Human Resources Policies

The Duke Human Resources Policy Manual offers comprehensive details about Duke’s Human Resources policies, procedures and forms. The policy manual provides supervisors and staff with access to uniform information in order to assure equitable and consistent application of the policies. Duke HR policies are to be approved, published and distributed in designated publications and web locations.

The Human Resources Policy Manual is designed to serve the following needs:

To provide access to pertinent resources necessary for successful employment;
To foster communication and promote understanding between staff and their supervisors;
To provide a review of Duke’s human resource policies, procedures, and benefit programs;
To assist in the development of sound and consistent human resource practices and resources with the Duke community.

Policy Title	Summary	Audience
Reduction-in-Force	Process for a reduction-in-force and rights of affected staff.	Faculty, Staff
Reference and Background Checks	Requirements for reference checks, relevant credentials, and background checks as a condition of employment.	Faculty, Staff
Retention of Search & Selection Records	Records required to be maintained by the hiring department for a period of three years.	Faculty, Staff
Returning to Work from a Work-Related Injury/Illness Policy	Returning to work after an injury or illness covered by workers compensation.	Faculty, Staff
Safety Policy	Responsibilities for ensuring safety of employees and work environment.	Faculty, Staff
Severe Weather & Emergency Conditions Policy	Requirements for staff in performing their duties during severe weather/emergencies.	Faculty, Staff
Sexual Misconduct	Requires any employee (faculty, staff) to notify the Office of Student Conduct with details regarding the allegations if become aware of an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a student. Student Sexual Misconduct Policy prohibits all forms of sex/gender-based harassment, sexual/gender violence, sexual exploitation, relationship violence (domestic violence and dating violence), and stalking.	Faculty, Staff
Sick Leave for University Staff	Eligibility and use of accrued sick leave for both hourly and monthly paid staff.	Faculty, Staff
Standards of Conduct & Performance/Corrective Action Policy	Expectations of employees in performing their daily duties, and process to address conduct and/or performance problems.	Faculty, Staff
Substance Abuse	Required actions for allegations of substance abuse on Duke's premises or related activities.	Faculty, Staff
Survivor's Benefits	Requirements about continued benefit coverage to survivors of currently employed individuals or retired staff.	Faculty, Staff
Taxability of Awards and Gifts Policy	Requirements for when gifts, rewards or awards are be taxable income to an employee per IRS regulations.	Faculty, Staff
Temporary Employment	Process for hiring a temporary worker through Duke Temporary Services or affiliated organization.	Faculty, Staff
Tobacco Use	Duke is a tobacco-free work environment other than designated areas. Student Tobacco Policy: Duke University seeks to preserve a living and working environment supportive of behaviors that contribute to the physical health and well-being of all community members. Use of any tobacco substance is not permitted in any university building, including residence halls and apartments. Note: Effective beginning July 1, 2020, Duke University will become tobacco-free on all property and grounds owned and leased by Duke. Additional information is available via the links listed below.	Faculty, Staff, Students
Transfers and Promotions	Requirements and process for promotions and transfers with Duke. (e.g. eligibility, application process, giving notice)	Faculty, Staff
Travel Documentation	Payment for costs associated with obtaining the necessary visa, permits for international travel.	Faculty, Staff
Treatment of Accrued Time Off When Transferring Between University and Health System	Conversion of time off upon transfer between DUHS and University.	Faculty, Staff
Trial Period	Supervisor requirements for an employee's 90 day trial period.	Faculty, Staff
University Pay Structure & Processes	Guidelines on determining an appropriate level of compensation for university employees.	Faculty, Staff
Use of Computing and Electronic Resources	Requires Duke's computing and electronic resources be used for authorized users and approved purposes.	Faculty, Staff
Vacation for University Staff	Eligibility for vacation time for hourly and monthly university staff.	Faculty, Staff
Vaccinations and Travel Health Review Policy	Vaccinations and health review requirements prior to travel for business.	Faculty, Staff
Volunteer and Unpaid Intern Policy Guidelines	Requirements and guidance for departments in for using volunteers and/or interns in the work place.	Faculty, Staff
Voting Policy	Staff voting outside of regular work hours.	Faculty, Staff
Work-Related Injury/Illness Policy	Report all on-the-job injuries within 24 hours.	Faculty, Staff
Workers Compensation Policy	Compensation and benefits from an injury or illness as a result of on-the-job work.	Faculty, Staff
Workplace Attire Policy	Guidelines for appropriate workplace attire.	Faculty, Staff
Workplace Violence Prevention and Response Policy	Workplace violence and inappropriate actions.	Faculty, Staff
Zero Rate of Pay Employment Status	Eligibility criteria for individuals (faculty or staff) to be included within Duke's HR/Payroll System at zero rate of pay.	Faculty, Staff

Contact Us

Duke Health Integrity Line and Duke Speak Up Program - (800) 826-8109