Honoring Employees Policy

I. Scope

This policy applies to all university employees.

II. Policy Statement

IWU provides employees with university-funded celebrations and recognitions when the employees has met certain eligibility requirements.

III. Reason for the Policy

This policy exists because Indiana Wesleyan University appreciates the significant contributions of its employees, and wants to celebrate with them when they achieve certain personal and professional milestones. Additionally, the University wants to honor employees equally and consistently, while maintaining good stewardship of University resources.

IV. Procedures

A. Receptions For Employees Who Voluntarily Depart From IWU

1. Receptions may be provided to those departing employees who have completed at least five (5) years of service to the University. Informal celebrations may be held for individuals with less than five years of service, but University funds may not be used for this. Any exception to this must be approved by either the University President or the President’s Executive Council as a whole.

2. Receptions are to be covered by University funds from the appropriate unit or departmental budgets, and generally should consist of a cake and punch reception. 

• For Faculty, the office of the particular unit (Residential Education, Non-Residential Education, or Wesley Seminary) may host a reception for all faculty individuals retiring at the end of the year and invite everyone from their area (faculty, administration, alumni). The costs may be covered by University funds from that particular area budget.

• For Administration/Staff, the unit or departmental leader may host a reception, with the costs covered by University funds from the appropriate department’s budget.

3. The same type of reception should be used for all employees whether faculty, staff or administration.  If the departing employee is a faculty member, planning may be done through the office of the University Provost. If the departing employee is an administrator or staff member, planning may be done through the employee’s unit or department.

4. Individual divisions or departments may have a personal celebration with peers, such as a department carry-in. This would be coordinated by the supervisor or designee and provided by peers. The costs for this may not be covered by University funds.

1. No University funds shall be provided or utilized for internal transfer celebrations. Individual divisions or departments may have a personal celebration with peers, such as a department carry-in. This would be coordinated by the supervisor or designee and provided by peers, and the event cannot be held during normal working hours.

2. Peers within the division/department may also choose to donate toward a gift (not utilizing University funds). Individual gift donations must remain anonymous within the department. These gifts are not to be reimbursed by the University.

C. Other Informal Celebrations

In addition, informal celebrations for a variety of reasons are allowed and encouraged. However, University funds cannot be used in these situations. Approval is needed from the Vice President of that area for informal celebrations.

D. Honorariums

Peers within the division/department may also choose to donate toward a gift (not utilizing University funds).  Individual gift donations must remain anonymous within the department. These gifts are not to be reimbursed by the University.

E. Other Awards / Accomplishments / Honors

1. The University wishes to celebrate with individuals on their accomplishments and honors. Examples of accomplishments that should be recognized include (but are not limited to):

• Book signing

• Completion of a terminal degree

• Scholarships/Grants

• Other prestigious award or accomplishment

2. Unit or departmental leaders are responsible for coordinating tribute to an individual in one’s area.  A small reception may be given among peers for the individual being honored (at University expense).  Also, a small gift, such as flowers or a gift bag (not to exceed $50), may be purchased at University expense with written approval by the appropriate Executive Council member.