University Employment Policy and the Personnel Manual

Harvard University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with applicable federal and state laws and local ordinances, the University does not discriminate in the terms and conditions of employment of employee or applicants based on race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, disability unrelated to job requirements, genetic information or any other legally prohibited basis.

The policies and procedures in this manual generally apply to non-teaching exempt staff, and overtime eligible non-bargaining unit staff, (collectively designated "employees") of the University. The policies and procedures in this manual do not apply to Less Than Half- time (LHT) employees unless specifically stated otherwise (please see Section 3-3, B for a description of LHT employment).

Questions about the contents and use of the manual should be addressed first to the local school or department human resources office, or, as necessary, to the appropriate department of Harvard Human Resources. The principal function of the manual is to serve as a reference for human resource professionals, department heads and supervisors concerned with the administration of personnel policies, and employees holding positions classified as exempt or non-exempt, non-bargaining unit. University employees can access the Manual on hr.harvard.edu/staff-personnel-manual.

Harvard University has a strong commitment to affirmative action and to a diverse work force, and managers and supervisors share responsibility for achieving the objectives of the University's affirmative action policy and program. As part of the job performance evaluation and appraisal process for those staff members with responsibility for managing and hiring, good faith efforts in all aspects of affirmative action, including efforts to achieve hiring goals, will be considered along with job performance in other areas.

The Affirmative Action Office, reporting to the President, monitors the University's affirmative action efforts and assists in establishing and maintaining the University's Affirmative Action Plan. For more information about the plan please contact the local human resources office or the Affirmative Action office. The University Disability Services office monitors the University's compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure fair and equitable treatment of staff members and applicants with disabilities. Any employee who feels that s/he has been discriminated against is encouraged to seek assistance through the informal or formal dispute resolution process discussed in Section 2-1.

Last updated: 12/06/2013