4.05 Hours of Work

Last Revised: September 8, 2022
Refer Questions to: Human Resources

Scope

This policy applies to staff in all offices and divisions of Gallaudet University unless specifically covered by collective bargaining agreements made between Gallaudet University and certified bargaining agents.

Policy

The hours of work, work schedules, meal breaks and other related work time decisions fall within the University’s discretionary authority except where required by law. Breaks: Meal breaks (i.e. lunch breaks) for non-exempt employees are not paid, so long as the breaks are at least thirty (30) minutes long and the employee is relieved of all job duties during the meal break period and not required to remain in a specific location. Other permitted breaks during the work day of fewer than twenty (20) minutes, or breaks where an employee is not relieved of all job duties, are paid breaks.

Break time for such breaks will, if possible, run concurrently with any break time already provided to the employee, and such breaks will be paid to the extent they would have been paid to take a break for another reason. Supervisors are responsible for establishing or approving work hours and breaks which provide for the effective delivery of services. The official workweek for employee payroll begins at midnight on Monday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

Each department determines the work schedule and hours for employees as necessary for its operation. All employees are expected to work their scheduled and requested number of hours and days, and exempt employees as defined in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are also expected to work any additional hours necessary to perform the job satisfactorily. Non-exempt employees as defined in the FLSA must accurately record all worked time using the record keeping system in place for the University. The time record must accurately reflect any unpaid meal breaks taken during the workday (i.e., such employees should not record unpaid meal break periods as work time when they meet the above standard). Adjustments to the assigned schedule cannot be made without prior approval of the supervisor. The University may, at its discretion, reduce, increase, or change an employee’s work schedule to accommodate workloads, budget constraints, or other circumstances.

Employees who need lactation or breastfeeding breaks and are facing issues with their supervisors are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources for assistance.

Approved by: Gallaudet University Administration