Policy and Forms
UNC Asheville Policy and Forms
This page serves as a centralized resource for employment-related policies, forms, and guidance at UNC Asheville. These policies support fair, consistent practices and ensure compliance with university, state, and UNC System standards. For a complete list and full text of university policies, visit UNCA Policies + Compliance, the central repository for UNC Asheville campus-wide policies.
Policies are organized by topic and employee group to help employees, supervisors, and campus partners quickly find relevant information. Each entry includes a brief overview and links to related procedures or forms.
For questions or assistance interpreting a policy, contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@unca.edu or 828-251-6605.
Policy Updates and Revisions
The Office of Human Resources is currently reviewing and updating existing policies to ensure they are clear, current, and aligned with university practices and applicable regulations.
Policies are drafted, reviewed, and approved in accordance with UNC System standards and UNC Asheville governance. All policy revisions going forward will be posted with effective dates and periodic updates will be communicated. Employees are encouraged to review relevant policies regularly and contact the Office of Human Resources if clarification or assistance is needed.
Policy Interpretation and Conflicts
In cases where UNC Asheville policy language differs from UNC System or state policy, the governing authority resides with the State or UNC System policy unless explicitly noted otherwise in official campus documentation.
Policies by Topic
Adverse Weather and Emergency Event(s) Policies
Guidance on University operational conditions, reporting expectations, and leave or timekeeping during weather or emergency events.
Emergency Contacts and Wellness Checks
Information about updating emergency contact information and the University’s process for conducting wellness checks when health or safety concerns arise.
To apply or workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Assistant Vice Chancellor Heather L. Lindkvist in the Office for Institutional Integrity & Access to begin the interactive process. You may email her at oiia@unca.edu, call (828) 232-5658, or stop by Highsmith Union 116.
Information on employee compensation practices, including salary schedules, position compensation guidelines, and policies related to overtime and compensatory time.
- Conflict of Interest and Commitment Policy
- Conflict of Interest on Federally Sponsored Projects-Sponsored by Public Health Services
- External Professional Activities for Pay by Faculty and EHRA Non-Faculty (Staff) Employees (UNC 300.2.2.1[R])
- External Professional Activities for Pay and Honoraria by Senior Academic and Administrative Officers (SAAOs) (UNC 300.2.2.2[R])
- Free Speech and Free Expression Within the University of North Carolina (UNC 1300.8)
- Illegal Drugs
- Improper Relationships between Students and Employees
- Incidental Personal Use of Electronic Resources
- Nepotism
- Political Activities of Employees (UNC 300.5.1)
- Reporting and Investigating Misuse of State Property
- Reporting Improper Government Activities
- Reporting of Criminal Convictions/Felony Charges for Currently Employed Faculty and Staff (Background Check Policy, self-disclosure requirement)
- Sexual Harassment
- Sexual Misconduct and Interpersonal Violence
- Unlawful Workplace Harassment
- Workplace Violence Prevention and Response
Credible service is prior employment that may be recognized for purposes such as leave accrual, longevity, or retirement benefits. Review the policy linked below to understand what types of previous service may qualify, how it is verified, and how it applies to your employment at the University.
For information regarding the University’s Code of Conduct, conflict of interest guidelines, and disciplinary processes, please visit the Employee Grievances page. There you will find guidance on workplace expectations, applicable policies, and available processes for addressing concerns.
Information about academic assistance and tuition waiver benefits available to employees, including eligibility, reimbursement guidelines, and application procedures.
For more detailed information review the content on the Work/Life Programs page under On-Campus Benefits.
Hiring Procedures and Postings
Guidance on the University’s hiring process, including recruitment procedures, job postings, and required steps for filling positions both permanent (SHRA and EHRA) and Temporary.
Position Classification and Reclassification
Information about how positions are classified, reviewed, and reclassified to ensure roles align with University job classifications and responsibilities.
- Classification and Compensation
- Position Classification
- Creating a New Position
- Filling a Vacant Position
- Reclassification and Change Requests
External Professional Activities for Pay
Employees must disclose certain external activities that may create a potential conflict of interest or commitment, including external professional activities for pay and situations involving nepotism. This form is used to report such activities so they can be reviewed by the appropriate supervisor and, when necessary, a management plan can be developed to ensure compliance with University and state requirements. The information collected is maintained as a confidential personnel record in accordance with North Carolina law. Use the link below to access the disclosure form and instructions.
Secondary Employment
SHRA employees who work full-time at the University must ensure that their primary employment responsibilities remain their first priority. Before engaging in any secondary employment, employees must obtain approval from their supervisor and division head to confirm that the outside work does not create a conflict of interest or negatively impact their ability to perform their university duties. Approval may be withdrawn if the secondary employment is found to interfere with the employee’s responsibilities or create a conflict with their role at the University. Review the document below for full guidance and requirements related to secondary employment.
Supplemental Assignment Authorization
Supplemental assignments are additional duties performed outside an employee’s primary job responsibilities, often with extra pay. Employees must complete the form below and obtain prior approval to ensure the work does not conflict with their primary role or interfere with job performance. Payment for supplemental work will only be processed once the completed form is submitted and approved.
- Informal and formal grievance procedures.
- Performance management and corrective action guidance.
- Resources for conflict resolution and support.
UNC Asheville offers a variety of financial wellness resources to support employees’ financial well-being. On-campus resources include certified financial planners, retirement plan guidance, confidential counseling, and emergency loan programs, while off-campus partners provide additional retirement planning, banking, and advisory services. These resources are designed to help employees plan, manage, and respond to financial needs.
Flexible work agreements help employees balance professional responsibilities with personal and family needs. Visit our Work/Life Programs page to learn about eligibility, available options, and guidance for requesting and managing flexible work arrangements.
The University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Visit the Workers’ Compensation page for guidance on workplace safety requirements and information on how to report work-related injuries or illnesses.
Payroll Resources
The Payroll Department provides guidance and resources on payroll processes, including pay schedules, timesheets, leave reporting, overtime, and related procedures. Visit their website for tutorials, examples, and deadlines for submitting and approving timesheets and leave reports.
Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. The forms below help employees understand their rights, determine eligibility, and provide the necessary documentation to request and manage FMLA leave. For additional information, the Employee Leave Programs page can be a resource.
For employees, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects pregnant employees from discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Further protections are provided under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and UNC Asheville’s Lactation Support Policy.
To request workplace adjustments for pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, or parenting, contact the Office for Institutional Integrity and Access at oiia@unca.edu or (828) 232-5658.
To request protected medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), contact the UNC System Benefits Office.
Employees may also be eligible for reasonable workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) through the Office for Institutional Integrity and Access.
Guidance on performance management schedules, evaluations, and corrective action procedures for SHRA and EHRA permanent employees, along with learning and development opportunities to support professional growth, skill development, and career advancement.
Whether you are planning a resignation, retirement, or another type of employment separation, it’s important to understand your responsibilities and the available resources. Visit our Employee Separations page for guidance on the process, required forms, and next steps to ensure a smooth transition.
UNC System and State Policies
In addition to UNC Asheville policies, employees are bound by broader standards established by the UNC System and the State of North Carolina. These include:
UNC System Policy Manual
The UNC Policy Manual and Code is maintained by the Board of Governors, which establishes governance and policy requirements for all UNC institutions, including UNC Asheville. The Code incorporates applicable provisions of the North Carolina Constitution and General Statutes, along with Board of Governors bylaws and other high-level policies.
Office of State Human Resources (OSHR)
State HR policies affect wages, compensation, leave, worker safety, and employee records for state-classified and UNC System employees.
Equal Opportunity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Systemwide policies on equality of opportunity, nondiscrimination, reasonable accommodation, and harassment prevention apply to all UNC Asheville employees.
EHRA Employee Policies
These apply to academic professionals, and other EHRA non-faculty positions. Topics include appointment terms, educational assistance, performance expectations, conduct, and retirement disclosures.
- 300.1.1 Senior Academic and Administrative Officers (SAAO) (UNC)
- 300.2.1 Employees Exempt from the State Human Resources Act (Instructional, Research & Information Technology) (UNC)
- Background Check Policy
- External Professional Activities for Pay by Faculty and EHRA Non-Faculty (Staff) Employees (UNC 300.2.2.1[R])
- External Professional Activities for Pay and Honoraria by Senior Academic and Administrative Officers (SAAOs) (UNC 300.2.2.2[R])
- Nepotism Policy
- Recruitment and Selection, EHRA Staff
- Regulation on Recruitment of Employees from Other Campuses Within the University of North Carolina 300.2.7[R]
- Regulations Governing Fraudulent Job Applications (UNC 300.2.3[R])
- Separation and Retreat Policy for Senior Academic & Administrative Officers (SAAOs)
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Direct Deposit of Pay
- Expectations for Exempt Employees
- Leah Karpen Emergency Loan Fund
- Non-Salary and Deferred Compensation
- Recruitment of Employees from Other Campuses Within The University of North Carolina (UNC 300.2.7[R])
- Supplemental Pay
- Minimum Salary Requirements:
- All EHRA and SHRA positions, both part-time and full-time, are subject to certain minimum salary requirements.
- The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) imposes a salary minimum for exempt employees (e.g., those who are salaried and not subject to overtime compensation) of $35,568 regardless of work schedule, both for permanent and temporary employees. Only salary paid directly through UNC Asheville’s Payroll System may be counted toward meeting this limit.
- In addition, the state of North Carolina requires a minimum salary requirement of $31,200 on an annualized basis. However, unlike the FLSA minimum, this $31,200 salary minimum is adjusted to take into account employee work schedule (i.e., less than 1.0 FTE and/or less than 12 months/year), and does not apply to temporary appointments.
- Workplace Accommodations: To apply or workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Assistant Vice Chancellor Heather L. Lindkvist in the Office for Institutional Integrity & Access to begin the interactive process. You may email her at oiia@unca.edu, call (828) 232-5658, or stop by Highsmith Union 116.
- Drug-Free Schools and Communities Notification –2021-2022
- Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Policy
- Illegal Drugs Policy
- Improper Relationships between Students and Employees
- Political Activities of Employees
- Protection for Reporting Improper Government Activities
- Review Procedures for EHRA Non-Faculty Employees
- EHRA Grievances Form and Process
- Note: Grievances must be received by Office of Human Resources within 15 calendar days of the occurence(s)/your knowledge of the occurence(s) being grieved.
- Sexual Harassment Policy
- Sexual Misconduct and Interpersonal Violence
- Smoking on Campus
- Unlawful Workplace Harassment
- Workplace Violence Prevention and Response
Leave provisions for EHRA Non-Faculty Employees (Staff) are established in UNC Policy 300.1.1 for SAAOs and UNC Policy 300.2.1 for Instructional, Research, and Information Technology (IRIT, also referred to as IRPS).
- UNC System’s Adverse Weather and Emergency Events Policy
- UNC Regulation on Condition Levels (300.2.19[R]
- Annual Leave Summary – SAAO Tier I
- Annual Leave Summary – SAAO Tier II and IRIT/IRPS
- Civil Leave (jury duty or subpoenas for court appearances)*
- Community Service Leave*
- Community Service Leave – Literacy, Tutoring and Mentoring Option*
- Expectations for Exempt Employees
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act-Leave Provisions [UNC Regulation 300.2.15]
- Family and Medical Leave*
- Family Military Caregiver / Qualifying Exigency Leave Policy*
- Family Illness Leave*
- Holidays
- Leave Without Pay** (see below)
- Military Leave*
- Other Management Approved Leave*
- Paid Parental Leave
- Pandemic and Communicable Disease Policy
- Personal Observance Leave Policy
- Sick Leave*
- Special Bonus Leave (FY 2017-2018)*
- Voluntary Shared Leave***
- Workers’ Compensation Leave
- *General Leave Benefits: EHRA staff are entitled to the same state-prescribed sick leave, family and medical leave, family illness leave, civil leave, military leave, community service leave, and special legislative bonus leave given to employees subject to the State Personnel Act. However, with respect to sick leave, a Senior Officer may be advanced the amount of sick leave that can be accrued during the remainder of the year or during a twelve-month period.
- **Leave of Absence Without Pay (provisions from UNC Policies 300.1.1 and 300.2.1):
- EHRA SAAO Tier I staff may request a leave of absence without pay, subject to approval by the UNC President, who shall report all such arrangements to the Board of Governors. A leave of absence for a period exceeding 90 days requires approval of the Board of Governors.
- EHRA SAAO Tier II, Instructional, Research, and Information Technology staff may request a leave of absence without pay, subject to approval of such leave by the Chancellor.
- **Voluntary Shared Leave: EHRA staff shall be entitled to the same state-prescribed provisions concerning shared leave as given to employees subject to the State Human Resources Act with the exception that the donation and acceptance of such leave is calculated on the basis of days rather than hours.
SHRA Employee Policies
Designed especially for staff subject to the State Human Resources Act, SHRA policies cover compensation, leave accruals, performance management, job reclassification, credible service, and disciplinary procedures.
- Career Banding Salary Administration
- Compensatory Time and Overtime Policy for FLSA Nonexempt Employees
- Compensatory Time Policy for SHRA Exempt Employees
- Expectations for Exempt Employees
- General Pay Policies
- Holidays & Holiday Pay
- Hours of Work and Overtime Compensation
- Leah Karpen Emergency Loan Fund
- Longevity Pay
- On-Call and Emergency Callback Pay
- Note: UNC Asheville currently pays $3 per hour for employees in skilled trades, or the employee earns compensatory time in lieu of monetary compensation.
- Shift Premium Pay
- Minimum Salary Requirements:
- All EHRA and SHRA positions, both part-time and full-time, are subject to certain minimum salary requirements.
- The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) imposes a salary minimum for exempt employees (e.g., those who are salaried and not subject to overtime compensation) of $35,568 regardless of work schedule, both for permanent and temporary employees. Only salary paid directly through UNC Asheville’s Payroll System may be counted toward meeting this limit.
- In addition, the state of North Carolina requires a minimum salary requirement of $31,200 on an annualized basis. However, unlike the FLSA minimum, this $31,200 salary minimum is adjusted to take into account employee work schedule (i.e., less than 1.0 FTE and/or less than 12 months/year), and does not apply to temporary appointments.
- Workplace Accommodations: To apply or workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Assistant Vice Chancellor Heather L. Lindkvist in the Office for Institutional Integrity & Access to begin the interactive process. You may email her at oiia@unca.edu, call (828) 232-5658, or stop by Highsmith Union 116.
- Disciplinary Action Policy
- Drug-Free Schools and Communities Notification –2021-2022
- Employee Grievance Policy-SHRA
- SHRA Staff Initial Grievance Form
- Note: Grievances must be received by the Office of Human Resources within 15 calendar days of the event(s) your knowledge of the event(s) being grieved).
- Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Policy
- Illegal Drugs Policy
- Improper Relationships between Students and Employees
- Limitation of Political Activity
- Protection for Reporting Improper Government Activities
- Reporting and Investigating Misuse of State Property
- Reporting of Criminal Convictions/Felony Charges for Currently Employed Faculty and Staff (Background Check Policy, self-disclosure requirement)
- Sexual Harassment Policy
- Sexual Misconduct and Interpersonal Violence Policy
- Smoking on Campus
- Unlawful Workplace Harassment
- Workplace Violence Prevention and Response
- Adverse Weather and Emergency Event Policy
- Civil Leave (jury duty or subpoenas for court appearances)
- Community Service Leave
- Community Service Leave – Literacy, Tutoring and Mentoring Option
- Compensatory Time and Overtime for SHRA Employees – FLSA Nonexempt
- Compensatory Time Policy for SHRA Employees – FLSA Exempt
- Educational Leave
- Expectations for Exempt Employees
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act-Leave Provisions [UNC Regulation 300.2.15]
- Family and Medical Leave
- Family Military Caregiver / Qualifying Exigency Leave Policy
- Family Illness Leave
- Holidays
- Leave Offsetting
- Leave Without Pay
- Military Leave
- Other Management Approved Leave
- Paid Parental Leave
- Pandemic and Communicable Disease Policy
- Personal Observance Leave Policy
- Sick Leave
- Special Bonus Leave: FY 2017-2018
- Vacation Leave
- Voluntary Shared Leave
- Workers’ Compensation