Wilkes University requires reliable and punctual attendance as a condition of employment. (See Attendance and Punctuality Policy). The University's normal business hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Depending on department or position specific requirements, full-time employees may work 35 hours/week or 40 hours/week. However, departments may vary from these schedules and hours based on the nature of work and/or operational needs. In some cases, employees/departments may be scheduled for second or third shift hours. All scheduling requirements or changes will be communicated to employees by their supervisors.
All full time employees are normally allowed a 60 minute meal period. Supervisors may schedule meal periods to accommodate operating requirements and will advise employees of that schedule. Employees are to be relieved of all active responsibilities during meal periods and will not be compensated for that time. Employees may not shorten or eliminate scheduled meal periods to alter the beginning or ending of a workday, unless previously approved by a supervisor.
Full time employees are also permitted two (2) break periods per day, one in the first half of the work day and one in the second half of the work day. Break periods may not exceed fifteen (15) minutes in length and may be subject to supervisor approval. To avoid disruption and ensure departmental productivity is maximized at all times, 15 minute break periods must be taken in 15 minute increments and may not be divided into multiple breaks of less time (e.g. 3 breaks in 5 minute increments). Since break periods are paid as time worked, employees must not be absent from their workstations beyond the allotted time. Breaks are not cumulative and may not be used to shorten the work day or extend meal periods.
In order to ensure that all employees maintain a continuous, productive focus on work responsibilities, all personal e mail, phone calls, texts, etc. should only be attended to during scheduled meal or break periods.
Employees are expected to promptly return to their work site, ready for work following all meal and break periods.
Effective Date:/1/2004
Revised Date: 11/2018