Employment

The Office of General Counsel provides legal assistance on a broad range of employment, benefits and labor law matters that relate to compliance with University policies, as well as state and federal employment laws. The attorneys are also available to provide training or to lead workshops on the legal issues surronding employment policies and laws.

Employment Law FAQ

Where are the basic policies governing employment at Iowa State University found?
What is the University's policy on equal opportunity employment and non-discrimination?
I may need a workplace accommodation due to disability? Who do I contact?
Where do I find out about ISU's policies on employee leaves (such as FMLA)?
How do I report fraudulent or illegal activity?
Am I protected from retaliation?
I have been sued. Will I be represented by the University? What should I do?

Where are the basic policies governing employment at Iowa State University found?

Please refer to the Policy Library for a complete list of policies governing personnel and human relations. Topics include: benefits eligibility, employee records, resignations, terminations, separations, smoke-free campus and drug-free workplace, just to name a few.

What is the University's policy on equal opportunity employment and non-discrimination?

"Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 3410 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515 294-7612, Hotline: 515-294-1222, email eooffice@iastate.edu."

I may need a workplace accommodation due to disability? Who do I contact?

The Employee and Labor Relations Office can assist with individual questions, conflicts and issues that arise in the workplace. For more information, please see University Human Resources' webpage.

Where do I find out about ISU's policies on employee leaves (such as FMLA)?

University Human Resources has compiled information regarding paid and unpaid leave available to employees. For additional resources, contact your department head, or University Human Resources (515) 294-4800.

How do I report fraudulent or illegal activity?

If you suspect fraud...

Do not confront the suspect
Do not investigate the situation yourself

To Report Misconduct:

Iowa State University has implemented the ISU Compliance and Ethics Hotline, a fraud hotline that has automated and anonymous reporting mechanisms in place to bring forward misconduct issues and concerns across campus. You may file a report by filing a phone report by calling: (515) 294-7119 or filing an online report.

Reports are investigated as promptly and discreetly as possible with the facts made available only to those who need to investigate and resolve the matter. Iowa State University is committed to safeguarding the confidentiality of individuals who submit reports and University policy prohibits the taking of any retaliatory action against anyone for reporting or inquiring about potential misconduct.

Am I protected from retaliation?

Iowa State University will not tolerate retaliation against persons who report misconduct. ISU's policy of non-retaliation against persons reporting misconduct details university efforts to create an environment wherein members of the university community are encouraged to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.

I have been sued. Will I be represented by the University? What should I do?

The State of Iowa, through the Attorney General's Office provides defense and protection from liability so long as the employees conduct is within statutory requirements. Please go to our explanation of Protection from Personal Liability.

If you are served with a lawsuit which involves you as an employee of the University (as opposed to a personal matter), please do the following:

Immediately e-mail, fax or bring a copy of the papers to the Office of General Counsel (3550 Beardshear, Fax: 4-1799) together with a short description indicating who served them and how and when you received them.

If you are named as a defendant in the lawsuit, please make an appointment to meet with an attorney in the Office of General Counsel. We will help you understand the process of litigation.