Introduction
This Human Resources Employment Policies manual is for all Messiah University employees and supersedes all previous editions. All employees are subject to the terms and conditions of the Human Resources Employment Policies Manual. Employees are also subject to the terms and conditions of the Community of Educators (COE) Handbook if applicable for their employment classification.
This manual provides policies and procedures to establish a standard that guides how we conduct ourselves as employees including how we work, interact with others and manage the business of the University. The policies contained in this manual are in keeping with the values and goals of the University.
The University is committed to fair and equitable treatment of its employees in accordance with established polices; thus the manual is designed to be the primary reference document for communicating and interpreting human resources policies, programs, and procedures to Messiah University employees. Separate documents/pamphlets with respect to the operation or administration of human resources-related functions and programs may be distributed to augment the provisions of this manual.
Departmental documents must be consistent with this manual unless approval is granted by the Vice President for Human Resources and Compliance. This manual supersedes all inconsistent communications as well as prior personnel policies and procedures. No provisions in this manual should be construed as an implied or expressed contract or guarantee of employment by the University.
It is the practice of the University to process substantive changes in these policies through our governance process. However, the University reserves the right to interpret, alter, reduce, or eliminate any practice, policy or benefit, in whole or in part, where changes in law or other circumstances render changes in the policy necessary to the welfare of the University. As changes are made in policies, the appropriate pages in the manual will be brought up to date. A detailed log of these changes is maintained with the manual. The manual is maintained by the Office of Human Resources.
In addition to materials contained in this manual, employees receive a copy of Essential Commitments. This booklet presents several important statements, including the identity and mission, foundational values, statements of faith and community covenant. The University Charter, Bylaws, and the Covenant between Messiah University and the Brethren in Christ Church also include information which may be of interest to University employees; copies of these documents are available in the Office of the President or in the Office of Human Resources. Additional information about the University can also be found at About Messiah.