The personnel policies contained in this Handbook have been formulated to provide for fair, efficient and consistent administration of the personnel management program of Chapman University. Portions of this handbook which apply to faculty are duplicated in the Faculty Handbook which is the responsibility of the Provost and the Dean of Faculty.

The policies contained in this handbook are to be implemented by all supervisory employees of Chapman University and should be promulgated to employees on a regular basis upon notification from the Department of Human Resources of specific changes. This handbook is the property of Chapman University and must be surrendered upon request.

l.6.2 The Handbook

This handbook describes policy and, in many areas, procedures. Policy statements establish general guidelines for action, and procedures state the methods which will be used to implement the policy.

While this is intended to be thorough, it may not cover every possible question or situation that may arise. These policies and procedures will be interpreted by Chapman University as they apply to individual instances, and Chapman University's interpretation as ultimately determined by the President shall be binding and final. With the exception of the Employment at Will policy set forth in Section l.6.3, which can be changed only by formal action of the Board of Trustees, the policies and procedures contained herein are subject to change from time to time. Any such changes are binding on each covered employee when, and as, changed. The Administration of Chapman University therefore reserves the right to revise, modify, extend, or eliminate any policies or procedures contained herein (other than the Employment at Will policy) without prior notice. Such action shall be taken only by the Department of Human Resources and the Vice President for Finance/Administration with the approval of the President. No other officer, department head or other employee of Chapman University has the right or the authority to change the terms of this handbook or to enter into any agreement which is contrary to the policies and terms of this handbook; any such agreement must be in writing and signed by both the President and the affected employee. Employees will be notified of future approved changes as they are made.

1.6.3 Employment at Will

The State of California is an "employment at will" state. Therefore, subject to the provisions of any individual written employment contract, each employee of Chapman University is considered to be employed "at the will" of Chapman University and the individual employee. Just as an employee has the right to quit employment with Chapman University at any time, for any or no reason, Chapman University retains the right to terminate the employment of its employees at any time, for any or no reason, so long as the reason is not otherwise prohibited by statute.

l.6.4 Non-Contractual Obligations

This handbook is not a contract and does not give rise to contractual obligations.

1.6.5 Official Handbook

This handbook supersedes all previously published staff and administrator handbooks, policies and procedures, and eliminates all College Operating letters which are hereby incorporated into this Handbook.
 

Employee input to the handbook should be brought to the attention of the Director of Human Resources prior to the beginning of each academic year.

1.6.7 Employee Obligation

All employees are required to be familiar with and abide by the policies, regulations and procedures contained in this Handbook as a condition of their employment with the University unless otherwise provided in writing by an authorized University official. An official copy of the Handbook is provided to each Chapman University supervisor. In addition, copies for review are available in the Chapman University Library and the Department of Human Resources.