Administrative Policies

University Policy Number 2217

Subject: Wage Employment (Non-Student)

Responsible Parties: Human Resources and Payroll, Office of Sponsored Programs, Director, Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, and Activity Heads

Procedures: N/A

Related University Policies: Administrative Policy 2201 – Direct Deposit of Employee Pay http://www.gmu.edu/facstaff/policy/newpolicy/2201.html;

Administrative Policy 2205 – Staff and Faculty Recording and Submitting Hours Worked and/or Leave Taken http://www.gmu.edu/facstaff/policy/new policy/2205adm.html

Administrative Policy 2222 – Student Wage Employment
http://www.gmu.edu/facstaff/policy/new policy/2222adm.html


I. SCOPE

This administrative policy applies to all non-student individuals employed by George Mason University in an hourly capacity (“wage employees”). The employee’s primary relationship with George Mason University is to provide a service in exchange for wages.

II. POLICY STATEMENT

The Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) authorizes State agencies to hire employees in a wage capacity to meet continued or temporary work requirements. DHRM Policy No. 2.20 governs the terms and conditions of employment for wage employees. Wage employees may be eligible for certain employee benefits such as the employee tuition waiver.

Wage employees will be managed with the same care and consideration afforded all employees. Similarly, wage employees are expected to meet the same standards of conduct and performance expected of all employees.

Wage employees are not covered by the Virginia Personnel Act.
They serve at the will and pleasure of the appointing authority, may be terminated without cause from employment at any time, and have no guarantee of employment for a particular term. Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory conduct and performance, the appropriation and availability of funds and the continued need for the accomplishment of the assigned work. All wage employees are limited to 1500 hours of work in a 365 consecutive day period commencing from the date of hire.

In the implementation of the university’s employment policy, no employee shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin, marital or veteran status, or sexual orientation.

a. Hours of Work
Work time is reported via electronic timesheet and should be completed at the end of each work shift. Wage employees must be paid for all work performed.

b. Overtime
The Department of Labor requires that non-exempt employees be paid overtime at the rate of one and one-half times the regular rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 in one week. All wage employees are paid on an hourly basis and are therefore non-exempt. Employees must be paid for all work performed.

c. Breaks and Meal Periods
The state Department of Human Resource Management policy 1.25 states employees are entitled to a one-half hour unpaid meal break when working 6 or more consecutive hours. This policy applies to all wage employees.

d. Benefits
Non-student wage employees are eligible for certain employee funded retirement contributions and insurance benefits. Information is available at http://hr.gmu.edu. Non-student wage employees do not accrue vacation or sick leave. Unpaid time off may be approved by the supervisor.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES

A. The Assistant Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Coordinates the development of policies and procedures and oversees the program for employing and managing wage employees.

B. Payroll Director

Administers the payroll and web time entry for wage employees.

C. Office of Sponsored Programs

Reviews wage employment requests for sponsored programs’ positions. Verifies the availability of funds and compliance with grants and takes appropriate action where indicated.

D. Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors and Activity Heads

Certify the need for work to be performed, the availability of funds and eligibility to work in this category. Approve requests for wage employment.

IV. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPROVAL

This policy is effective June 10, 2004, and was revised on May 8, 2006. This policy shall be reviewed and revised, if necessary, annually to become effective at the beginning of the university’s fiscal year, unless otherwise noted.

Approved:

_______________________
Maurice W. Scherrens
Senior Vice President

________________________
Peter N. Stearns
Provost

Date approved: May 8, 2006