Employee Handbook, Vancouver Based Employees

Table of contents
Purpose of this Handbook
Orientation and Employee Information
Equal Employment and Non-Discrimination
Tenure of Employment
Safety and Security
Drugs and Alcohol
Smoke-Free Workplace
Workplace Violence
Workplace Inspections and Employee Privacy
Dress Code: Employees
Workplace Cleanliness and Decor
Attendance and Absence for Vancouver Employees
Outside Employment: Employees
Emergency Closings
Confidentiality
Code of Conduct and Whistleblower Policy
Non-Discrimination Policies and Procedures for Employees
Conflict of Interest: Employees
Intellectual Property: Employees
Photo Release: Employees
Workday Photo Directory Policy
External Communications/Solicitations and Distribution of Literature
Social Media
References
Telecommunications and Information Technology
Compensation/Classification of Employment
Work Schedules
Time Records
Overtime and Compensatory Time-Off
Pay Periods and Salary Adjustments
Salary Garnishments
Job Postings, Transfers, and Promotions
Performance Problems and Corrective Action
Employee Assistance Services
Relationships with Other Employees and Family
Consensual Romantic Relationships
Gifts to Employees/Personal Events for Employees
Time-off Benefits and Vacation
Statutory Holidays
Sick Leave
Jury Duty
Bereavement Leave
Family and Medical Leaves
Personal Leave of Absence
Military Leave
Employee Benefits
Medical Insurance (Supplement to Provincial Medical Services Plan)
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Long-term Disability Insurance
Out of Province/Country Emergency Travel Insurance
Worker's Compensation
Registered Pension Plan
Tuition Remission
Termination of Benefits upon Employee's Death
Travel and Entertainment Policy
Ending Employment/Resignation
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Purpose of this Handbook

Date of Last Revision: June 6, 2025

The purpose of this employee handbook for Vancouver-based employees (staff and faculty) is to address general policies in connection with your employment by New York Institute of Technology ("New York Tech," "NYIT," or the "College"). These policies and procedures apply to all Canadian-based employees. Please note that this handbook is meant as a general guide and is not a contract, express or implied. New York Tech retains the right to change its position on matters covered in this handbook and to address particular situations on a case-by-case basis.

This handbook does not guarantee employment for any specific duration. Failure to comply with policies and procedures in the employee handbook could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

New York Tech reserves the right, without prior notice, to alter, modify, amend, cancel, or terminate any of its policies, procedures, practices, and terms of employment or benefit programs.

Employees should direct any questions regarding policies to the Office of Human Resources at hr@nyit.edu.

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Orientation and Employee Information

During the onboarding process, you will be contacted by the Office of Human Resources and various members of your department, including your supervisor. You will receive important information regarding the performance requirements of your position, policies and procedures, and compensation and benefits programs, plus other information necessary to acquaint you with your job and New York Tech. You will also be asked to complete all necessary benefits enrollment, beneficiary designation, and appropriate federal, provincial, and local tax elections in Workday. You will also be required to present New York Tech with information establishing your identity and your eligibility to work in Canada in accordance with applicable federal law. It is a condition of being offered employment by New York Tech in Canada that the prospective employee be legally authorized to work in Canada.

Upon commencement of employment by New York Tech in Canada, it is a condition of continued employment that the employee hold appropriate Canadian work authorization at all times. For employees who are not Canadian citizens, employment by New York Tech does not imply that New York Tech will support or sponsor an employee's application for an extension of immigration status, or for a different immigration status. New York Tech will respond to any such requests on a case-by-case basis, and in its sole and un-reviewable discretion.

The Office of Human Resources maintains a file for each employee containing all the relevant and necessary information about your employment with New York Tech. This information is kept confidential, subject to the College's legal obligations and rights to collect and use personal information. To ensure that your file is up to date at all times, update your profile in Workday if there are any changes in your name, telephone number, home address, marital status, number of dependents, dependent's educational status, beneficiary designations, individuals to notify in case of emergency, and if you earn any academic degrees from New York Tech or another institution of higher learning during your employment here.

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Equal Employment and Non-Discrimination

New York Tech is committed to equal employment opportunities as part of our core values. New York Tech does not practice or condone unlawful discrimination in every aspect of employment. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of the individual's race, colour, ancestry, political belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, place of origin, religion, citizenship, creed, age, marital or family status, physical or mental disability, criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to a person's employment or intended employment or any other protected class under federal, provincial or local law.

New York Tech will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary and where required by law so long as the accommodation does not pose an undue hardship. This policy is not intended to afford employees with any greater protection than those which exist under federal, provincial or local law.

New York Tech strongly urges the reporting of all instances of discrimination and harassment, and prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination, harassment, or participates in an investigation of such report. Appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination, will be taken against any employee who violates this policy. We believe that our continued success depends upon our ability to maintain a leadership role in the attraction, development and retention of a highly competent workforce and to create a climate for effective and productive use of our employees. Our leadership is guided by ethical standards that comply with legal requirements. These standards will be implemented consistently by the College to ensure that equality is afforded to all applicants and employees. For reporting details, see Reporting Policy Violations section of this handbook.

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Tenure of Employment

New York Tech does not guarantee any tenure of employment. However, its policies reflect the fair and equitable treatment of all employees during their service of employment. New York Tech recognizes that neither the employee nor the College is obligated to undertake a specific term of employment, however New York Tech hopes that all of its employees will find their work professionally and personally rewarding.

Employees enter into employment voluntarily, and are free to resign at any time for any reason or no reason. Similarly, New York Tech is free to conclude its relationship with any employee at any time for any reason or no reason. In order to maintain good standing with New York Tech and continued positive relationship, an employee who wishes to voluntarily terminate his or her employment with New York Tech must provide management with written notice of their intentions at least two (2) weeks prior to their proposed last day of work. Faculty are required to provide notice in accordance with their employment contract. New York Tech may waive its requirement for notice of resignation in whole or in part, and, if it chooses to do so, it will pay you the lesser of (a) what you would have earned during the remainder of the resignation notice period, or (b) your minimum entitlement to notice or pay instead of notice pursuant to the British Columbia Employment Standards Act, as amended.

New York Tech may choose to terminate an employee for a reason other than just cause by providing that employee with written notice of termination, payment in lieu of notice, or a combination of written notice of termination and payment in lieu of such notice in accordance with the employee's minimum entitlements pursuant to the British Columbia Employment Standards Act, as amended, unless provided otherwise in the employee's employment contract.

An employee's employment with the Institution may be terminated without notice for just cause or for reasons which constitute just cause under the laws of British Columbia. An employee who is dismissed for just cause will not receive notice of termination or compensation on termination.

An employee who consecutively fails to report to work without notice and approval from management, and who cannot be contacted at their home phone number for a minimum of three (3) consecutive days, will be deemed to have voluntarily resigned their employment. An employee who resigns will not be paid any additional compensation by the College.

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Safety and Security

New York Tech is committed to providing a safe working environment for all employees. New York Tech follows operating practices that will safeguard all employees and will result in safe working conditions and efficient operations. It is the responsibility of all employees to understand and observe safety regulations and to practice safe work habits at all times, so as to ensure not only their own safety but the safety of their co-workers as well. Safety equipment is required for certain positions, and your supervisor will advise you of any required equipment that you will be responsible to use as directed. All employees should be aware of and comply with the following basic safety regulations:

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that every employee is instructed in the safest manner to perform his or her work, for ensuring that the physical areas where employees work are free of hazards, and for seeing that any injured or ill employee or student receives immediate treatment. You are responsible for performing your work in a safe manner and reporting any work- related injury or illness to your supervisor immediately.

Supervisors are responsible for notifying the Office of Human Resources of any employee accidents, injuries or illnesses. All New York Tech employees are required to obtain a photo identification card from their manager.

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Drugs and Alcohol

Alcoholism and the misuse of drugs can adversely affect job performance. New York Tech will make reasonable efforts to assist employees who voluntarily come forward to seek assistance with their efforts to overcome addiction to or dependence on drugs or alcohol. New York Tech has established an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to assist you and your family in getting the help you may need. Please see the Employee Assistance Services section of the handbook for more information. You may also contact the Benefits Division of the Office of Human Resources for information on this program. All inquiries related to this policy will be handled confidentially.

Willingness to assist its employees does not require New York Tech to compromise discipline or to excuse the unacceptable performance, actions, or behavior of any employee.

No employee will be allowed to work if that person is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. The non-prescriptive use, sale, possession, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances, or abuse of a properly prescribed controlled substance, is strictly prohibited at all times either on New York Tech property or at other assigned work areas. This policy does not prohibit limited social use of alcohol while at New York Tech-sponsored functions. Violation of this policy is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination of employment.

If an employee is convicted of violating any criminal drug statute while in or at the workplace, he or she will be subject to discipline up to and including termination. Alternatively, New York Tech may require the employee to successfully complete a drug abuse program sponsored by an approved private or governmental institution at the employee's expense. Employees who are engaged on Federal contracts and grants are responsible for notifying their supervisors of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace (including while traveling or on other New York Tech business) no later than five calendar days after such conviction.

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Smoke-Free Workplace

Smoking is prohibited in all New York Tech facilities, New York Tech leased facilities, and in the smoke-free zones (within 6m of entrances and exits).

In line with tenancy rules in each location, the smoke-free zone on each campus includes exterior open spaces, loading docks, parking lots, on-campus sidewalks, streets, driveways, and in all university-owned or leased vehicles.

This policy includes the prohibition of all delivery systems of tobacco and nicotine, including but not limited to smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, Juuls®, vaporizers, electronic hookahs, etc.

Violation of this policy may subject the offending employee to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination of employment. Complaints regarding violations of this policy should be directed to the attention of either the offending employee's or the complaining employee's supervisor. If the issue is not resolved promptly, the Office of Human Resources should be contacted.

No employee or job applicant who exercises or attempts to exercise rights under this policy will be subject to disciplinary or retaliatory action of any kind. Any employee who believes that he or she has suffered such retaliation should immediately contact the Office of Human Resources.

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Workplace Violence

New York Tech prohibits threats, menacing conduct, or acts of violence on its premises, leased premises, or off premises on New York Tech business, by its employees, former employees, visitors, vendors, or any other individuals.

New York Tech further prohibits all individuals (other than law enforcement officers) from bringing any weapons, including, but not limited to, firearms, knives or explosives onto its premises. Any conduct which violates this policy must immediately be reported to your supervisor and to the Office of Human Resources and New York Tech/Building Security.

Employee reports will be investigated as appropriate and, to the extent possible, maintained in confidence. The College will take prompt, appropriate remedial action against those who violate this policy. Remedial action may include disciplinary action up to and including suspension or immediate termination of employment and notification to law enforcement agencies. Retaliation against an employee for reporting violations of this policy is strictly prohibited and such conduct is also a violation of this policy, which will subject the "retaliator" to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination of employment.

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Workplace Inspections and Employee Privacy

NYIT may, under certain circumstances, determine it is necessary to inspect College property or the possessions or articles on its premises belonging to employees or other individuals entering onto its premises. Employees should have no expectation of privacy with respect to NYIT property and facilities, even if under their exclusive use and even if used for personal matters. As set forth in the Telecommunications and Information Technology section of this handbook, employees should also have no expectation of privacy with respect to the use of NYIT telecommunications and IT equipment, accounts, and networks.

NYIT reserves the right to question all persons entering and leaving its premises and to inspect any packages, parcels, purses, handbags, briefcases, or any other possessions or articles carried to and from its property. In addition, NYIT reserves the right, without prior notice or consent, to inspect, for example, employee offices, telephones, computers, email, file cabinets, and desks. Inspections of such items may be conducted by NYIT whether or not the item is locked or otherwise secured by employees or otherwise. Employees who refuse to cooperate in an inspection pursuant to this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or termination of employment.

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Dress Code: Employees

Employees are expected to dress appropriately and in good taste at all times. Generally, NYIT’s dress code is business wear. Employees should project a professional image that is clean and neat. Dress guidelines for individual departments will vary based upon your position and work activities. It is never appropriate to wear to the workplace stained, wrinkled, frayed, or revealing clothing or clothing with derogatory/vulgar/offensive lettering or logos. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that their employees are appropriately dressed.

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Workplace Cleanliness and Decor

In order to provide and maintain an efficient, comfortable, and professional workplace, employees are required to follow the following guidelines:

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Attendance and Absence for Vancouver Employees

New York Tech expects all employees to be diligent in their attendance and promptness. Recognizing, however, that absences from work may occur because of illness, injury, or other personal reasons (a death in the family, jury duty, or personal business), New York Tech has established policies to cover these instances and compensate its employees for certain time off for legitimate medical and personal reasons. If you are unable to work because of illness, you must notify your supervisor prior to your regular start time on each day of your absence, unless you are granted an authorized leave, in which case different notification procedures apply. Failure to promptly notify New York Tech will result in an unexcused absence.

Excessive absenteeism has a negative impact on the success of the College. Therefore, excessive absences may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or termination of employment. If employees fail to report for work without any notification to management and their absence continues for a period of three days (shifts), the Company will consider that they have abandoned their employment and have voluntarily resigned and will be removed from payroll.

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Outside Employment: Employees

Employees are permitted to engage in other work activity, including self-employment, outside NYIT under certain conditions:

Outside employment is not a valid excuse for poor job performance, absenteeism, lateness, leaving early, refusing to travel, refusing to change your hours, or for anything that interferes with your ability to perform your regular duties. Fraudulent use of your sick time for anything related to your outside work, or any other violation of this policy, will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination of employment.

Staff Holding Second Assignments

Staff members may be eligible to hold a second assignment within the university, depending on their employment status and exemption classification. All second assignments require prior approval and must follow the Staff Holding Second Assignments policy.

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Emergency Closings

In the event of severe weather or a large-scale emergency situation, New York Tech may decide to cancel classes, close the campuses, or delay the day's opening. Notifications will be made through email and the New York Tech website. In addition, please be sure to sign up for New York Tech Alerts at nyit.edu/alerts to receive text and/or voice alerts on your mobile device. In addition, there are several resources where you can find more information:

If New York Tech closes prior to the start of the workday, you are not expected to report for work. Employees in specific departments, including facilities staff, may be designated to report even if a campus is closed. If New York Tech does not close, you are expected to report to work as scheduled. If conditions exist that prevent you from reporting, you may use vacation or personal time for your absence.

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Confidentiality

In the course of your employment, you may have access to personnel, student, financial, or other records considered sensitive or confidential by New York Tech or protected by laws such as the BC Personal Information and Privacy Act (PIPA) or the U.S. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). As a result of your employment, you agree that:

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Code of Conduct and Whistleblower Policy

Purpose

NYIT has adopted this policy to ensure that no officer, trustee, employee or volunteer of NYIT (together “NYIT Personnel”) who in good faith reports any action or suspected action taken by or within NYIT that is illegal, fraudulent or in violation of any NYIT policy shall suffer intimidation, harassment, discrimination or other retaliation or, in the case of employees, adverse employment consequence. NYIT is committed to conducting all of its activities in accordance with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with all applicable laws. NYIT Personnel are accountable for the highest standards of NYIT-related conduct, including honesty and fairness in all aspects of their work.

Administrator

The Director of Compliance has been designated as Administrator of this Policy. The Director of Compliance will report to the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees in connection with the administration of this Whistleblower Policy.

Reporting

All members of the NYIT community are encouraged to report known or suspected illegal or fraudulent activity or violation of NYIT policy. NYIT employees or volunteers should report concerns to a supervisor, department chair, program director, Dean, Vice President, or the President, while trustees should report concerns to the Chair of the Audit Committee (collectively a “Primary Contact”). If for any reason an individual finds it difficult or uncomfortable to report concerns to a Primary Contact, NYIT Personnel may instead report their concerns directly to the Director of Compliance or the General Counsel. Reporting may be done anonymously and may be made through NYIT’s Compliance and Ethics Hotline, nyit.ethicspoint.com.

Examples of violations include intentional falsification of NYIT records (such as employment records, time sheets, medical records, contracts, business records, and expense reports); theft or misappropriation of NYIT property; unauthorized or unlawful use of NYIT property, including NYIT’s computer and telecommunications systems and networks; and bid-rigging, kickbacks, bribes, dishonest procurement, or any similar NYIT-related activity that adversely affects the honest, cost-effective, or business-like conduct of NYIT operations.

Receipt and Processing of Reports

All Primary Contacts receiving reports are responsible for informing the Director of Compliance expeditiously and cooperating fully with any investigation. The Director of Compliance will consider each report and will conduct such a review as the director believes appropriate. In the review of such a report, the Director of Compliance may consult, if and as appropriate, the General Counsel and other NYIT Personnel such as the President, Chief Financial Officer, internal auditors, and, if necessary or advisable, the Chair of the Board of Trustees Audit Committee. The Director of Compliance, in consultation as appropriate with the General Counsel, will recommend to the President and, if indicated, the Chair of the Audit Committee, such further steps as may be appropriate.

The Director of Compliance and the General Counsel will coordinate with the Audit Committee to report as appropriate to the Board Executive Committee with respect to completed and/or ongoing investigations.

Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

In order to encourage NYIT Personnel to come forward with any good faith report of suspected illegal or unethical behavior, all reports made through the mechanisms established under this Policy will be treated as confidential to the maximum lawful extent consistent with fair and thorough review. NYIT strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against NYIT Personnel for making a report under this policy, or for assisting a review. Any attempt to retaliate against or intimidate NYIT Personnel or other person who makes a report or participates in review of a report will be treated as a separate incident for disciplinary purposes. If NYIT determines that a report contains knowingly false information, disciplinary action may be taken against the offending individual consistent with applicable law.

Distribution

This policy will be distributed to all new and existing trustees and employees. Moreover, program directors are responsible for distributing this policy to all volunteers who provide substantial services to NYIT.

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Non-Discrimination Policies and Procedures for Employees

Workplace Discrimination and Harassment
New York Tech recognizes the potential for discrimination, bullying and harassment directed at our employees within our workplaces or on work sites on which we operate. It is the intent of management to provide a workplace that is free of any bullying by establishing preventative measures.

Management will treat any complaint of bullying or harassment very seriously and will not tolerate any sort of bullying within our organization.

New York Tech is committed to providing equal opportunity in accordance with the law, a positive working environment where diversity is embraced, and a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. For that reason, New York Tech has developed a policy on workplace discrimination and harassment and is committed to its enforcement. New York Tech's policy applies to all employees throughout the organization, as well as non-employees that you or your employees may come in contact with, including: contractors, consultants, delivery persons, guest speakers, students, vendors, and visitors.

Definitions

BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

Workplace bullying is behaviour that harms, intimidates, offends, degrades or humiliates an employee, contractor, or sub-contractor, or their employees possibly in front of other employees, clients or customers.

"Bullying and harassment" also:

  1. includes any inappropriate conduct or comment by a person towards a worker that the person knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause that worker to be humiliated or intimidated, but
  2. excludes any reasonable action taken by an employer or supervisor relating to the management and direction of workers or the place of employment.

Examples of conduct or comments that might constitute bullying and harassment include:

Non-Discrimination

New York Tech prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination.

View our Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with this Statement, all employees will be treated in a manner free of any bias or prejudice prohibited by law. New York Tech will ensure that all decisions concerning the terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, decisions to hire, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, reductions in staff, and rehire, will be made in accordance with the laws defining equal employment opportunity. Consistent with applicable law, no employment decision will be based on: race or color, ethnicity, sex or gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability (where otherwise qualified), creed, religion, or any other protected classification.

Discriminatory Harassment Including Sexual Harassment

Discriminatory harassment is defined as subjecting an individual, on the basis of the individual's membership in a protected class, to humiliating, abusive, or threatening conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive work environment; alters the conditions of employment; or unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance. Harassment includes but is not limited to: epithets or slurs; negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; denigrating jokes; and display or circulation in the working, learning and living environment (including through email) of written or graphic material. Sexual harassment, which is described in further detail below, is a form of discriminatory harassment. Sexual harassment is also a violation of New York Tech's Gender Based Misconduct Policy.

New York Tech's policy prohibits any harassment based on race or color, ethnicity, sex or gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, creed, or religion. Sexual harassment in the workplace includes unwelcome conduct which is either of a sexual nature or which is directed at an individual because of that individuals' sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status) and/or sexual orientation when: (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or (3) 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.

Sexual harassment can be verbal (e.g. words, jokes, insults or teasing), visual (e.g., offensive posters, symbols, cartoons, drawings, computer displays, text messages, social media posts or e-mails) or physical conduct (e.g., unwanted touching, physically threatening another) that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion towards an individual based on sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression and/or sexual orientation.

Examples of conduct that violate this policy include:

Sexual harassment may involve individuals of the same or different sex. The complainant does not necessarily have to be the person harassed but could be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.

Employees must:

Reporting Policy Violations

If you are an employee and believe that this policy has been violated you are encouraged to promptly report the offensive conduct immediately to the Office of Human Resources, and in the case of Gender Based Misconduct, to the Title IX Coordinator, or to any supervisor with whom you feel comfortable. Complaints that a student has engaged in offensive conduct should be reported immediately to the Director of Student Affairs, which has the authority to commence student disciplinary proceedings according to disciplinary procedures set forth in the Student Code of Conduct. In the case of Gender Based Misconduct, reports involving students should be made to the Title IX Coordinator.

Every supervisor who learns of any employee's concern about conduct in violation of this policy, whether in a formal or informal complaint, must immediately report the issues raised to the designated offices set forth above.

Reports may be made orally or in writing. Written complaints may be submitted internally using the complaint form appearing at the end of this policy.

Confidentiality and Non-retaliation

Confidentiality will be protected to the maximum extent possible, consistent with a fair and thorough investigation and New York Tech's obligation to ensure the safety of the community. The investigation of such complaints will generally require limited disclosure on a need-to-know basis.

Retaliation is adverse conduct taken because an individual reported an actual or perceived violation of this policy, opposed practices prohibited by this policy, participated in the reporting and investigation process set forth in this policy or testified or assisted in an investigation or proceeding involving an actual or perceived violation of this policy. Adverse conduct includes, but is not limited to any action that would keep an employee from reporting discrimination or discriminatory harassment; shunning and avoiding an individual who reports such misconduct; express or implied threats or intimidation intended to prevent an individual from reporting such misconduct; and denying employment benefits because an applicant or employee reported or encouraged another employee to report under this policy or participated in the reporting and investigation process.

Retaliation against individuals who complain of discrimination or harassment or who testify or assist in any investigation or proceeding involving discrimination or harassment is unlawful and prohibited by this policy. Offending employees will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination of employment.

Complaint/Grievance Investigation

All complaints or grievances reported as set forth above or information about suspected discrimination or discriminatory harassment will be investigated. New York Tech will initiate an investigation within 5 business days of receipt of the complaint or grievance and will complete investigations with reasonable promptness, depending upon the complexity of the matter and the number and availability of witnesses, but generally in no more than 60 days.

New York Tech will keep parties abreast of the status of the investigation and its anticipated completion and will notify the parties of the outcome of the investigation within 10 business days of the completion of the investigation. All persons involved, including complainants, witnesses and alleged perpetrators will be accorded adequate procedures to protect their rights to a fair and impartial investigation, including the ability to offer their own evidence and identify relevant witnesses. Any employee may be required to cooperate as needed in an investigation. Upon receipt of a complaint, Human Resources (or the Compliance & Title IX Office, where appropriate) will conduct an immediate review of the allegations and will determine if any interim actions are appropriate. If the complaint is oral, the complaint will be documented by New York Tech.

The accused will receive notice of the investigation, and both the complainant and the accused will be interviewed as part of the investigation, except in rare circumstances where either party may be unavailable or refuse to be interviewed. The complainant and the accused will have the opportunity to provide witnesses and evidence, and New York Tech will conduct interviews and review documents or other information the investigator believes are relevant. The investigation will be documented by New York Tech. Upon conclusion of the investigation, both parties will be notified of the final determination and any appropriate sanctions. New York Tech will take all necessary steps to prevent further harassment and to correct its discriminatory effects on the complainant and others, if appropriate.

Upon completion of the investigation, New York Tech will determine whether the policy has been violated based upon its reasonable, good- faith evaluation of the information gathered during the investigation. New York Tech will inform the complainant and the accused of the results of the investigation.

Any employee found to have engaged in conduct in violation of this policy will be considered to have engaged in employee misconduct. Individuals who violate this policy (which includes supervisory or management personnel who fail to report or knowingly allow sexually harassing behavior to continue) will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment. Individuals who engage in conduct that rises to the level of a violation of law can be held personally liable for such conduct. Nothing shall limit the right of the institution to remove an employee immediately from job responsibilities, duties, or from the premises in the event that a violent or egregious act is claimed, or if the health and safety of New York Tech community members is at risk.

Nothing shall prevent the institution or any of its representatives from reporting criminal or violent acts or threats to civil or law enforcement agencies in order to protect the safety and well-being of members of the New York Tech community. Such a report may be made regardless of whether a formal complaint has been submitted.

If after investigating any complaint of discrimination or discriminatory harassment, the institution determines that knowingly false information has been provided, disciplinary action may be taken against the employee who has knowingly provided false information.

Senior management will be responsible for ensuring workplace investigation procedures are followed. For any investigations completed, all final reports, with conclusions will be provided to the Executive Director of Human Resources, and the Title IX Coordinator, if appropriate.

Legal Protections and External Remedies

Discrimination and discriminatory harassment (including retaliation) is not only prohibited by New York Tech but is also prohibited by provincial, federal, and, where applicable, local law. Aside from the internal process at New York Tech, employees may also choose to pursue legal remedies with the following governmental entities at any time. Harassers may also be subject to individual liability.

Application

This policy statement applies to all full-time and part-time employees (staff and faculty), contractors, subcontractors, and their employees. It applies to interpersonal and electronic communications, such as email. New York Tech expects that employees will keep written accounts of incidents to submit with any complaints. New York Tech will keep written record of investigations, including findings.

A violation of this policy will be considered unacceptable personal conduct. Violations, including acts of bullying, as defined herein, may be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. This policy prohibits retaliation against an employee, contractor or subcontractor and their employees who, in good faith, reported a violation of this policy.

Annual Review

This policy will be reviewed every year. A copy of the policy will be posted on the College's Intranet, included in the Employee Handbook and provided to all employees on the Vancouver campus.

Contact the Local Police Department

If the harassment involves unwanted physical touching, coerced physical confinement or coerced sex acts, the conduct may also constitute a crime. In such cases, employees may contact the local police department or, in an emergency, dial 911.

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Conflict of Interest: Employees

Definition of Conflict of Interest

All employees and trustees of NYIT are expected to perform their professional responsibilities in a manner that is free from real or apparent bias motivated by self interest.

A conflict of interest arises when an employee or trustee is in the position to place his or her personal interest above NYIT's interest. It can include situations in which an employee or trustee is in a position to compete with, rather than help, NYIT, or in which an employee or trustee stands to profit by a decision he or she may make on behalf of NYIT. It also includes situations in which an employee or trustee can make a business decision not on the basis of NYIT's interest, but rather for his or her personal advantage.

While it is not possible to list all situations that might involve a conflict of interest, some examples of interests and activities that might constitute a conflict of interest are:

Procedures for Employees

Any employee who has, or believes another employee has, a possible conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest, must notify his or her supervisor, the relevant vice president, and in academic departments, the dean. The vice president will consult, if appropriate, with the General Counsel and/or the director of internal audit and will be responsible for managing the real or apparent conflict of interest. Proper management of the conflict, as determined by NYIT senior management, in its sole discretion, may include, for example: asking the employee to give up the conflicting interests; directing the employee not to represent NYIT in outside dealings where the conflict of interest exists or may develop; or allowing the employee to continue to represent NYIT under the direction of his or her supervisor.

The key to avoiding problems is to use good judgment, and when in doubt, disclose the possible conflict, and obtain prior approval.

Officers, vice presidents, and certain other employees, particularly employees involved with the procurement of goods and services, will be required to submit annual disclosure forms to the General Counsel, and to submit updated forms in the event that there is any change in the time period between the submission of the annual forms. In addition to disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, the disclosure form for officers and key employees will include disclosure of any anticipated Related Party Transactions, as defined at the end of this policy. With respect to any disclosed conflicts, the General Counsel will consult, if and as appropriate, NYIT personnel such as the president, chief financial officer, internal audit director, and, if necessary or advisable, the chair of the Board of Trustees Audit Committee. The General Counsel will recommend to the president and, if indicated, the chair of the Audit Committee, such steps as may be appropriate to manage the conflict of interest. Any conflicts of interest relating to officers or key employees, whether reported on the annual forms or otherwise, will be reported by the General Counsel to the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees.

The failure to disclose a conflict of interest as required by this policy will subject the employee to discipline up to and including termination. See NYIT's separate policy on Conflicts of Interest in Research.

Procedures for Trustees

Prior to the initial election of any trustee, and each year thereafter, each trustee will be required to submit a disclosure form to the Secretary, and to submit updated forms in the event that there is any change in the time period between submission of the annual forms. In addition to disclosing potential conflicts of interest, the disclosure form will include disclosure of any anticipated Related Party Transactions, as defined at the end of this policy. The Secretary shall provide a copy of all completed forms to the chair of the Audit Committee.

In the event that the Board of Trustees is to consider any contract or transaction in which a trustee, officer or key employee has a potential conflict of interest, the material facts regarding the potential conflict of interest must be disclosed to the Audit Committee of the Board. The following procedures will then be followed:

Related Party Transactions (trustees, officers and key employees)

"Related Party Transaction" is defined as any contract or transaction between NYIT and any trustee, officer, or key employee of NYIT, a relative of any trustee, officer, or key employee, or any entity in which any of the foregoing individuals is either a director or officer or has a significant financial interest. For this purpose, "relative" means spouse, domestic partner, ancestor, sibling, half-sibling, child, grandchild, great-grandchild, and the spouses of any of them; "significant financial interest" means 35% or greater ownership or beneficial interest, or, in the case of a partnership or professional corporation, a direct or indirect ownership interest in excess of 5% "NYIT" means NYIT and any subsidiaries or other affiliates.

All trustees, officers and key employees shall disclose any ongoing or anticipated Related Party Transaction on their annual disclosure form, or on a supplemental form during the year.

NYIT shall not enter into any Related Party Transaction unless the Board of Trustees or an authorized committee of the Board has made a determination that the transaction is fair, reasonable, and in NYIT's best interest. Specifically, the Board or committee shall consider any available alternative transactions, approve the transaction by no less than a majority vote of the trustees present at the Board or committee meeting, and contemporaneously document in writing the basis for the Board or authorized committee's approval, including the consideration of any alternative transactions.

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Intellectual Property: Employees

During the course of your work at NYIT, you may have the opportunity to create what is legally known as intellectual property. This is a general term applied to many tangible and intangible categories that include but are not limited to inventions, trade secrets, patents, literary and artistic works, such as books, articles, poetry, paintings, photographs and music, and computer software. Intellectual property may also include trademarks, brand names, logos, designs, or other symbols that distinguish products and services. Any intellectual property you create as part of your work here is the property of NYIT, and is deemed a work made for hire, with all legal interests vesting in NYIT, unless otherwise determined by a separate written agreement between you and NYIT or as provided in a collective bargaining agreement.

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Photo Release: Employees

Each New York Tech student and each member of the New York Tech faculty and staff agrees that the university has permission to record by videotape/film/digital recording their image and voice at all New York Tech classes, activities and events, whether on or off campus, and to use such recordings for academic, publicity, and promotion purposes in perpetuity. New York Institute of Technology shall be the exclusive owner and copyright holder of, and possess all right, title, and interest to, such recordings.

Refer to Photo Release policy for more information.

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Workday Photo Directory Policy

To maintain a professional and respectful environment, employees are encouraged to upload appropriate, recent face-only photos to their Workday profiles. Photos must not include other individuals, animals, digital images (e.g., avatars or memes), political content, or any inappropriate gestures or language. Images violating this or other university policies will be removed and may lead to disciplinary action. Refer to the Workday Photo Directory Policy for further information.

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External Communications/Solicitations and Distribution of Literature

External Communication

From time to time, as an employee of NYIT, you may receive inquiries from the media (e.g., newspapers, television stations, radio stations, magazines, or Internet-based media). To ensure that NYIT maintains the appropriate public image and that communications to the media are accurate and consistent with applicable NYIT policy, if you are contacted by the media, you should refer the individual making the inquiry to Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications at mediarelations@nyit.edu and NYIT-Vancouver's marketing department at hellovancouver@nyit.edu.

Any inquiries from attorneys or law enforcement representatives should be referred to the Office of the General Counsel.

Solicitations and Distribution of Literature

In the interest of maintaining a proper environment and preventing interference with work and inconvenience to others, employees may not distribute literature or printed materials of any kind, sell merchandise, solicit financial contributions, or solicit for any other cause during working time. Employees who are not on working time, e.g. those on lunch hour or breaks, may not solicit employees who are on working time for any cause or distribute literature of any kind to them. Non-employees are prohibited from distributing material or soliciting employees on NYIT premises at any time.

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Social Media

Social media is changing the way we work and educate, offering a new communications model for you to engage with students, colleagues and the world at large. We believe this kind of interaction can provide educational opportunities and benefits. And it's a way for you to take part in global conversations related to education and other important matters that we care about at New York Institute of Technology (New York Tech).

Guidelines
These are the official guidelines for participating in social media as a representative of New York Tech. If you're a staff or faculty member creating or contributing to blogs, wikis, social networks, virtual worlds, or any other kind of social media, these guidelines are for you. It is your sole individual responsibility to ensure ongoing compliance. Participation in social networking on behalf of New York Tech is not a right but an opportunity, so please treat it seriously and with respect. Failure to do so could limit your ability to participate in New York Tech's official social media accounts. These guidelines will continually evolve as new technologies and social networking tools emerge—so check back regularly to make sure you're up to date.

Virtually every day new educational and communication opportunities are sprouting up on existing and emerging social networking sites. While we want to encourage our New York Tech community to participate responsibly, here are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Participate

Let's start a conversation. Social networking is an effective way to share New York Tech's stories with the community in order to develop relationships and collaborate. Keep in mind that you want to:

2. Disclose

Your honesty—or dishonesty—will be quickly noticed in the social media environment. Please represent New York Tech ethically, accurately, and with integrity.

3. Protect

Make sure all that transparency doesn't violate New York Tech's confidentiality or legal guidelines for students or colleagues—or your own privacy. Remember, if you're online, you're on the record—everything on the Internet is public and searchable. And what you write is ultimately your responsibility. New York Tech reserves the right to delete or modify any questionable content from its sanctioned social media properties.

4. Use Common Sense

Perception is reality and in online social networks, the lines between public and private, personal and professional are blurred. Just by identifying yourself as an New York Tech employee, you are creating perceptions about your expertise and about the school and its academic rigor. Do us all proud.

New York Tech Official Pages or Affiliated Sites

Setting Up an Account

Social media may be just what your department needs to jump start the conversation. Before you click that create button there are a few things you need to do:

Personal/Non-Affiliated Pages

New York Tech respects the rights of students, faculty, and staff to engage in free and open communication of their personal information through the individual use of blogs, Internet diaries, social websites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, WeChat, Tumblr, and other forms of online discourse. However, when these personal online activities contain content that could be detrimental to New York Tech, its faculty, staff, or students, they may become an appropriate focus of the school's policies. Students, faculty, and staff are personally responsible for the content of their personal online activities, and in addition to the general guidelines above, the following additional guidelines should be followed:

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References

References in relation to job applications for current or former employees may only be provided by Human Resources. In the event that NYIT receives an inquiry concerning a current or former employee's employment, in accordance with NYIT's general policy, NYIT will only disclose the position and dates of employment of the current or former employee, unless other information is required by law or court, or administrative process. Please contact the Office of Human Resources, if you receive a request to provide a reference for a current or former NYIT employee.

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Telecommunications and Information Technology

Telecommunications equipment provided by NYIT is intended for use related to NYIT business and is not intended for personal use. If you need to use office telephones for personal calls during business hours, you should keep calls brief so as not to interrupt department workflow or incur additional expenses.

You are strictly prohibited from receiving personal telephone calls on any of NYIT's toll-free lines. Excessive use of office telephones for personal calls may be grounds for disciplinary action. Please do not attempt to de-install, relocate, or alter any telephone equipment in any way. Address all telephone requests to Information Technology Services. Unauthorized tampering with any NYIT telephone hardware may put yourself or your coworkers in danger or result in damage to NYIT's telephone systems. Violations of these policies can lead to the suspension of your services and additional penalties, up to and including the termination of your employment and, if warranted, referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Similarly, computers and other information technology provided by NYIT are intended for use related to NYIT business and are not intended for personal use. The security and accuracy of information contained within these systems are the responsibility of all individuals with access to them. While NYIT wishes to promote Internet use, employees should be aware that every message sent through the Internet from NYIT, and all information uploaded to the Internet from the office, has NYIT's name attached to it. Sending an email, contributing a file to a database, or participating in a computer bulletin board or forum is much like using NYIT's letterhead. With that in mind, NYIT has established the following policies governing Internet access through NYIT computers or using a NYIT provided email or Internet address.

Employees should understand that, in communications on the Internet from the office, he/she may be regarded by the recipients as a representative of NYIT. Care should be taken to communicate at all times in a professional and courteous manner. It is important to remember that email communications across the Internet are not secure. Each employee should understand that email messages and use of the Internet are not private within NYIT, even if you use a password to protect information sent or received. Email messages should be treated like written communications, with an expectation that anything in them will be available for review by authorized representatives of NYIT.

You may have been given a computer and network access as part of your job duties. Use of NYIT's information technology is governed by the following restrictions, policies and procedures:

The following list is an outline summary of the comprehensive policies.

Any employee found to be in violation of any of the terms of these policies will be subject to suspension of computer access and disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination of employment and, if warranted, referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

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Compensation/Classification of Employment

For purposes of compensation administration, New York Tech classifies its employees as follows:

Full-time regular employees work on a full-time basis of continuing duration. Work hours vary by department, with some having a 35-hour week and some a 40-hour week. Such employees may be "exempt/manager" or "non-exempt/non-manager" as defined below.

Part-time regular employees work on a part-time basis of continuing duration. Part-time regular employees are not eligible for health benefits, pension, vacation, or holiday pay, except as may be legally required.

Temporary and contract employees are engaged to work full- time or part-time on New York Tech's payroll with the understanding that their employment will be terminated on completion of a specific assignment or project. Individuals hired from temporary employment agencies for specific assignments or projects are employees of the respective agency and not of New York Tech.

"Non-exempt/non-manager" employees are employees who are required to be paid overtime, in accordance with applicable employment standards legislation. "Exempt/Manager" employees are employees who meet certain tests as to salary and their job functions and responsibilities and are not required to be paid overtime, in accordance with applicable employment standards legislation.

You will be informed of your initial employment classification and of your status as an exempt/Manager or non-exempt/non-manager employee at the time of your hire. If you change positions during your employment as a result of a promotion, transfer, or otherwise, you will be informed of any changes in your status.

This handbook does not guarantee employment for any specific duration.

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Work Schedules

The normal workweek for New York Tech employees is Monday through Friday, with the exception of paid holidays. Working hours may vary according to your specific department. Your supervisor will advise you of your work schedule. Changes in work schedules will be announced as far in advance as is practical. Full-time regular employees are provided with lunch and rest breaks as required by provincial or federal law.

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Time Records

In accordance with applicable laws, all NYIT employees must accurately report time worked and/or leave time taken. Non-exempt employees are required to submit weekly time sheets on which they record their hours worked including absences and exempt employees are required to submit absences on a timely basis. All employees and their respective managers are required to maintain and review time and absence records. Falsification or failure to submit time and absence records is a breach of institutional policy and is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including suspension or termination of employment.

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Overtime and Compensatory Time-Off

Departmental needs may make it necessary, on occasion, for employees to work beyond their scheduled work hours. Your supervisor will attempt to provide you with reasonable notice when the need for work outside your regular work schedule arises. Please remember, however, that advance notice may not always be possible.

Non-Exempt/Non-Manager Employees: Overtime compensation is provided to non-exempt non-manager employees only. If you are unsure of your exemption status, check with the Office of Human Resources. Except as may otherwise be required by applicable provincial law, non- exempt employees are paid at a rate of 1.5 times their current hourly rate for all hours in excess of 40 hours worked in their established workweek, or for daily hours in excess of 8 hours. For employees in positions with a scheduled 35-hour workweek, hours worked beyond 35 but less than 40 will receive additional straight-time pay. Non-exempt employees may take compensatory time instead of being paid overtime. Such arrangement must be reviewed and tracked by the employee's manager, prior to the overtime being worked.

All overtime and additional straight time must be approved in advance by the department head. It is not permitted for employees to work additional hours without authorization, or to fail to accurately report hours on timesheets.

Exempt/Manager Employees: To the extent it is operationally possible, compensatory time may be given to employees exempt from overtime pay who are required to work excessive amounts of additional time on a prolonged or regular basis or who are required to regularly work on scheduled days off. All compensatory time must be approved in advance by the department head. This compensatory time off is not intended to be an hour-for-hour equivalent, but a good faith effort to recognize extraordinary circumstances. Employees are not paid in lieu of compensatory time off in the event that it cannot be granted.

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Pay Periods and Salary Adjustments

Salary is payable semi-monthly, with limited exceptions. All promotions, transfers, and salary increases for employees require the review and approval of the employee's vice president, the Office of Financial Affairs, the Office of Human Resources, and the president.

From time to time, New York Tech authorizes a periodic salary adjustment or "PSA." Eligible employees must have (a) been employed by New York Tech for at least six months prior to the effective date of the PSA; and (b) demonstrated satisfactory job performance.

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Salary Garnishments

Salary garnishments authorized by law, including those directed by court order, the CRA, or any other required garnishment order, are processed through the payroll department. If New York Tech receives a notice of garnishment of your salary, the payroll department will notify you, if obligated to do so by the order. Upon receipt of this notice, the payroll department is required by law to deduct the monies according to the schedule established in the garnishment notice. Garnishments are deducted on a per-pay cheque basis and remitted directly to the court or other garnishing agency. The payroll department maintains records of garnishment payments and will notify you of any changes to the garnishment schedule, and when the garnishment ends, if obligated to do so by the order.

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Job Postings, Transfers, and Promotions

It is New York Tech's policy to promote from within when and where possible. Open positions are posted on the New York Tech website, when and where appropriate.

Employees in good standing are encouraged to apply for open positions and should contact Human Resources for additional information. Transfers and promotions require final review and approval by the employee's vice president, the Office of Financial Affairs, the Office of Human Resources, and the president.

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Performance Problems and Corrective Action

As an employee of New York Tech, you are expected to perform your job duties as directed by your supervisor and to maintain professional behavior in keeping with the standards outlined in this handbook.

Discharge and discipline decisions are made at the sole discretion of New York Tech. Certain types of misconduct may give rise to immediate discharge. Examples include, but are not limited to, use of controlled substances, intoxication, dishonesty, insubordination, misconduct, and/or violation of New York Tech policy. In certain cases of unsatisfactory performance, New York Tech may determine, at its sole discretion, to use a progressive discipline system designed to address performance problems and correct unacceptable behavior in a positive and constructive manner. However, New York Tech may also terminate the employee's employment with or without just cause as set forth in this handbook under Tenure of Employment.

Managers should seek guidance from the Human Resources department regarding employee performance problems and assistance in drafting performance and disciplinary communications to employees.

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Employee Assistance Services

There may come a time during your employment with New York Tech when an outside situation, including family difficulties, poor health, substance abuse, or emotional disturbance, may interfere with your ability to do your job. Therefore, we have established an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to assist you and your family in getting the help you may need.

The EAP is a confidential assessment, counseling, and referral service designed to assist employees and their families with personal problems. New York Tech has contracted with RBC Insurance to provide its EAP services. The EAP is staffed by professional counselors who are experienced in assisting people with a wide range of personal problems. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to talk, offer short-term counseling and, if necessary, provide you with a referral for continued or specialized care.

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Relationships with Other Employees and Family

Family Relationships

NYIT discourages having family members work in the same department. In addition, NYIT prohibits one family member from having any direct or indirect supervision over the progress, performance, pay, or welfare of another, regardless of their areas of employment, and they may not be involved together with matters of financial controls or physical inventory of NYIT property. For this policy, NYIT defines family as any of the following relationships: child, spouse, domestic partner, parent, sibling (including half siblings, step siblings, or siblings related through adoption), grandchild, grandparent, ward, in-law, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, cousin, the child of an employee's spouse or domestic partner, or any other individual related to the employee by blood or whose close relationship with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.

If the family relationship of two employees who fall under one of the above-listed conditions changes, the employee with the shorter length of service will be required to transfer, resign, or be terminated within 30 days unless the other employee does the same voluntarily. If you have any questions about whether or not your family member is eligible under this policy to apply for a specific open position, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

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Consensual Romantic Relationships

As in any situation where adults spend time together, it is possible that NYIT employees may wish to engage in a consensual romantic relationship. There are specific instances where this violates NYIT policy. If you are a faculty member, you must not participate in a consensual romantic and/or sexual relationship with any student who is enrolled in any of your classes or is under your authority. Situations of authority include, but are not limited to: teaching, formal mentoring or advising; supervision of research and employment of a student as a research or teaching assistant; exercising substantial responsibility for grades, honors, or degrees; and involvement in disciplinary action related to the student. You are also discouraged from participating in this type of relationship with any student not under your authority. If you are a staff member, you must not participate in a consensual romantic and/or sexual relationship with anyone who is subject to your supervision or evaluation. There is a power differential in these relationships that could compromise your ability to perform your job duties in an unbiased manner. In addition, there is a danger that the consensual nature of the relationship could later be reinterpreted as non-consensual and therefore create a potential for sexual harassment.

We recognize that two people may already be engaged in some type of consensual relationship before one of the above-listed situations occurs. In this case, whoever is in the "supervisory" position, whether as an employee or a professor, must make every effort to place the student or subordinate employee in another situation. If this is not possible, the conflict must be resolved in another manner—the student must drop the class, one employee or the other must resign, or the relationship must end. For the purposes of this policy, employees who are or were married are considered in a consensual relationship.

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Gifts to Employees/Personal Events for Employees

Consistent with the proper stewardship of New York Tech's resources and in accordance with regulations on the disbursement of provincial or federal funds, gifts to New York Tech employees, and celebratory events of a personal nature (birthdays, weddings, baby showers, graduation, and the like), may not be purchased or paid for with New York Tech funds.

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Time-off Benefits and Vacation

New York Tech offers every regular full-time, 12-month employee paid vacation. For administrative staff, the number of vacation days that you are eligible for is determined on a calendar-year basis and each full-time employee earns vacation on a pro-rata basis throughout the year. With supervisor approval, employees may use "borrowed" vacation days up to the annual accrual earlier in the calendar year before the days have been earned. Any such borrowed days will be deducted from the employee's final pay cheque if the employee terminates before accruing the borrowed vacation.

All requests for vacation time must be submitted on a timely basis to your supervisor, who will approve your request consistent with the operating needs of the department. Vacation days will only be approved for times when your absence will not place undue hardship on the operations of your department. Individual departments may have periods of peak activity in which no vacation time may be taken.

Unless otherwise noted (e.g., in your offer letter), all full-time staff employees will receive 24 vacation days per year. You must use all of your vacation days before year end. If your employment ends during the year, your final pay will include any earned/unused vacation days, based on the number of months worked in the current year. Vacation days used, but not yet earned, will be deducted from your final pay.

Faculty will be eligible for vacation during non-instructional days specified each year in the College calendar, but at no time will their annual vacation entitlement be less than mandated by the British Columbia Employment Standards Act, as amended. Vacation time shall be arranged so as to not interfere will New York Tech's normal business.

Part-time employees will receive ten (10) vacation days per year up to five (5) years of service and fifteen (15) vacation days after five (5) years of service.

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Statutory Holidays

All employees of the institution are entitled to a number of holidays off with pay. The Office of Human Resources posts the list of paid holidays (which includes Statutory Holidays) online each year on my.nyit.edu (login required). You are eligible for holiday pay if you are a regular, full-time employee and the holiday occurs after your date of hire.

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Sick Leave

New York Tech provides paid sick leave to all regular, full-time employees to ensure that absences due to illness do not result in loss of pay. Paid sick leave can be used in either half day or full day increments and absences must be recorded in Workday.

Full-time employees accrue paid sick leave starting with the first month of regular full-time employment at the rate of one day per month (total of 12 days per year). Sick days used are deducted from the balance of accrued unused sick days. The balance of accrued unused sick days cannot exceed 160 days, and if the balance reaches 160 days, monthly accruals will cease until the balance falls below 160 days. You may carry unused sick days forward to the next calendar year. This enables you, should a serious medical problem arise, to receive full salary by using some or all of the sick time you have built up over the years. Upon termination of employment, unused sick days will not be paid out to the exiting employee.

Please remember that sick leave is only to be used for the employee's own illness. The efficient operation of the college is predicated upon employees maintaining satisfactory attendance records, and the records of employees with frequent absences of short duration are reviewed carefully. Disciplinary action up to and including termination may be instituted for excessive absenteeism even though the employee has paid sick leave remaining.

If you are absent due to illness for more than seven consecutive calendar days, you are required to request a leave of absence in Workday or contact the benefits unit of the Office of Human Resources. The benefits personnel have the right to ask you to provide a doctor's note confirming the medical necessity of your absence if your absences become frequent.

Pursuant to BC sick leave regulations, part-time and temporary employees who work more than 90 days will receive five (5) days of paid sick leave and three (3) days of unpaid sick leave per calendar year. Paid sick leave used must be recorded in Workday.

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Jury Duty

The College encourages you to perform this important civic duty when summoned. If you receive a notice to report for jury duty, you should notify your supervisor immediately with a copy of the summons. It is your responsibility to arrange for any postponement, if eligible. NYIT will continue your regular pay during a period of jury duty for up to 10 working days. If your jury service lasts longer than 10 days, you will not receive pay from NYIT for this additional time but you may keep any court payments you receive. When your jury service is over, you will receive a written release from the court, indicating the days served. You must submit this notice to your supervisor as soon as you return to work.

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Bereavement Leave

Regular, full-time employees are eligible for paid bereavement leave. You may take up to five days following the death of an immediate family member, defined for this purpose as a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. You may take up to three days following the death of a grandparent or parent-in-law. Bereavement leave is granted on a per-occurrence basis. Bereavement leave absences should be submitted to reflect that time was taken for this purpose.

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Family and Medical Leaves

New York Tech provides family and medical leaves in compliance with the British Columbia Employment Standards Act (ESA). If you will be absent for more than seven consecutive calendar days due to illness/injury or to care for a family member, you are required to request a leave of absence in Workday or contact the benefits unit of the Office of Human Resources.

For any protected leave under the BC Employment Standards Act, New York Tech is required to return you to your previous position, or to an equivalent position, when your leave period ends. If you do not return to work immediately upon the expiration of your leave, as agreed upon at the beginning of the period of absence, New York Tech will be unable to hold your position open. New York Tech will continue to provide your benefits in effect prior to the leave (i.e., supplemental medical, dental, life insurance, and long-term disability) for the duration of any leave to which you are entitled under the ESA.

Medical Leave

New York Tech provides leaves for the employee's own illness in compliance with the ESA: Illness or Injury Leave – Act Part 6, Section 49.1.

You are required to upload documentation from your healthcare provider of your eligibility for the leave in Workday.

You may use any accrued paid leave time (vacation or sick time) to provide you with pay during all or part of the leave period. You must file a request with the benefits unit of the Office of Human Resources in order to receive such pay during your period of absence.

New York Tech may grant at its discretion a medical leave and/or paid leave time longer than required by the ESA, subject to continued medical certification of disability. New York Tech will continue to provide your benefits throughout the leave period, but there will be no guaranteed reinstatement past the period required by the ESA. In no event is a leave granted for longer than six months.

Maternity and Parental Leave

Employees are eligible for Maternity and Parental Leaves as outlined by the British Columbia Employment Standards Act (ESA) and Service Canada.

The employee's request for pregnancy, maternity or parental leave must be given to management in writing at least 4 weeks before the leave commences, where possible. This request must include the final working day and the day that the employee expects to return. If the employee does not intend to return, the request should indicate this, and prior to the end of the period the employee will be issued a final Record of Employment.

The provisions of the ESA related to Maternity and Pregnancy Leave are found here: Maternity Leave – Act Part 6, Section 50.

The provisions of the ESA related to Parental Leave are found here: Parental Leave – Act Part 6, Section 51.

Family Care Leaves

Employees are entitled to take certain leaves to care for family members in accordance with the ESA. For details, see the links below.

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Personal Leave of Absence

A regular, full-time employee may request a personal leave of absence (not related to Family and Medical Leave) of up to 60 days. You are eligible to apply for this type of leave after one year of service. The leave may be unpaid, or you may use accrued vacation time to provide you with pay for all or part of the leave period (accrued sick time cannot be used during a personal leave.) During a personal leave of absence, the college will continue to provide your benefits in effect prior to the leave (i.e., supplemental medical, dental, life insurance, and long-term disability). Sick time and vacation time accruals do not continue during your leave.

You must make a request for a personal leave of absence in Workday. The request must be approved by your supervisor, the relevant vice president and HR. This request must state the reason for the leave and the dates for which the leave is requested. New York Tech reserves the right to require written substantiation of the conditions prompting the leave. During a personal leave of absence, an employee may not work elsewhere or accept a position outside of New York Tech. This action would result in cancellation of your leave and could affect your continued employment with New York Tech.

At the conclusion of an approved personal leave of absence, New York Tech will attempt to reinstate you to your previous position, or to an equivalent one. If a position is not available at the end of your leave, your employment with New York Tech will end. In addition, if you do not return to work immediately upon the end of your leave period, as previously agreed upon, your employment will end, and your record will reflect that you voluntarily resigned your position.

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Military Leave

New York Tech provides unpaid leave time to regular employees who are called to Military Reserve duty in accordance with all applicable provincial or federal laws. If you are called to Reserve duty, you should provide a copy of the duty assignment to your supervisor immediately upon receipt.

Upon completion of Reserve duty, employees must apply for reinstatement in accordance with applicable provincial or federal laws in order to be reinstated with full seniority rights for the military time served.

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Employee Benefits

NYIT offers all regular, full-time employees with a comprehensive benefits program. In addition to paid and unpaid leave time, some of the other benefits include:

These benefits are subject to termination or modification by New York Tech at any time, without notice. The inclusion of a benefit on this list does not assure that it will be available to you for the duration of your employment.

Provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP)

All regular, full-time employees are eligible the first of the month following the date of hire if you a current resident of British Columbia. New residents to British Columbia are eligible the first of the month following two months of residence in British Columbia. Eligible dependents include the spouse and children up to age 24 (if full-time student, age 18 otherwise).

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Medical Insurance (Supplement to Provincial Medical Services Plan)

All regular, full-time employees and their eligible dependents may choose to be covered under a supplementary medical and dental insurance programs. Your supplementary medical insurance coverage becomes active following three months of employment. Eligible dependents may include your spouse and children up to age 25 (if Full-time student, age 21 otherwise). You will be required to provide periodic proof of your child's full-time student status in order to continue their coverage.

At the time of hire, eligible employees will be required to complete the necessary enrollment information in order to be covered.

Information concerning plan benefits, claim forms, or any other information concerning medical insurance is available by contacting the benefits unit of the Office of Human Resources.

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Dental Insurance

All regular, full-time employees and their eligible dependents may choose to be covered under a dental insurance program. Your dental insurance coverage becomes active following three months of employment.

Eligible dependents may include your spouse, unmarried children up to age 21, and unmarried children ages 21–25 who are full-time students and dependent on you for financial support. You will be required to provide periodic proof of your child's full-time student status in order to continue his or her coverage.

Information concerning plan benefits, claim forms, or any other information concerning dental insurance is available by contacting the benefits unit of the Office of Human Resources.

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Life Insurance

All regular, full-time employees receive life insurance through New York Tech at no cost. Your life insurance coverage becomes active following three months of employment provided the appropriate forms are submitted.

Your life insurance is valued at $25,000 for the employee, $5,000 for spouse and $2,500 for each child. An enrollment form should be completed by all employees to designate beneficiaries.

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Long-term Disability Insurance

All regular, full-time employees are eligible for coverage under New York Tech's long-term disability program, which becomes active following three months of employment provided the appropriate forms are submitted. Premiums for Long-term disability benefits are paid by New York Tech on behalf of the employee. Long-term disability insurance benefits are available for eligible employees who are disabled for 120 days and who satisfy the insurance carrier's disability determination.

Upon approval for long-term disability benefits, you will be eligible for payments of a benefit equal to 66.67% of your covered monthly salary, up to a maximum of $6,000 (amounts above $4,800 require evidence of insurability). Benefit would begin after 120 days of disability and would continue up to age 65.

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Out of Province/Country Emergency Travel Insurance

All regular, full-time employees are eligible for coverage for out of province/country emergency travel insurance. This coverage becomes active following three months of employment. Details can be obtained from the benefits unit of the Office of Human Resources.

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Worker's Compensation

All New York Tech employees in BC are covered by worker's compensation for illness, injury, or death arising out of and in the course of employment through WorkSafe BC. If you become ill or injured on the job and the illness or injury results in an absence from work in excess of seven calendar days, worker's compensation may provide weekly benefits. Medical expenses resulting from an on-the-job illness or injury may also be covered. It is imperative that you report any on-the-job illnesses or injuries to the benefits unit of the Office of Human Resources within three days of the incident. Employees are also required to complete a WorkSafe Form 7 to report their injury or accident.

Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of worker's compensation benefits. The Office of Human Resources is responsible for filing the worker's compensation claim on your behalf.

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Registered Pension Plan

All regular, full-time employees may choose to participate in a pension plan through Canada Life. You are eligible to participate in this program on the first day of the month following the date of hire.

To participate in the plan, you must enroll in Workdayand contribute a minimum of three percent of your base salary on a pre-tax basis. New York Tech will contribute seven percent of your base salary into your account. Employee and employer contributions cannot exceed the limits as established by the CRA. All employee contributions are processed as payroll deductions on a pre-tax basis, thereby reducing your taxable income not to exceed the limits as established by the CRA.

You may obtain additional details and enrollment materials from the benefits unit of the Office of Human Resources.

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Tuition Remission

Eligibility

All regular, full-time United States-based employees are eligible for tuition remission for courses taken at New York Institute of Technology that begin on or after their date of full-time hire.

In addition, children under age 26 and spouses are eligible for tuition remission one year after the employee's commencement of employment. New York Tech will require proof of relationship via documents such as birth certificate, marriage license, or tax documents.

Covered Coursework

Employee coursework may not exceed two classes or six credits per term, whichever is higher (fall, spring, summer) for a total of 18 credits per academic year. In the final term prior to receiving a degree, a one-time request may be made for permission to take up to three classes or nine credits, whichever is higher. Coursework must not interfere with regular duties, and the employee shall not take courses during scheduled hours of work.

Spouse or eligible children may take coursework leading to a single New York Tech degree, either undergraduate or graduate. Undergraduate coursework may not exceed 18 credits per term, and for graduate, nine credits per term. If the spouse or eligible children enroll in an included dual degree program, only the undergraduate coursework is covered for Tuition Remission.

Tuition remission does not cover: non-credit bearing courses not required as part of a degree program, extended education courses, pre-college programs, certificate programs (including credit-bearing programs), courses taken at other institutions (including study abroad), or exclusively online programs. Tuition remission also does not cover any doctoral program, any program in the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM), and any program in the School of Health Professions (SHP) except the B.S. in Health Sciences and the B.S. in Health & Wellness. Dual degree programs which include a degree in either the COM or SHP are also excluded.

Notwithstanding the above provisions regarding Covered Coursework, any student already granted tuition remission and enrolled in a program prior to Summer 2020 may complete that program in accordance with the policy in effect at the time they were first enrolled.

Continued Eligibility

All tuition remission recipients must meet current academic standards (Satisfactory Academic Progress, as defined in the New York Tech Catalog) in order to continue to receive tuition remission.

If an employee's employment with New York Tech ends, the employee and/or any spouse or child receiving tuition remission may finish that academic term, but is not eligible for tuition remission for subsequent terms.

Amounts Covered

Tuition remission covers 100% of tuition, but does not cover fees, including lab fees, books, and other costs associated with attending classes.

Students receiving tuition remission will be eligible for institutional scholarships. Institutional scholarships will be applied before any tuition remission benefit.

Taxes

Tuition remission for job-related courses for the employee may be a non-taxable business expense. However, for non-job-related employee coursework, while tuition remission for undergraduate programs is not taxable, tuition remission for graduate programs is a taxable fringe benefit on a calendar year basis.

HR, upon review of all information and in conjunction with Finance, determines if Tuition Remission benefit will be considered taxable income. Tuition Remission is not in effect until final approval by Human Resources.

For the employee's spouse and children, tuition is not taxable for the spouse and for any children under age 26. New York Tech will require proof of dependent eligibility documents.

For any taxable tuition remission amounts, New York Tech may at its discretion withhold the required amounts from the employees’ paychecks.

How to Apply

Employees can apply for tuition remission for themselves or their spouse or eligible children by filling out the Tuition Remission Application in Workday. If you are submitting an application for more than one dependent, you can submit each one separately. All applications for tuition remission must be submitted for approval by the following dates:

If you have questions regarding financial aid programs, please contact the Office of Financial Aid. If you have any questions regarding eligibility for tuition remission, please contact the benefits unit of the Office of Human Resources at hrbenefits@nyit.edu.

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Termination of Benefits upon Employee's Death

If you should die while actively employed by New York Tech, medical and/or medical and dental insurance coverage for your spouse and children (children are eligible until they reach age 26) covered by the plan(s) at the time of your death will be extended for a twenty-four month period following your death. This coverage, which will be provided at no cost, will end on the last day of the twenty-fourth month anniversary of your death.

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Travel and Entertainment Policy

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, and other authorized travelers. View the current policy.

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Ending Employment/Resignation

There may come a time when you wish to voluntarily resign your position at New York Tech. There is a specific procedure in place that you must follow in order to leave New York Tech with your employment in good standing, an important factor if you decide to reapply for a position here in the future.

You must submit your resignation and upload a signed letter of resignation in Workday. This letter should include the effective date of your resignation (the last day you will work), in accordance with the terms set forth above in the Tenure of Employment section of this Employee Handbook. Upon receiving your resignation submission, the Office of Human Resources will forward a separation clearance form to your supervisor. This must be returned to the Office of Human Resources on or about your last day of employment.

You must return any New York Tech property, including keys, library books, computer and communications equipment, identification cards, and paper and electronic documents and files to the location indicated on the separation clearance form. In addition, you should be sure all of your absences have been submitted in Workday so that your unused vacation time can be properly calculated. You will receive pay for any unused, accrued vacation time. Other types of accrued paid leave, including sick time and personal time, are not payable upon resignation.

Position Elimination
If your position is eliminated caused by (but not limited to) the elimination of a job function, the closing of a department, or New York Tech's financial needs, you will be considered for other employment at New York Tech if a position exists for which you are qualified. If no appropriate vacancy exists at that time and your employment is terminated as a result, you will be provided with notice or pay in lieu of notice in accordance with your minimum entitlements pursuant to the British Columbia Employment Standards Act, as amended. You will also receive pay for any unused, accrued vacation time. You must return any New York Tech property, as determined by the separation clearance form, immediately upon your separation.

Termination
If your employment is terminated by New York Tech for any reason other than an elimination of your position, you will receive pay for any unused, accrued vacation time, and, in the event that the termination is not for just cause, you will be provided with notice or pay in lieu of notice in accordance with your minimum entitlements pursuant to the British Columbia Employment Standards Act, as amended, unless provided otherwise in your employment contract. You must return any New York Tech property, as determined by the separation clearance form, immediately upon your separation.