Ohio University approves three policy updates

The Ohio University Executive Staff Policy Committee (ESPC) and OHIO President Lori Stewart Gonzalez have approved three policy updates and placed three policy updates for community review.

President Gonzalez gave final approval to these policy updates on Oct. 26, 2026.

• 40.125: Pre-Employment Background Check and On-Going Duty to Self-Disclose - Ohio University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for students, parents, faculty, staff, volunteers and visitors. Ohio University is also committed to protecting the University’s physical, intellectual and financial resources. This policy seeks to ensure the success of maintaining a safe and secure environment for the campus community while protecting University resources.
• 41.001: Vacation and Winter Break Closure Time - This policy governs vacation leave for all administrative employees. This policy also governs winter beak closure time for all eligible "Fraternal Order of Police," police officers (FOP-Blue) and "Fraternal Order of Police," police lieutenants (FOP-Gold) and administrative employees. Ohio University closes annually from Dec. 24 through Jan. 1 for Winter Break Closure.
• 41.013: Reduction in Force of Administrators - Reductions in force may occur at any time during the year and may be based on lack of funds, lack of work, reorganization, changes in institutional priorities, or efficiency. Decisions shall be made in compliance with all applicable federal and state employment laws.

Policies moved to 30-day review period for community feedback

• Draft of 40.059 - Direct Deposit of Employee Pay - Ohio University is committed to providing a secure and efficient payment method for faculty, staff, students and the University. This policy outlines the University’s guidelines for direct deposit, ensuring individuals receive and access their earnings promptly while eliminating the risk of lost or misplaced checks.
• Draft of 40.063 - Flexible Work Schedule, Flexible Hours, and Flexplace for Employees  - As a matter of work-life balance Ohio University provides flexible work schedules, flexible hours and flexible work location options for employees. 
• Rescission of Policy 91.002 - Computer Services Forms - This policy is intended to ensure reliable functioning of hardware and software, and to ensure timely provision of data entry, test scoring, label printing and other services.

All members of the Ohio University community are invited to provide feedback on policies that are posted for review on the University Policy Management website.

All policies on the University Policy Management website are posted for a 30-day comment period. Individuals wishing to offer feedback are asked to send their comments to policy@ohio.edu and include the name of the policy in the email subject line.

For more information on these and other Ohio University polices, see the University Policy website.