Pacific University
Tier2-6: Telecommuting

From the handbook: A.6, Work At Home: "Working at home may be possible in some areas of the university. Working at home or telecommuting is an alternative work arrangement agreed upon between the staff member and the supervisor, subject to approval of the department head and the area vice-president. It is a business arrangement and not a benefit or entitlement. In evaluating a work-at-home proposal the needs of the university must take first priority. Positions should be evaluated based on such factors as type of customer service provided, types of tasks performed, task interdependence and the operational needs of the department. Performance criteria to be considered in determining whether or not a telecommuting arrangement is appropriate include, but are not limited to, expertise in job; conscientiousness about work time and productivity; ability to work well alone for long stretches of time; technological skills; limited need for feedback; willingness to ask for feedback if necessary; self-motivation; ability to set priorities and deadlines; ability to adapt to changing routines. A home environment conducive to a work-at-home arrangement is also an important factor. Telecommuting can be an informal, short-time arrangement such as working on a short-term project, during inclement weather or emergency closures. All informal work-at-home arrangements are made on a case by case basis, focusing on the needs of the university first. Formal telecommuting arrangements are initiated by the staff member giving a written proposal to their immediate supervisor detailing the proposed arrangement and how that schedule will meet the requirements of their job description, the impact on the department and the quality of customer service provided. The proposal should also describe how the staff member’s home is conducive to a work-at-home arrangement. The staff member’s supervisor will evaluate the proposal based on the factors listed in this policy above. The department head approves the arrangement and arranges for sign-off by the area vice-president. If approved, a written agreement will be prepared in conjunction with Human Resources. The work-at home arrangement may be withdrawn at any time, if in the supervisor’s view; it is no longer in the best interest of the university to continue."