II. Getting Started

Adjusting to a New Situation

Meeting new people, starting a new job, and adjusting to an unfamiliar work environment may seem overwhelming. It is natural that things may appear a little confusing at first.

To help you settle in, request an opportunity to be shown around the university. In addition to meeting new co-workers, you will get a feel for the atmosphere and pace of work. Don't hesitate to ask questions; even the most helpful supervisor and co-workers will not remember to tell you everything you need to know.

Dress/Attire

Although the university does not have a standard dress code, it is expected that you will use good judgment and taste in the choice of attire worn during work hours. It is recognized that certain activities or functions may have a direct bearing on the attire to be worn and, where necessary, the form of attire may be directed by your supervisor. The university may require employees in designated departments to wear uniforms.

Traffic & Parking Regulations

Automobiles, motorcycles, motor scooters and other motorized vehicles used on campus by all employees, including part-time employees, must be registered with University Police and Safety. You are required to pay an annual or semester fee to obtain a parking permit. Upon payment of the appropriate fee, you will have the authority to use faculty/staff parking areas. If you have been temporarily disabled due to surgery or other medical problems you may obtain a temporary disabled permit through the state from your doctor.

You are responsible for knowing and observing all the rules and regulations concerning operating vehicles, parking, registering vehicles, and paying fees. Information concerning parking and traffic regulations is available through the University Police and Safety: Parking Services, Campus Support Complex. Phone: (239) 590-1912. Monday thru Friday – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Loyalty Oath

As a condition of employment, you are required to sign the State of Florida Loyalty Oath. No employee will be paid until the oath is signed.

Immigration Reform and Control Act

The university is committed to recruiting and employing a diverse workforce. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended, requires employees to present proof of identification and eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to submit original documents in conjunction with completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) form on or before the first day of employment.

If you are issued a visa that authorizes you to work in the United States, it is your responsibility to notify Human Resources of any changes to your visa status. Failure to comply with employment eligibility requirements will mean you are not permitted to continue to work.

Selective Service Registration

Florida Statute Chapter 110.1128 requires men between the ages of 18 and 26 to register with the Military Selective Service System. Proof of registration is required prior to being considered for employment or promotion in an authorized position.

Veterans' Preference

Preference in appointment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans who claim veterans' preference at the time of application for University Support Personnel System (USPS) position vacancies.

Orientation of New Employees

Your orientation as a new Florida Gulf Coast University employee is critical to your understanding of the mission of the university and the State University System. Human Resources periodically conducts new employee orientation and you are encouraged to attend. Human Resources is available to answers any individual questions you may have.

You should also meet with your supervisor to discuss policies and procedures that will be important for you to be aware of as a new member within your department.

Employee Identification Cards

A picture identification card is issued at no cost to employees who have completed the payroll sign-on process. The card may be obtained in the Office of the Dean of Students in the Student Union during normal hours of operation. You should keep your card with you at all times. It entitles you to use the library facilities, and may be used for discounts at the University Bookstore.

Telephone Directory

A university telephone directory is published containing main department numbers and faculty/staff office phone numbers. The directory also includes instructions for the use of SUNCOM Network calls and the Octel voice mail system. You should refer to these instructions to activate your personal voice message features. The directory is also located on the Intranet at http://admin.fgcu.edu:2000/. You will find this to be a convenient reference tool and we recommend you "bookmark" this location.

Telephone Usage

The SUNCOM Network allows you to make long distance telephone calls within the continental United States at reduced cost. SUNCOM should be used only for university business transactions; personal long distance calls, collect calls, and telegrams are prohibited. Please refer to the Telephone Directory for SUNCOM usage instructions.

Your telephone is equipped with a voice messaging system which gives you the ability to communicate effectively from any touch-tone phone 24 hours a day.

Your personal demeanor is extremely important when using the telephone. You can help build and maintain an image that reflects our willingness and desire to be cooperative. Answer the phone promptly and with proper identification. Be as helpful as possible, maximize use of your voice mail system, and when necessary arrange to have your calls covered if you must be away from your desk. Make your telephone work for you and the university.

Key and Lock Shop

The Physical Plant Key and Lock Shop when authorized by the dean or director responsible for that area issue keys for offices and other areas. You are personally responsible for keys issued to you. Keys must be returned to Physical Plant when they are no longer needed, or upon your termination of employment. All key requests should be submitted to the Key and Lock Shop using the Key Request Form.

Working Hours

Your working hours depend on the type of job you are doing. Most employees work 40 hours per week and eight hours per day. The official workweek begins at 12 a.m.Sunday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Saturday. Due to the nature of various university activities, schedules for workdays and lunch periods vary.

Your supervisor will explain the schedule for your job. You are expected to be at your job on time and remain during the established hours. If you are unable to report to work, notify your supervisor as soon as possible.

If you are employed in a USPS position, you should not begin work before the established starting time nor work after the established quitting time unless it is specifically required and/or authorized in advance by your supervisor. Additionally, you should not take work home to be completed after hours.

Falsification of attendance and leave records may be grounds for your dismissal.

Meal Breaks

The time you take for a meal break is not counted as hours worked and you should leave your work area during meal breaks. The time scheduled for your meal break may vary depending on the needs of your work unit and your established work schedule. For example, employees who work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. are permitted one hour for lunch.

Work Breaks

You may be allowed up to a 15-minute work break during the first half of your workday and another 15-minute work break during the second half of your workday. Work breaks are a privilege granted at the discretion of the supervisor or department head, but should not be unreasonably denied. Work breaks cannot be accumulated or used to compensate for late arrival or early departure from work. Work breaks are not recorded on the Attendance and Leave Report.