hearing. If the Appeals Committee finds for the employee, the written decision will include a recommendation to the President for action to be taken regarding the employee's employment status.
  4. Failure to file any such appeal, in writing, within the (10) days following notice of the action by the College will constitute a waiver of the employee's right to appeal.

Education and Prevention
The College of Southern Idaho recognizes drug and alcohol dependency as a serious problem and as a health, safety and security threat to the business of education. Employees who need help in overcoming such dependency should contact their supervisor, the Employee Assistance Program or the Director of Human Resources. A voluntary, conscious effort to seek such assistance is encouraged.

Employees are encouraged to learn more about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and may obtain more detailed information about available treatment and counseling options. For additional information contact the Director of Human Resources or the Employee Assistance Program.

Citations, Violations, and Convictions of Criminal Drug and Alcohol Statutes
The College serves as a public trust and it is in the public interest that all employees report any citations for violations of this policy to their supervisor or to the President. Employees must notify the President's Office of any criminal drug or alcohol statute conviction not later than five (5) calendar days after the employee is convicted.

Enforcement
Convictions or violations of CSI's Drug-free and Alcohol-free policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

This policy complies with the requirements of PL 100-690, Title V, Section 5153. This alcohol policy does not apply to the College of Southern Idaho Foundation.

6.06  PROBLEM SOLVING & GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS (Rev: 2/00, 10/03, 7/06)

It is the firm and express policy of the College of Southern Idaho to maintain a working and educational atmosphere of mutual confidence, trust, and respect among employees and between employees and the College. It is realized that situations may arise that must be solved. Problems may be resolved informally or through a formal grievance investigation procedure.

CSI's problem solving policy, or due process, i.e. the right to be heard in his or her own defense, is intended to provide an equitable method for the administrative resolution of complaints without coercion, restraint, or reprisal against any employee for filing or for involvement in a complaint, and to establish a uniform method of filing a complaint.

All alleged claims of discrimination/harassment should be immediately reported to the Director of Human Resources.

After an issue has been filed as a complaint with a State or Federal compliance agency, the informal and/or formal procedures are not available to an employee. When a complainant has been filed with one of these agencies, their procedures must be followed.

Informal Problem Solving Process
A problem is defined as a concern by an employee about the interpretation of personnel policies and procedures, practices, working conditions, and/or discrimination concerns (including age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status).

Every effort should be made to find an acceptable solution to a problem using the informal procedures. However, if the supervisor, the Director of Human Resources and/or the employee feel it necessary, the informal procedure may be bypassed and the formal procedure implemented. The Director of Human Resources should be informed of any discrimination complaint or of any procedural change.

Individuals who believe they have been subjected to alleged acts of discrimination, including sexual harassment, should quickly bring complaints to the attention of an administrator of the College.

An employee who has a problem should first try to resolve the issue in a timely manner through an informal discussion with their immediate supervisor. If the employee is not in agreement with the decisions reached through these discussions, or if no decision is reached, or if, because of the nature of the complaint, the employee cannot discuss it with their supervisor, the employee should see the Director of Human Resources. If the problem cannot be resolved on an informal basis through discussions with these parties, then the employee may begin the formal grievance procedure by submitting the complaint in writing in accordance with the formal grievance procedure. The supervisor should inform the Director of Human Resources of the inability to resolve the issue at the informal level.

Formal Grievance Procedure
A grievance is defined as a claim or charge of injustice, oppression or discrimination based upon an event or condition which affects the welfare or condition of employment of a current employee that is presented for solution through the formal grievance procedure established by the College.

CSI recognizes the right of the employee to use the employee grievance procedure without fear of or concern for retaliation.

If the employee's grievance has not been resolved through the informal process, he or she should submit as soon as possible a written request for a formal investigation to the Director of Human Resources, using the appropriate grievance procedure form. (See also CSI Discrimination Grievance Form and CSI Anti-Discrimination Grievance Form.) The employee shall state the nature of the grievance, the parties involved and their roles, and the remedy the employee suggests to correct the situation. Sign and date the complaint.

The Director of Human Resources, or a designated representative, shall conduct a finding of facts and then respond to the complainant within 30 workdays of receipt of the complaint. If the employee does not agree with the findings of the Director of Human Resources, the employee may appeal the decision, in writing within 15 workdays, to the President of the College.

After receiving the written grievance, the President, or his representative, shall conduct his investigation and shall respond with his decision to the employee in a timely manner.

Any retaliatory action of any kind taken by an employee of the College against another employee, applicant, or student of the College as a result of that person's seeking redress under these procedures is prohibited and that situation shall be regarded as a separate and distinct grievance.

The College has identified Monty Arrossa, Director of Human Resources, as the Coordinator for Title VII of Education Amendments of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Sections 503 & 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to help employees and students deal with sex, race, disability, and other forms of discrimination/harassment issues. He may be contacted at 208-732-6267 or by E-mail to Monty Arrossa.

Student-related issues should be directed to the Dean of Student Activities.

6.07  DUE PROCESS PROCEDURE (Added: 7/08)
All full time professional and classified employees (faculty see faculty handbook) are entitled to due process before the College makes any decision to impose any disciplinary sanction or involuntary transfer, dismissal, suspension,  or demotion as set forth in Section 67-5315(2) Idaho Code. Due Process requires the College to provide the employee with a notice of the contemplated action, the basis or reason for contemplated action, and explanation of the evidence supporting the contemplated action, and an opportunity to be heard before a decision is made. Any College department considering disciplinary action must contact Human Resources to review the recommended action and documentation and to assist with implementing appropriate action.

Step One: Notice
Notice of the Contemplated Action: The Dean, Department Director or Vice President will provide an explanation and a recommendation for action to Human Resource for review based on information from the immediate supervisor, if applicable. A notice of contemplated action will be prepared by Human Resource with the assistance of the appropriate supervisor. The employee will be placed on administrative leave during this period pending a final outcome.

Contents of the Notice of Contemplated Action must include:

  1. Action contemplated; i.e., dismissal, suspension, demotion, or involuntary transfer
  2. Reason for this action
  3. An explanation of the information or evidence pertinent to the contemplated action
  4. The time frame for the response

Step Two: Opportunity to Respond
 A professional or classified employee who receives a notice of contemplated action is entitled to an opportunity to respond in writing. This step provides the employee an opportunity to respond to the notice and present his or her reason(s) why the contemplated action(s) should not be taken. The employee must act upon the opportunity to respond within the time period indicated in the notice, otherwise the opportunity is deemed waived by the employee. The response, if any, shall be provided by the employee to the Director of Human Resources. 

Time Period to Respond: The notice of contemplated action provides a set time period of up to ten (10) working days within which an employee may respond after the receipt of notice. The College may not extend the time period for a response, unless both the College and employee agree to file an extension in writing.

Right to Representation: The law provides an employee with the right to be represented by a person of his or her choosing during the opportunity to respond.

Step Three: College's Decision
The College Administration, or their designee shall make and implement the final decision and the Director of Human Resources shall notify the employee of the final decision no later than ten (10) working days after the employee has responded in writing, failed to respond, or otherwise waived his or her right to respond in writing. The College's final decision will be sent or delivered to the employee and a copy will be concurrently placed in the employees personnel file. 

The Due Process Procedure is completed when the Director of Human Resources or designee notifies the employee of the College's decision. If a disciplinary sanction or involuntary transfer is imposed, it may be implemented immediately.

The employee has the right to appeal the College's disciplinary decision to the President of the College within thirty-five (35) days.

Optional Mediation Step
The Dean, Department Director or Supervisor and employee may mutually agree to engage in mediation after notice of contemplated action has been sent during the Due Process Procedure. If both sides agree, the time limitations for the opportunity to respond and the department's decision will be suspended pending mediation. Mediation is not possible unless the Dean, Department Director or Supervisor and employee agree. Human Resources can assist in identifying a mediator.

6.08  EMERGENCY FIRST AID
If extreme personal injury or danger exists, call 9-911

Call Security at Extension 6605. (The CSI Security Department is available 24 hours a day to respond to any emergency.)

Take action to provide or find aid as required. Each building has a First Aid kit; locate it quickly. Use safety coverings for yourself (gloves and/or mask) if you touch a person or substance or provide CPR. Evacuate the area if necessary.

What may seem at the time to be a minor accident with an employee or student may have far-reaching implications. Many of these seemingly minor accidents later result in lawsuits, disability or insurance claims for workmen's compensation. It is important for both the employee/student and the College to have factual information concerning the incident. For this reason, before processing the injury claim, the Business Office must have an accident report signed by the employee's dean or division supervisor. In the case of a student, the instructor must sign the accident form. If the accident happens outside of class or is not instructionally related, the CSI Security Office will fill out the accident report.

Anyone witnessing an accident or involved in an accident, including visitors, employees, and students, should report the accident to Security. Accident reports are not required for illness, unless injuries result from a seizure (falling, striking an object, etc.)

If the injury is received by an employee or student worker during their working hours, they are covered by Workers' Compensation. Any injured employee who requires the care of a physician or hospital must advise the physician or hospital and an industrial insurance form will be initiated immediately.  The Student Health Center is also available to treat minor on-the-job injuries.

6.09  CSI EMERGENCY PROCEDURES MANUAL (Rev: 2/00)
A CSI Emergency Procedures Manual exists to acquaint employees with the proper procedure should an emergency occur in their work place.  All employees should become familiar with this manual and keep it where it will be immediately available should one of the identified emergencies occur.  All regular full-time employees are issued an emergency manual upon hiring.  Additional hard copies are available by contacting the Human Resource Department.

See also CSI Emergency Manual

6.10  LOST AND FOUND
A Lost and Found Center is maintained at the Information Desk in the Taylor Administration Building.  Any items lost or found after school hours or on weekends should be turned into Security.  All items found may be sent to either of these locations.  All inquiries for lost articles should be directed to both locations.

6.11  KEYS  (Rev: 2/00, 7/04, 1/06, 7/08)
It is the policy of the College to allow the faculty and staff all freedom of movement about the campus consistent with reasonable security of public and personal property. Faculty and staff may check out keys for their offices and other areas to which they need access. Keys may be checked out from the Maintenance Office after your supervisor has filled out the required work order form requesting the keys.  The work order must include the employee's name and the list of room numbers and building doors to which that person needs access. Please allow a minimum of 24 hours between the time keys are requested and the time they are issued. Only the person receiving the key may sign for it. Please be prepared to show your CSI Employee ID card.

Instructional buildings will be opened at 7 a.m. on regular school days. Upon request of authorized personnel, the buildings may be opened at nonscheduled school days--weekends and holidays, for example. General-purpose classrooms and other rooms, except those containing special equipment and supplies, will be left unlocked. Therefore, there will be access to these rooms any time the buildings are open.

All keys no longer required by faculty and staff shall be returned immediately to the Maintenance Office. Each person who signs for and receives keys assumes the responsibility for the equipment and supplies in areas made accessible by the keys.

Upon termination of employment, keys must be returned to the Maintenance or HR Departments.  Keys need to be returned and checked in to Maintenance in order for them to be reissued to a new employee. Your final paycheck may be held until keys are returned to CSI.

6.12  SCHEDULING USE OF COLLEGE FACILITIES  (Rev: 3/99)
When special activities or events not listed in the class schedule are to be held on campus, a facilities request form must be filled out.  Completed forms are forwarded to the Office of Instructional Administration.  These requests will be considered at the Monday morning administrative meeting.

All athletic events, gymnasium, Expo, and Fine Arts Auditorium scheduling requests are to be requested through the Office of Instructional Administration.  The requests will then be forwarded to appropriate facilities managers for their consideration and review.  After their initial approval, these requests will be announced at the Monday morning administrative meeting.

6.13  COLLEGE VEHICLE USE (Added: 2/00, 1/06, 7/08)

Van Driving Test & Familiarization Form
Vehicle Agreement Form

For college-related purposes, employees may request the use of a College vehicle by contacting the Maintenance Department.

1. Only CSI employees designated by the President are authorized to drive CSI vehicles between the campus and their homes and to garage the vehicles at their homes.

2. With prior approval and on irregular isolated instances, CSI vehicles may be taken to an employee's home when it is to be used for official travel that begins or ends outside regular working hours and under other circumstances when the President or the President's designee judges it to be in CSI's interest.

3. When not in use, a CSI vehicle is to be kept in the CSI motor pool located at the Physical Plant Building, or it is to be kept near the headquarters of the department or employee to whom it is assigned.

4. Though a vehicle may be designated primarily for the use of one unit or employee, such assignment is not exclusive. When it is not needed for its primary assigned use, it may be used by others, subject to suitable arrangements between the parties concerned and the Maintenance Department.

5. CSI Vans are to be used only for activities directly involved with the College. Any exceptions must be approved by the President. Accommodation use of CSI vans, which may include the transportation of official visitors to the campus, will only take place upon the direct approval of the administrator or faculty person responsible for that activity.

6. The person to which a CSI vehicle is assigned (including vehicles furnished for coaches by car dealers) or the person who has checked out a vehicle from the CSI Motor Pool is responsible for making sure that the regulations governing vehicle use, including the following, are observed:

a. State and local traffic laws must be obeyed at all times. Any person operating a CSI vehicle must have a valid Idaho State Driver’s License.

b. In case of an accident involving a CSI vehicle, reports as required by law must be filed. Report all accidents to CSI Security.

c. No persons four years of age or younger and/or forty pounds or less are to be transported in CSI vans. For such persons, it is incumbent on the driver of the group to inform the administrator approving the transportation that a bus or other vehicle equipped with appropriate infant safety restraint devices be arranged.

d. Employees and their passengers shall wear seat belts in all seating positions while driving or riding in college-owned vehicles if that vehicle is so equipped with safety restraints.

7. All persons using motor pool vehicles must return the vehicle to the Physical Plant Department the day of their return unless special arrangements are made.

Anyone who drives a CSI owned/leased vehicle must fulfill the requirements of this Vehicle Use Agreement.

1. The Travel Itinerary, Roster of Occupants and Vehicle Request Forms are all combined on one form and are available on the CSI website and in the Maintenance/Security Offices. Out of state travel requires approval of the President or his designee. This is the first step in reserving your vehicle.

2. Those that use our vehicles on a scheduled, reoccurring, consistent basis, need only to fill out the form once with the scheduled, reoccurring, consistent layout of their proposed use of the vehicle, approved by the appropriate person.

3. Maintenance personnel will take a copy of your driver’s license and will check the validity.

4. You must sign the vehicle use agreement at the Maintenance Department before you leave on your trip. 

5. Students may drive locally (Twin Fall's area) or on site at your destination, provided they have fulfilled the requirements of the policy.

6. The Safety Kits and Cell Phones will be checked out to you prior to leaving on your trip. These items are inventoried and will be the issued person's responsibility. The Cell Phones are for emergency use only. Any calls on these phones that are not emergency oriented will be charged to the responsible person. The phone numbers are not to be given out. Cell Phones are optional for employees' use in cars, but mandatory in vans.

7. Any person that will be driving a van must take a Van Familiarization and Driving Test with a CDL approved driver. Please call at least a day before to set up your time. This should take no longer than one hour. (Established 1/21/99)

8. No alcoholic beverage or tobacco use is allowed in any CSI vehicle at any time.

Definition of Travel Areas

Local/Magic Valley Travel

  • Defined as north to Shoshone, south to Jackpot, NV, east to Rupert and west to Glenn’s Ferry
  • CSI Vans shall carry no more than 12 occupants including the driver

Long Distance Travel

  • Defined as any travel that is not within a three-hour radius from campus under normal driving conditions (Speed limit examples: 55 mph x 3 hrs = 165 miles; 65 mph x 3 hrs = 195 miles)
  • CSI Vans shall carry no more than 10 occupants, including the driver
  • Trips shall not exceed ten hours per day

Regional Travel

  • Defined as an area that is within a three-hour radius from campus under normal driving conditions excluding the Magic Valley area
  • CSI Vans shall carry no more than 10 occupants including the driver
  • A maximum of two vans may be used by a single group for travel with the exception of trips within the Magic Valley

Groups requiring additional space shall be encouraged to travel by bus.

Any department, club, organization, or entity utilizing CSI vans will be charged $50 per van per trip to cover fuel and maintenance costs. 

Requirements for all Drivers of CSI Vehicles

1. All drivers must view the required defensive driving video.

2. All drivers must submit a current copy of their driver’s license to the Maintenance Department at least 3 days in advance of the scheduled trip. Driving records may be reviewed.

3. All drivers will ensure that all occupants are utilizing seat belts at all times.

4. All drivers will obey all traffic rules and regulations and exercise prudent judgment at all times.

Additional Requirements for Van Drivers

1. All van drivers must satisfactorily complete the CSI van-driving test administered by an authorized CDL driver and/or have a current CDL endorsement.

2. All van drivers are required to use a “spotter,” if one is available, for assistance in backing up.

3. All van drivers are limited to four hours behind the wheel at one time. Drivers may drive a total of six hours per day.

4. All vans are not to exceed the posted speed limit or 65mph whichever is less.

Any exceptions to this vehicle use policy must be approved by the President or his designee

6.14  TRAFFIC AND PARKING REGULATIONS (Rev: 2/00; 10/05)
The maximum speed on campus is 20 MPH.  Stop signs at main entrances to the campus upon exit must be obeyed.  Each vehicle is required to come to a complete stop.  In no case will exiting vehicles straddle two lanes.  Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.

CSI employees and their passengers shall wear seat belts in all seating positions while driving or riding in college-owned vehicles if that vehicle is so equipped with safety restraints.  Employees are encouraged to use seat belts while operating their personal vehicles, whether for College or personal use, to enhance the safety of themselves and their families.

Automobiles may be driven on the sidewalks only when they are being used to load or unload equipment too heavy or bulky to be carried by hand.  After loading/unloading is completed, cars must be removed from the sidewalk immediately. Permission from Security is necessary prior to driving on sidewalks.

There are adequate lots available for parking.  Vehicles parked in the street will be ticketed.  There are no faculty or staff reserved parking spaces on campus.  Please extend courtesy to other drivers by occupying only one parking space.

Security is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available to assist with accidentally locked vehicles, jump-starting vehicles, inflating flat tires, etc.  Call Security for this kind of assistance.

For your convenience, regulations are posted in the CSI Student Handbook under Driving and Parking Regulations. For more information please contact the Security Office at 208-732-6605 or e-mail security@csi.edu.

6.15  MANDATORY USE OF SEAT BELTS BY ALL CSI EMPLOYEES (Added: 2/00)
To promote a safer workplace and community, and to reduce the possibility of injury or death while driving or riding in College of Southern Idaho owned vehicles, personnel and their passengers shall wear seat belts in all seating positions while driving or riding in college-owned vehicles if that vehicle is so equipped with safety restraints.

College personnel are encouraged to use seat belts while operating their personal vehicles, whether for College or personal use, to enhance the safety of themselves and their families (established January 1995).

6.16  STUDENT INFORMATION RELEASE POLICY  (Added: 2/00)
The College is committed to properly protecting each student's educational privacy as specified by the Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).  In order to assure that the College remains in compliance, all requests for information of any nature regarding a student of the College should be referred to the Admissions and Records Office where personnel have been trained in handling these requests. (Established October 1996.)

6.17  SMOKE FREE CAMPUS POLICY (Rev: 2/00; 7/06, 7/08)
Smoking is prohibited on all college properties, including off- campus centers and any properties owned or leased by the College.  For the purposes of this policy, smoking is defined as burning any type of tobacco product including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, and bidis.

Organizers and attendees at public events, such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, athletic events, social events and cultural events, using College facilities will be required to abide by the CSI Smoke Free Policy. Organizers of such events are responsible for communicating this policy to attendees and for enforcing this policy.

The following smoking prohibitions have been established on the CSI campus:

  • Smoking is prohibited in all CSI-owned residences, including Eagle Hall.
  • Smoking is prohibited in all CSI-owned or leased vehicles.
  • The sale of tobacco products on campus is prohibited.
  • The free distribution of tobacco products on campus is prohibited.
  • Campus organizations are prohibited from accepting money or gifts from tobacco companies.
  • Tobacco advertisements are prohibited in college-sponsored publications.

The College will provide free, accessible tobacco treatment on campus and will publicize its availability. These programs will be designed to meet the special needs of those they serve. These tobacco treatment programs shall be publicized regularly in student and employee publications, posted in residence halls and academic buildings, through Student Services, and through other appropriate means.

Effective implementation of this Smoke Free Policy depends upon the courtesy, respect, and cooperation of all members of the CSI community.  Complaints or disputes should be brought to the attention of the College employee who has immediate responsibility for the workplace, event, or residence, or to her/his supervisor. If satisfactory resolution is not reached, the Dean of Students or the Director of Human Resources should be consulted.

6.18  SOLICITATIONS/DISPLAYS/PRESENTATIONS
Requests by non-college personnel to distribute letters or circulars to CSI staff members on campus are to be made to the Business Office for approval.  Materials designed for the general campus audience or individuals or groups wishing to have direct communication with the students are to be approved and arrangements made through the Student Information Office.

Staff and faculty who request individuals to make presentations have the responsibility to show all significant sides of a topic.  For example, if a political candidate desires to make a presentation, or is invited to do so, other candidates running for the same office are to be afforded the same opportunity.

Solicitation of any kind is not permitted on the CSI campus; i.e., any site or location owned or utilized by the College.

6.19  COMPUTER USE (Rev: 2/00)
The CSI community is encouraged to make innovative and creative use of information technologies in support of education and research.  Access to computer systems and networks owned or operated by the College imposes certain responsibilities and obligations and is granted subject to College policies, and local, state, and federal laws.  Acceptable use always is ethical, non-offensive, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources.  (See CSI Copyright Information.) It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of information, system security mechanisms, and individuals' rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation and harassment.

Employees and students should know that there are no facilities provided by the College for guarantee of confidential files.  CSI computer staff have the ability to view all messages and files of any user.  However, it is not the routine policy of the staff to view others' files, and the intention is to keep files private, even though such privacy cannot be guaranteed.

Please see the CSI Computer Use Policy Statement for complete guidelines, procedures, and sanctions.

6.20  COMPUTING HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE PURCHASES (Rev: 2/00)
All hardware and software purchase requests will be reviewed by the Information Technology Services (ITS) staff to insure consistency with campus computing.  Non-instructional requisitions will be formally reviewed at the point a purchase requisition is submitted to the Business Office; however, ITS encourages discussion early in the process.  Requisitions for instructional use will be reviewed by the Vice President of Instruction.

All administrative computer repair and software upgrades involving the expenditure of funds must be approved by ITS.

6.21  COMPUTER/OFFICE EQUIPMENT MOVES, SURPLUS, & ASSIGNED OFF-CAMPUS USE (Added: 2/00)
The following procedures have been established for your benefit as well as the College's protection from possible misunderstandings concerning use of College equipment and the inventory tracking system:

  1. Office equipment, computers, and peripherals that become surplus must be tracked.  Each department will then have access to any surplus items that are available.  Inventory adjustments, authorization forms, and reassignment will be beneficial to all concerned.
  2. Office equipment, computers, and peripherals which move from one location to another on a permanent or temporary basis of more than one month need a movement record filled out and sent to the Business Office
  3. Office equipment, computers, and peripherals which are authorized by the supervisor for off-campus use must have a movement record filled out, signed, and a copy sent to the Business Office (established 4/22/92).

6.22  INFORMATION SECURITY (Added 1/08)
Employees of the College need to be aware and knowledgeable about their role and responsibilities in maintaining and securing the confidential information that are collected in various databases for institution business. All employees are expected to help keep these systems secure (e.g. by keeping passwords private) and to take adequate precautions when accessing, printing, copying and/or distributing information from the institution’s databases.

Employees should make every effort to keep unauthorized users from accessing the College’s network and information systems. Passwords are an important safeguard to these systems and should be kept private as well as be difficult for someone else to ascertain. Please see information about CSI Passwords online at http://myhelpdesk.csi.edu/facultystaff.htm for complete guidelines and procedures.

Data Protection

CSI Information Technology Services (ITS) strongly encourages its computer users to protect the data they store and access.  Particular attention should be afforded to sensitive data.  Sensitive data may include any of the following:

  • Personal info on individuals, including donors, volunteers, alumni, friends, faculty, students, attendees, and staff.  FERPA applicable information qualifies as sensitive data.
  • Confidential data that contains demographic, biographic, gift, membership, employment, academic, admissions, or financial information associated with a specific individual. 

For users who must store sensitive data on their laptop ITS strongly recommends disk encryption software for any laptop that will be used for storing restricted or sensitive personal information. 

Please contact the Helpdesk x6311 to learn more about getting your laptop data encrypted. 

General data protection guidelines

  • Setup a screen saver password.  This prevents unauthorized access to your computer when you step away from your desk.  We recommend enabling the screen saver to kick in after 10 minutes of inactivity.
  • Lock the Door.  Keep the location of where your computer resides locked when you are away from your desk. 
  • Protect Removable Media such as USB thumb drives or external hard drives.  Encrypt the media if it contains any sensitive data. 
  • Shred your printouts.  Shred any papers that may contain sensitive data, such as class rosters, class schedules or other information.
  • Use caution in your Internet browsing.  Many web sites look innocent but secretly download spyware, trojans and keyloggers on your system.  Internet gaming, pornographic, and peer to peer file sharing sites are notorious for “drive by” downloads.  Be cautious with other sites as well:  a major nationwide retailer was recently cited for pushing tracking spyware onto customer computers.  Programs such as McAfee’s Site Advisor (http://www.siteadvisor.com) assist Internet users by identifying rogue websites.
  • Do not share your passwords.  Don’t post your password(s) where others may see them.  Do not allow workstudies to get on the system using your credentials.
  • Do not allow students or family members (including children) to use your office computer.  Too often visitors are given unauthorized access to your office computer.  This puts your computer, the files it contains, and the network in jeopardy.  We receive many service calls asking us to clean spyware and viruses off computers where unauthorized users have downloaded rogue software.
  • Power off of your PC at the end of the day.  This helps prevent unauthorized intruders from accessing your files and the network using your credentials. 
  • Perform regular backups.  Backup your My Documents folder regularly.   Because of space limitations, we do not recommend you backup to the network.  Use a USB hard drive or USB thumb drive instead.  If you use a backup drive, do not keep it near your computer. Instead, store it in a secure location, such as a locked cabinet.

Additional guidelines for securing your laptop

  • Protect Confidential data: Do not download confidential data to your laptop unless you need to work on it.  If the data resides on the network, leave it there – don’t copy it to your local drive. 
  • Encrypt your hard drive:  By encrypting your hard drive, you add another layer of data protection.  Even if someone gains access to your laptop, they can't decrypt the files to see your information. Please contact the Helpdesk x6311 about getting your hard drive encrypted.  This protects you, the College and our students in the event of loss or theft.  The cost of encrypting the hard drive is small compared to the value of the data.
  • Use wireless with caution:  Wireless connections are notoriously insecure and easy for bad guys to sniff. This is true for wireless connections anywhere - in airports, hotels, conference rooms, Internet cafés, even at the College of Southern Idaho.

Traveling guidelines with a laptop

  • Avoid using computer bags: Computer bags can make it obvious that you're carrying a laptop. Instead, try toting your laptop in something more common like a padded briefcase or suitcase.
  • Never leave access numbers or passwords in your carrying case: Keeping your password with your laptop is like keeping the keys in the car. Without your password or important access numbers it will be more difficult for a thief to access your personal and corporate information.
  • Carry your laptop with you: Always take your laptop on the plane or train rather then checking it with your luggage. It's easy to lose luggage and it's just as easy to lose your laptop. If you're traveling by car, keep your laptop out of sight. For example, lock it in the trunk when you're not using it.
  • Keep your eye on your laptop: When you go through airport security don't lose sight of your bag. Hold your bag until the person in front of you has gone through the metal detector. Many bags look alike and yours can easily be lost in the shuffle.
  • Avoid setting your laptop on the floor: Putting your laptop on the floor is an easy way to forget or lose track of it. If you have to set it down, try to place it between your feet or against your leg (so you're always aware it's there).
  • Buy a laptop security device: If you need to leave your laptop in a room or at your desk, use a laptop security cable to securely attach it to a heavy chair, table, or desk. The cable makes it more difficult for someone to take your laptop. There are also programs that will report the location of a stolen laptop. They work when the laptop connects to the Internet, and can report the laptop's exact physical location.
  • Use a screen guard: These guards help prevent people from peeking over your shoulder as you work on sensitive information in a public place. This is especially helpful when you're traveling or need to work in a crowded area. This screen guard from Secure-It is just one example of a screen guard you could use.
  • Try not to leave your laptop in your hotel room or with the front desk: Too many things have been lost in hotel rooms and may not be completely secure. If you must leave your laptop in your room, put the "do not disturb" sign on the door.

6.23  PAYMENT OF BILLS (Added: 2/00)
Any invoice or receipt is to be immediately forwarded to the Business Office with the supervisor's signature indicating the bill is to be paid and the fund-department-account that is to be charged.  The Business Office must be notified of any problems with merchandise or a service to insure a resolution is reached and payment properly processed.

It is a Business Office function to reconcile invoices to monthly statements.  Monthly statements are to be sent to the Business Office and not to individual departments.  Signed invoices from supervisors will be matched to monthly statements to ensure accuracy prior to the payment of monthly bills.

The Business Office prepares multiple check runs during each month and attempts to pay vendors as quickly as possible.  Any bills over 30 days old will be forwarded to the applicable vice president or program supervisor for immediate resolution.

6.24  PURCHASING PROCEDURES (Added: 2/00; revised:5/05 )
The following procedure applies to all purchases, whether for supplies, equipment, or services for which the College will be obligated to pay.

  • To requisition any of the foregoing, the first step is to complete a Request for Payment or Purchase Requisition.  (These forms may be obtained in the Business Office.)
  • The Purchase Requisition is to be prepared by the person desiring to make the purchase and must be approved by the highest administrative officer in the department or division to which the employee is assigned. The President may approve in all areas.  The approved Purchase Requisition is the source documentation for a computer generated purchase order.
  • Purchases should be planned at least a month in advance; this way several minor purchases to the same vendor can be combined on one request.
  • Purchase Requisitions should contain a description of what is being purchased and how it is to be used.  A technical term or a number is not sufficient.
  • The complete address of the vendor must be included, even if it is a Twin Falls firm.
  • Price and freight charges must be noted.  Please indicate if it is a "firm" price, "estimated" price, or if you want the Business Office to put on the purchase order a "not to exceed" price.

Instructions for Filling Out Purchase Requisitions:

  1. Fill in department name, number, and account number.
  2. Be sure to indicate complete name and address of the firm from whom you are ordering.
  3. Include a price.  Please indicate if it is:
             a.  Quoted price (by whom)
             b.  Catalog price
             c.  Estimated price (please indicate "not to exceed" amount)
  4. The Purchase Requisition is for internal use only.  They may be neatly hand written as long as they are readable.  A department generated number can be put in the lower right hand corner of the Purchase Requisition.  This is for the division use only.

The Business Office will issue a purchase order to the vendor unless you specify otherwise.   The pink copy (receiving report) will be sent to you.  This will notify you that the order has been placed.  When the items ordered are received, the pink copy of the purchase order must be completed promptly by the originator to indicate receipt and returned to the Business Office to initiate payment.

The College will pay for services, supplies and equipment after they have been received and authorized for payment by the appropriate supervisor. Pre-payments and partial payments are only made under special circumstances generally involving written contractual agreements with bonding or a form of assurance with prior approval by the Business Office. Upon deliver of the services, supplies or equipment, vendors can expect to receive payment 10 to 30 days after submission of a valid bill to the Business Office.

6.25  BID PROCEDURES (Added: 9/99, Rev: 1/08)
The College of Southern Idaho is subject to the provisions set forth in Idaho Code Section 33-601 concerning biding.  Any purchase of supplies or equipment expected to exceed $25,000 must be publicly bid.  Items cannot be separated as to type such as separating chairs from desks to keep from bidding.  The bid requirement applies to commodity descriptions such as furniture, classroom equipment, computer equipment and vehicles.

Bid splitting to avoid the bid process is prohibited.  Failure to follow the bid process can result in fines up to $5,000.

Please refer to the Business Office for specific instructions for bid procedures.

6.26  PUBLIC RECORDS (Added: 2/00, Rev: 1/03)
The Vice President of Administration is the designated custodian of records for the purposes of the Open Records Law, Sections 9-337-348, of the Idaho Code.  In the event the Vice President of Administration is absent from the office for more than three regular work days, the Dean of Finance will be temporary custodian of records.

The College receives and maintains various documents and information from each of the departments and campus operations under the jurisdiction of the College, including but not limited to budget, proposals for academic and technical programs, agendas for Board of Trustees meetings, and financial aid reports.  The College receives student applications for scholarships and student loan programs.  The custodian also maintains records pertaining to all employees of the College.

The records of the College are located in the files and computers of the College or are accessible from the Business Office.

The College will comply with the requirements set forth in the Idaho Code in every respect regarding public records.

6.27  MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS PROCEDURE (Added: 2/00, Rev: 7/04, 1/06, 7/08)
All requests for maintenance to buildings, furniture moves, and repairs to equipment should be made through the Maintenance Office with the online work order form.  These requests will be handled in the order they are received, or at the discretion of the director.  Any emergency should be identified as such when reported.

All requests for substantial alterations to buildings, classrooms, and offices must be submitted through the supervisor to the Executive Vice President with rough drawings and estimates of cost.  Prior to reaching the President for final approval, the method of payment for the project must be determined through the VP of Administration, along with consultation with maintenance personnel as to the viability of the project.

6.28  STATIONERY & PUBLICATIONS GUILDELINES (Added: 2/00)
Generic CSI watermark letterhead, eagle note cards, a variety of envelopes, and form to order standard CSI business cards are available in the CSI Bookstore.  Please contact the Dean of Finance with questions about custom printing and duplication.  Custom mailings must also be proofed by the Information Office to insure compliance with mailing regulations.

6.29  INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF FUND-RAISING PROGRAMS (Added: 2/00)
All fund-raising activities of the College of Southern Idaho and its units are coordinated by the Foundation Office as designated by the President.  Solicitation of gifts, funds, or property shall not be made by anyone in the name of or for the benefit of the College of Southern Idaho without communication with the Foundation Office.  In the case of fund-raising activities sponsored by the CSI Athletic Department including the CSI Rodeo Team, prior approval of the President or the President's designee must be made.

In the case of fund-raising activities sponsored by the Associated Students or by other student groups, prior approval of the Director of Student Services is required as well as coordination with the Foundation Office.

The purpose of coordinating all private fund-raising activities through one office is threefold:

  1. To provide continuity for understanding of and support for funding needs throughout the district.
  2. To avoid conflict in and duplication of effort in the fund-raising contact program.
  3. To maximize the contribution from each potential donor.

Please see the Foundation Office for specific guidelines relating to college-initiated gifts, donor-initiated gifts, or grants management information.

6.30  FIREARMS AND FIREWORKS  (Added: 2/00,1/06)
Possession of firearms on the College campus at any time will result in immediate action.  Law Enforcement Officers are the only ones who may have firearms in their possession while on campus. Employees, students, or visitors arriving on campus with firearms, including paint ball guns, in their possession must check them in at Security and may pick them up when leaving campus.  Any exception, including having a concealed weapons permit, must be approved by Security.

Possession and use of fireworks on the campus is prohibited.  All individuals are subject to city, county, and state ordinances governing the use of firearms and fireworks.

6.31  CAMPUS DISRUPTIONS AND VIOLENCE  (Added: 2/00)
Any intimidation, threat of violence, or act of violence, any seizing of any portion of property, or any unauthorized activity which prevents the normal operation of the College in any way by any individual or group will be considered in direct opposition to the necessary operation of the College.  Action will be taken immediately, up to and including dismissal.  Similar action will be taken against those who advocate such described activities.

CSI policy is:

  • There will be no negotiation of demand under duress.
  • All occupied College facilities will be cleared immediately.
  • No amnesty will be given for civil or criminal lawbreakers.

6.32 COPYRIGHT POLICY (Added: 12/04; Rev: 7/06)
Copyrights and other forms of intellectual property are valuable assets that must be protected.  Careful management of these assets will benefit the authors, CSI, and the general public.  Colleges can be held liable for infringements of faculty and staff, and perhaps even of students.  A campus-wide policy can provide the necessary guidance and protection to the College, as well as its faculty, staff, and students.  The policy can minimize liability and help avoid potential disagreements about copyright ownership.  The CSI Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy promotes campus-wide compliance; establishes procedures for addressing allegations of infringement; addresses the use of copyrighted materials by College faculty, staff, and students; clarifies ownership and distribution of net income; addresses intellectual property management and administration; outlines permission request procedures; and provides procedures for dispute resolution. 

The Policy applies to all full- and part-time College employees (faculty, staff, administration), students, all persons acting under contract with the College for commissioned works, and anyone else using CSI resources.  The primary purpose of CSI’s Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy is to provide the necessary protections and incentives to encourage the discovery, creation and dissemination of new knowledge and its transfer for the public benefit, as well as to clarify individual and institutional rights and responsibilities concerning copyright and intellectual property.  In the development of this Policy, the College is guided by the following objectives: 1) to optimize the environment and incentives for scholarly work and for the creation of new knowledge at the College; 2) to ensure that the educational mission of the College is not compromised.

The content of the Policy represents a good faith effort of the CSI Board of Trustees to promote campus-wide compliance with copyright and intellectual property laws and regulations.  The Policy was developed with CSI’s specific needs, mission, and culture in mind.  It is important to note that copyright and intellectual property laws change constantly and this Policy will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect those changes. 

Besides developing and implementing a Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy, the College also has the responsibility to provide access to informational materials that accurately describe and promote compliance with U.S. copyright laws.  CSI has a Web site (http://copyright.csi.edu) that provides links to current and reliable online copyright information to CSI faculty, staff, and students.  The College also offers training opportunities such as a one-credit online course and inservice training for those who would like to learn more about copyright and intellectual property issues in the educational environment. 

The materials and Policy are widely distributed and easily accessible by CSI faculty, staff, and students.  An electronic copy of the CSI Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy is found on the CSI Web site.  Hard copies can be found at the CSI library and at the Instructional Technology Center.  Posters around campus inform the campus community about CSI’s copyright Web site, Policy, and online course, as well as provide contact information for those who need more information. 
 
Copyright Statement

The U.S. Constitution gave Congress the power “To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts by securing, for limited Time, to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.”  The copyright owner has the exclusive right to produce copies of the work, prepare derivative works, distribute copies by sale or otherwise, and display or perform the work publicly (U.S.C. Title 17, section 106).

The authors of the Constitution recognized that if the works of creators were not protected, it would undermine the incentive to create, as well as the dissemination of knowledge.  Nevertheless, it is important to note that the primary objective of copyright is not to reward the labor of authors, but to promote the progress of science and useful arts.  Copyright assures authors the right to their original work, but encourages others to build freely upon the ideas and information conveyed by a work. 

The College of Southern Idaho interprets and applies the law of copyright so as to encourage the discovery of new knowledge and its dissemination to students, to the profession, and to the public.  Within that tradition, it has been the prevailing academic practice to treat the faculty member as the copyright owner of works that are created independently and at the faculty member's own initiative for traditional academic purposes.    

Statement of Principles and Objectives

The following statements and procedures represent a sincere effort by the College to adhere to the provisions of copyright and intellectual property laws and regulations:

  1. The College strictly prohibits the illegal use, reproduction, distribution, public display, or performance of copyrighted materials in any form
  2. CSI faculty, staff and students shall adhere to the provisions of copyright and intellectual property laws and regulations. 
  3. No employee, student or agent of the College shall knowingly infringe upon the copyrights of another.   
  4. Only legal copies of copyrighted materials may be made or used on College equipment.
  5. College employees shall place appropriate copyright notices on or near all equipment capable of duplicating copyrighted materials.
  6. The College does not give permission for any illegal copying of any College owned copyrighted materials.
  7. No CSI student shall be advised that the student may copy protected materials other than allowed by law and this Policy.
  8. Intellectual property created by College employees must not infringe on any existing copyright, patent, or other intellectual property right.
  9. The creator(s) will be responsible for making sure that any work produced with College resources is in compliance with all applicable copyright and intellectual property laws and regulations.
  10. The College shall provide to faculty, staff, and students access to current and reliable information on copyright and intellectual property laws and regulations, and specific compliance strategies through its copyright Web site (http://copyright.csi.edu).
  11. The College shall offer training opportunities in copyright and intellectual property. 
  12. The ethical and liability issues concerning copyright infringement shall be included in the College's inservice and faculty orientation/development programs.
  13. The College shall make this Policy widely accessible to all CSI faculty, staff, students, and all other parties affiliated with the College to which this Policy may apply.  
  14. The current electronic version of this Policy shall be available on the CSI Web site.  Hard copies will be available at the CSI library and at the Instructional Technology Center (ITC).
  15. The College shall include a statement in the Catalog, CSI Policies and Procedures Manual, Faculty Handbook, Student Handbook, College Web site and in course syllabi stating that all CSI employees and/or students are subject to this Policy.   
  16. The College shall form and maintain the CSI Copyright and Intellectual Property Committee.
  17. College personnel is responsible to learn about copyright laws and regulations; statutory exemptions (such as the Fair Use Doctrine); as well as when and how to request necessary clearances and written permissions.
  18. Each member of the College community must take individual responsibility for copyright compliance.
  19. Members of the College community who willfully disregard this Policy and/or copyright and intellectual property laws and regulations, do so at their own risk and assume all liability for their actions.

For a copy of the entire policy statement, please refer to the CSI Copyright Policy (http://copyright.csi.edu).

6.33 COLLEGE EQUIPMENT USE POLICY (Added 1/05)
Both State law and College policy are very clear concerning the personal use and the disposition of College-owned property. Guidelines concerning College property are as follows:

  1. No College property or equipment may be taken home without written permission of the applicable vice president. This property must be listed on our inventory as located at the person's home.
  2. College property taken home must be for the purpose of benefiting the College. Property cannot be taken home for the primary benefit of the employee. The only authorized College property at employee homes at this time are faculty computers.
  3. College property may not to be used to financially benefit an employee.
  4. College vehicles are to be used for official College business only.
  5. College property that has been determined surplus must be disposed of in accordance with Idaho Code 33-601. This involves approval by the Board of Trustees, advertisements and appraisals. No individual is authorized to trade or dispose of College property.
  6. All donated property becomes College property at the time title transfers and must be disposed of in accordance with Idaho Code 33-601.
  7. In accordance with the Ethics In Government Act, an employee or his family may not financially benefit from a property exchange or financial transaction with the College.

It is the responsibility of all supervisors to ensure that their departments and divisions are in total compliance with the above guidelines. Failure to adhere to College policy concerning property use may result in disciplinary action or termination.

6.34  CSI COMPUTER USE POLICY STATEMENT  (Est: 10/95; Rev: 1/00)
This policy is designed to guide students, faculty, and staff in the acceptable use of computer and information systems and networks provided by the College of Southern Idaho (CSI).

Guiding Principles

The CSI community is encouraged to make innovative and creative use of information technologies in support of education and research.  Access to computer systems and networks owned or operated by College of Southern Idaho imposes certain responsibilities and obligations and is granted subject to college policies, and local, state, and federal laws.  Acceptable use always is ethical, non-offensive, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources.  It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of information, system security mechanisms, and individuals’ rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation and harassment.

Acceptable Use Guidelines

In making acceptable use of resources the College expects that you will:

  • Use resources only for authorized purposes.
  • Use resources for educational-related course work, research projects, or department activity.
  • Protect your user id and system from unauthorized use.  You are responsible for all activities on your user id or that originate from your system.
  • Access only information that is your own, that is publicly available, or to which you have been given authorized access.
  • Use only legal versions of copyrighted software in compliance with vendor license requirements.
  • Be considerate in your use of shared resources.  Refrain from monopolizing systems, overloading networks, degrading services, or wasting computer time, connect time, disk space, printer paper, manuals, or other resources.

In making acceptable use of resources the College expects that you will not:

  • Use another person’s system, user id, password, files, or data without permission.
  • Use computer programs to decode passwords or access control of information.
  • Attempt to circumvent or subvert security measures.
  • Engage in any activity that might be harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, or damaging files.
  • Use CSI systems to access or distribute what could be considered offensive, abusive, pornographic, threatening or libelous material.
  • Use CSI systems for commercial or partisan political purposes, such as using electronic mail to circulate advertising for products or for political candidates.
  • Make or use illegal copies of copyrighted software, store such copies on CSI systems, or transmit them over CSI networks.
  • Use mail or messaging services to harass or intimidate another person, for example, by broadcasting unsolicited messages, by sending unwanted mail, or by using someone else’s name or user id.
  • Waste computing resources, for example, by intentionally placing a program in an endless loop, printing excessive amounts of paper, or sending chain letters.
  • Use the College’s systems or networks for personal gain, for example, by selling access to your user id or to CSI systems or networks, or by performing work for profit with CSI resources in a manner not authorized by the college.
  • Play games using any of the College’s computers or networks, unless for instructional purposes as specifically assigned by a professor.
  • Engage in any other activity that does not comply with the Guiding Principles presented above.

Procedures and Sanctions

Individuals using computer systems owned by the College of Southern Idaho do so subject to applicable laws and CSI policies.  College of Southern Idaho disclaims any responsibility and/or warranties for information and materials residing on non-CSI systems or available over publicly accessible networks.  Such materials do not necessarily reflect the attitudes, opinion, or values of College of Southern Idaho, its faculty, staff or students.

Notice is hereby given that there are no facilities provided by the College for guarantee of confidential files.  CSI staff may have the ability to view all messages and files of any user.  However, it is not the routine policy of the staff to view others’ files, and the intention is to keep files private, even though such privacy cannot be guaranteed.

Violations, or apparent violations, of this policy will be referred to the Office of Instruction and Computer Center as appropriate.  Persons found to be in violation of this policy are subject to the full range of sanctions, including the loss of computer or network access privileges, disciplinary action, dismissal from the College, and legal action.

The College of Southern Idaho considers any violation of acceptable use principles or guidelines to be a serious offense and reserves the right to copy and examine any files or information resident on CSI systems allegedly related to unacceptable use, and to protect its network from systems and events that threaten or degrade operations.  Violators are subject to disciplinary action as prescribed in the student’s College Code of Conduct and the student and employee handbooks.  Offenders also may be prosecuted under laws including (but not limited to) the Communications Act of 1934 (amended), the Privacy Protection Act of 1974, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, the Computer Virus Eradication Act of 1989, Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and Idaho computer crime laws as specified in Idaho Code, Section 2201.  Access to the text of these laws is available in the reference section of the College of Southern Idaho library.

Appeals

Appeals should be directed through the existing appeals and problem solving procedures.

6.35  INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSURE (Added: 7/08)
While every attempt is made to maintain normal operations and services for the benefit of our students, faculty, and staff, it may occasionally be necessary to close the College when extreme weather conditions occur.  The decision to close campus and cancel classes is made by administration based on careful consideration of a variety of factors and conditions. 

If the College decides to close the campus and cancel classes, the information will be posted on the CSI Website and communicated to the media (local TV and radio stations).  The information on the website will be periodically updated. 

Notification of a decision to close will be communicated as quickly as possible.  Every effort will be made to ensure that decisions on morning closures are communicated by 7:00 a.m. the latest; and decisions to close at night are communicated by 4:00 p.m.

When the decision to close the campus is made, it applies to the main campus as well as to all off-campus centers.  As a general rule, when the College is closed, activities such as music and theatre performances, club meetings, etc. are also cancelled.  

CSI serves an eight-county area and we recognize that every employee has his or her unique circumstances (weather conditions at their home, condition of roads between their homes and the campus, cars they drive, etc.). While traveling to or from campus, if inclement weather conditions are encountered, the travel/not travel decision is the ultimate responsibility of the employee. Employees must assume responsibility for their own safety and must use their own judgment on whether they should drive to CSI under varying weather conditions.

6.36  IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION PROGRAM   (Est: 5/09)

Policy Statement

In accordance with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) of 2003, the College has established an Identify Theft Prevention Program to identify relevant red flags (a pattern, practice, or specific activity that indicates the possible existence of identity theft) for new and existing covered accounts, detect new red flags, and respond appropriately to any red flags that are detected. This policy applies to all University employees, students, contractors, and affiliates who have access to personally identifying information and/or covered accounts and will be implemented by the Dean of Finance.

Identification of Red Flags|

In order to identify relevant red flags, the College must consider the types of accounts it maintains, methods it provides to open and access these accounts and its previous experiences with identity theft. Accordingly, the following red flags have been identified for each of the categories listed:

  1. Notifications and Warnings from Credit Reporting Agencies
    • Report of fraud accompanying a credit report; Notice or report from a credit agency of a credit freeze on an applicant; Notice or report from a credit agency of an active duty alert for an applicant; Receipt of a notice of address discrepancy in response to a credit report request; and
    • Indication from a credit report of activity that is inconsistent with an applicant’s usual behavior or activity.
    Suspicious Documents
    • Identification document or card that appears to be forged, altered, or unauthentic; Identification document or card on which a person’s photograph or physical description is not consistent with the person presenting the document; Other document with information that is not consistent with existing student information; and
    • Application for services that appears to have been forged or altered.
    Suspicious Personal Identifying Information
    • Identifying information that is inconsistent with other information the student provides, for example two documents with different birth dates; Identifying information that is inconsistent with other sources of information, for example supplemental documentation for a student loan with a different address than that on file with the College; Identifying information that is the same as information shown on other applications that were found to be fraudulent; Identifying information presented that is consistent with fraudulent activity, for example an invalid phone number or fictitious address; Social Security Number that is the same as another student or employee; Address or phone number that is the same as another student or employee; and
    • An individual who fails to provide complete personal identifying information on an application when prompted to do so.
    Suspicious Covered Activity Account or Unusual Use of Account
    • Change of address for an account followed by a request to change the student’s name; Payments stop on an otherwise consistently up-to-date account; Account is used in a way that is not consistent with prior use; Mail sent to a student is consistently returned as “undeliverable;” A student notifies the College that s/he is not receiving mail sent by the College; A student notifies the College that an account has unauthorized activity; Breach in the College’s computer system security; and
    • Other unauthorized access to or use of student account information.
  2. Alerts from Other Sources
    • Notice to the College from a student, identity theft victim, law enforcement or other individual that the College has opened or is maintaining a fraudulent account for a person engaged in identity theft.

Detecting Red Flags

  1. Student Enrollment: In order to detect any of the red flags identified above that are associated with the enrollment of a student, College personnel must take the following steps to obtain and verify the identity of the individual opening the account:
    • Require certain identifying information such as name, date of birth, academic records, home address or other  identifying information; and
    • Verify the student’s identity at the time of issuance of CSI student identification card by checking student’s driver’s license or other government issued identification.
    Existing Accounts: In order to detect any of the red flags identified above for an existing covered account, College personnel must take the following steps to monitor transactions on an account:
    • Verify the identification of students requesting information in person, by mail, email or facsimile; Verify the identity of individuals requesting to change billing addresses by mail or email; Provide the student a reasonable means of promptly reporting incorrect billing address changes; and
    • Verify changes in banking information given for billing and payment purposes.
  2. Consumer Credit Reports: In order to detect any red flags identified above for any covered account for which a credit report is required, the College will take the following steps to assist in identifying address discrepancies:
    • Require written verification from any applicant that the address provided by the applicant is accurate at the time the request for the credit report is made to the consumer reporting agency; and
    • In the event that notice of an address discrepancy is received, verify that the credit report pertains to the applicant for whom the report was requested and report to the consumer reporting agency an address for the applicant that the College has taken reasonable steps to confirm is accurate.

Preventing and Mitigating Identity Theft

  1. Reporting Requirement: In the event that university personnel detect any red flags, the Dean of Finance must be contacted within one (1) business day. Thereafter, one or more of the following steps must be taken, depending on the degree of risk posed by the red flag:
    • Monitor the effected covered account for evidence of identity theft; Contact the student or applicant for which a credit report was run; Change any passwords or other security devices that permit access to covered accounts; Provide the student with a new student identification number; Notify law enforcement; File a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR); or
    • Other action as recommended by the Dean of Finance.
  2. Protecting Student Identifying Information: In order to prevent the likelihood of indentify theft occurring, the College will take the following steps with respect to its internal operating procedures to protect student identifying information:
    • Ensure that institutional web pages are secure or provide clear notice where web pages are not or cannot be secured; Ensure complete and secure destruction of paper documents and computer files containing student account information when a decision had been made to discard that information; Avoid using social security numbers except when required for tax or other governmental reporting purposes; Ensure computer virus protections are up to date; and
    • Require and maintain the minimum amount of student information that is necessary for institutional purposes.

Program Administration

Oversight: Responsibility for implementing and updating the identity theft prevention program lies with the Dean of Finance. The Dean of Finance will be responsible for training College staff about the program and for reviewing SARs on the detection of and response to red flags. The Dean of Finance is also responsible for determining which steps of prevention and mitigation are most appropriate in light of particular circumstances.

  1. Staff Training and SARs: The Dean of Finance is responsible for training College employees to detect red flags and respond appropriately. The Dean of Finance will work with the appropriate personnel to effectively implement the program and to regularly monitor compliance with the program requirements. The Dean of Finance will develop a reporting procedure for employees to report red flag incidents and will summarize his/her findings for the Vice President of Administration on a biannual basis.
    Service Provider Arrangements: In the event the College engages a service provider to perform an activity in connection with one or more covered accounts, the university will take the following steps to ensure the service provider performs its duties in accordance with all institutional policies and procedures designed to detect, prevent and mitigate the risk of identity theft:
    • Require, by contract, that service providers understand and agree to abide by College policies and procedures regarding identity theft: and
    • Require, by contract, that service providers report any red flags to the Dean of Finance or the College employee with primary oversight of the service provider.
    Non-Disclosure of Specific Practices: In order to optimize the effectiveness of the Identity Theft Prevention Program, information regarding specific red flag identification, detection, mitigation and prevention practices may need to be limited to the Dean of Finance, his/her supervisor(s), and employees charged with identifying and reporting those red flags.
  2. Program Updates: The Dean of Finance will periodically review and update the Identity Theft Prevention Program to reflect changes in risks. In so doing, the Dean of Finance will consider the institution’s experiences with identity theft, changes in the means by which identity theft occurs, changes in identity theft prevention and detection methods, and changes in the way business relationships are structured with other entities. After considering these changes, the Dean of Finance will determine whether changes to the program, including the type of red flags, are warranted.

 For additional information, please refer to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) of 2003.