UMUC Policies

Policy 410.10 - Teleworking: Policy and Practices

	This	Replaces
File:	410.10	new
Date:	05/16/00	new

SUBJECT: Teleworking: Policy and Practices

I. AUTHORITY

This policy implements the State of Maryland Teleworking Program.

II. POLICY

The policy of University of Maryland University College ("UMUC") is to recognize Teleworking as an alternate work place assignment for UMUC staff and faculty in appropriate circumstances and in accordance with the practices listed in this document. Teleworking at UMUC enables staff or faculty to work at home or at an alternate work site during some or all of the performance of their employment. Teleworking refers to the location of and conditions relating to an alternate work place assignment and not to a separate category of employment at UMUC. All policies governing the employee's employment category (nonexempt, exempt, faculty) shall continue to apply throughout the teleworking assignment.

While it is anticipated that a Teleworking assignment will benefit the Teleworking staff or faculty, the assignment and the continuation of an assignment is at the discretion of UMUC and will be reviewed periodically.

III. POLICY PARAMETERS

This Policy applies to an assignment to a Teleworking location and does not apply to employees who occasionally, with the approval of their direct supervisor, work away from their official duty station. Examples of occasional arrangements include weather conditions that prevent an employee from traveling to work, or when an employee wants to work at home to complete a special report.

IV. PRACTICES

UMUC staff or faculty interested in being assigned to Teleworking should make the request of his/her direct supervisor. The appropriate Senior Vice President will have the responsibility for approving such requests or delegating approval in accordance with and subject to a Teleworking plan established for the offices, departments and divisions under his/her supervision. UMUC may assign certain positions as Teleworking positions upon approval by the Senior Vice President. The Office of Human Resources will issue a letter outlining the specific requirements of the Teleworking assignment. The requirements of the assignment are in addition to any other requirements of employment by UMUC. The matters addressed below are the practices generally applicable to a Teleworking assignment and may be altered in connection with a Teleworking assignment with the approval of the appropriate Senior Vice President and as stated in the Teleworking assignment letter.

V. WORK SPACE

The Teleworker at his/her cost must provide a dedicated workspace at the Telework location. The workspace must meet UMUC guidelines, as established from time to time. The workspace should be free of hazards to the Teleworker. If the Teleworker is injured while working in the dedicated workspace, he/she must immediately inform his direct supervisor.

VI. EQUIPMENT

The Teleworker, at his/her cost, must provide, repair and maintain in good working order all computer hardware and software and other equipment (e.g., dedicated telephone line, fax machine) needed for the performance of his/her employment. The equipment the Teleworker is required to provide will be identified in the assignment letter.

VII. REGULAR WORK HOURS

The Teleworker and his/her direct supervisor will determine the Teleworker's regular work hours and his/her accessibility with other UMUC staff or faculty. Teleworking is not a substitution for availability during regular UMUC hours or interaction among UMUC colleagues. Work hour and accessibility requirements will be addressed in the assignment letter. The Teleworker must fill in UMUC time sheets and submit them to his direct supervisor to be signed and forwarded to the Office of Human Resources within the deadlines established for all UMUC employees.

VII. COMPLIANCE WITH POLICIES

The Teleworker must comply with all UMUC and University System of Maryland Policies which apply at the Teleworking site as if the Teleworker was at the primary work site.

VIII. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES

A Teleworking assignment does not, in itself, include reimbursements by UMUC for any cost incurred by the Teleworker. A Teleworker may claim reimbursement for expenses in accordance with and subject to USM and UMUC Policies dealing with reimbursement.

IX. LIABILITY

The Teleworker is liable for property damages and injuries to third persons at the Teleworking site. By accepting a Teleworking assignment, the Teleworker agrees to indemnify and hold UMUC and all or any of its representatives harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, judgments, liabilities, expenses, losses or costs (including as examples, cost of suit and attorneys' fees) resulting or arising from or in connection with any injury and damage (including death) to any person or property, caused directly or indirectly by the Teleworker's willful misconduct, negligent actions or performance of the Teleworker's duties and obligations, except where liability arises solely from negligence and misconduct of UMUC.

X. TERM

The term of a Teleworking assignment will be for one year, unless extended after review and approval by the appropriate Senior Vice President, in accordance with this Policy, or ended sooner at the discretion of UMUC.