Human Resources Policies

POLICY: Nepotism / Employment of Relatives
Policy Number: HR-46
Effective Date: July 2002
Revisions: June 2002, July 2000
Responsible Officer: Associate Dean, Planning and Operations


PURPOSE:
This policy was established to ensure compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and to preserve and promote non-discrimination regarding hiring, promotion, and employment practices.

I. POLICY:
The College of Medicine regulates the reporting relationships of individuals who are related by blood or marriage in order to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest, influence, or favoritism.

II. ELIGIBILITY:
This policy applies to all College of Medicine employees.

III. DEFINITIONS:
Relative is defined as any of the following including those by virtue of either blood, marriage, or remarriage: spouse, children, parent, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

IV. GUIDELINES:
A. Individuals who are related may be employed by the College of Medicine provided there is no direct reporting relationship between the relatives.

B. It is considered to be an unacceptable reporting relationship when an employee works under the immediate supervision of a relative or in any position for which a relative could participate in the decision to employ, promote, recommend or approve salary adjustments, or terminate employment of that employee.

V. PROCEDURES:
A. The College of Medicine will not allow relatives to be placed or promoted into supervisor/manager reporting relationships.

B. In the case where two employees marry, continuing employment is available for both spouses provided that there is no direct reporting relationship or decision-making influence on conditions of employment. If such a situation occurs, Human Resources should be consulted.

Additional Information: Inquiries regarding this policy can be directed to the Human Resources Department.