C18.0 Illegal Conduct

Applies to all employees

RIT expects that its employees, as responsible members of society, will comply with all federal, state, and local laws affecting them as both employees and as private citizens while working for the University, on or off its property. The University will cooperate with all legally constituted law enforcement agencies with respect to employees accused of committing an act which may be in violation of the law.

Alleged Violations of the Law 
When an employee is alleged to have violated the law, the University's action, if any, will vary depending upon the individual circumstances of the case.

• The appropriate authorities may be notified.

• Referral for appropriate medical treatment or to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) may be made.

• Suspension, generally without pay, may result.

Whenever an employee is charged by public authorities with a serious violation, on or off campus, or whenever a supervisor wants to report a violation to public authorities, the supervisor must consult with the director of Human Resources and the director of Public Safety. The director of Human Resources may consult legal counsel and will then provide guidance with respect to the action required. A serious violation is defined as:

• Any felony offense.

• Any misdemeanor offense which involves use or intended use of force against another person, or theft of personal or University property.

If an employee is arrested and charged with a violation of the law, the employee's department, in conjunction with the director of Human Resources, will determine what action should be taken pending legal disposition of the charges. The nature of the alleged violation(s), the interests of RIT, and those of the accused employee will be taken into account when making this decision.

Responsible Office:
Department of Human Resources

Effective Date:
Personnel Policy 6.06 issued June 1, 1986 

Policy History:
Revised July 1, 1988 
Edited July 2008 (department name change)
Edited October 2010