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Fostering a Culture of Respect
Auburn University believes every employee has the right to fair and equitable treatment. Employees are responsible for conducting themselves in accordance with university policies and procedures.
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Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity
Auburn University recognizes its legal obligation to provide an environment in which an opportunity for employment is available to all qualified individuals without discrimination based on race, color, sex (which includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), age, religion, national origin, disability, and protected veteran status.
Auburn affirms its commitment to this principle and to an affirmative action program which not only will establish and sustain the criteria of equal opportunity for employment, but which will also detect and eliminate any elements of discrimination in employment which may exist within the institution.
Auburn also commits itself to maintaining on a nondiscriminatory basis the conditions for continuing employment and for individual advancement within the job structure of the University.
Lactation Spaces
Auburn University provides unpaid break times and private lactation rooms for employees to breastfeed or express milk during work hours, ensuring a supportive and sanitary environment. Refrigerators are available for safe storage of expressed milk, and all employees are expected to support breastfeeding colleagues.
Employee Conduct
Auburn University's rules concerning employee conduct and job performance are simple, common-sense guidelines applicable to all categories of employees. They are necessary to ensure that all employees can work in an orderly, efficient, economical manner, free from disturbances which hinder job training, job production, and job enjoyment. It is the full responsibility of each employee to know and observe University and departmental rules and regulations.
Rules and regulations are classified by degree of severity (Group I, II or III) so that corrective action can be consistently administered. The classifications of severity and the rules are intended as general guidelines to good judgment and fair treatment, and decisions will be made based on the specific facts of each situation.
Rules are not restricted to those listed. Some are covered by specific departmental regulations which will be discussed with the employee by the supervisor.
Additional information (Section 8.3)
Progressive Disciplinary Procedures
As warranted, progressive discipline may be used to address employee performance or conduct issues. Decisions will be made based on the specific facts of each situation. The use of progressive discipline is not mandatory.
Auburn University encourages open and informal discussion of complaints and problems between supervisors and employees. Supervisors should afford employees the opportunity to discuss their complaints and problems.
If a conflict between supervisors and employees cannot be resolved through normal channels, one or both parties may seek resolution and advice from University Human Resources (UHR). Contact Employee Relations at 334-844-4145 for more information.
Additional information (Section 8.4)
Grievance Procedures
Auburn University promotes fair and equitable treatment of all employees. Auburn maintains a grievance procedure for employees when there is a claim of violation, misinterpretation, misapplication, or unreasonable application of a University policy, procedure, rule, or regulation regarding the employee’s employment conditions.
Additional information (Section 8.6)
Ethical Responsibilities
Auburn employees should exercise integrity and ethical responsibility in all work-related matters.
Disclosing interests, activities, and relationships that could be perceived as conflicts of interests with an employee's institutional responsibilities is an important part of that value. Transparency is a critical component of avoiding or mitigating any conflict of interests, and provides trust in university operations.
Important to Note
The Employee Resource Guide was developed specifically for University Staff and Administrative & Professional (A&P) employees of Auburn University. Faculty members are also encouraged to reference the Faculty Handbook, as it includes policies and procedures that uniquely pertain to Faculty.
If there is a conflict, University Policies supersede the Employee Resource Guide or any previous employee handbooks.
