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Policies

Human Resources Philosophy

Human Resources Policy: 20.001

 

Brown University is dedicated to supporting, maintaining and advancing a scholarly community in which all share together in the common enterprise of learning. The University prides itself on a strong tradition of effective communication, collaboration and mutual respect.

Brown employees share a commitment to performing their duties in accordance with the highest standards of ethics and in compliance with University policies and all applicable laws. Employees are best able to satisfy this commitment when they understand their entitlements and have been provided with the information needed to comply with the University’s policies and high ethical standards.

What follows are ten fundamental principles that guide the human resources philosophy at Brown. As well as principles, these are goals to which the University aspires. Those who work at Brown should understand these principles and goals and follow them in their daily work. Those who apply for work at Brown should know that these principles describe the environment in which they will be working, and those prospective employees will be asked to subscribe to the values represented here.

The words "committed to" in the following principles means that the University will aggressively pursue these goals, not merely meet minimum requirements.

  1. Brown University is committed to the employment of a diverse work force. Brown employees at all levels and in all areas of the University must adopt the spirit behind the University's commitment to affirmative action and equal employment opportunity.
  2. Brown University is committed to assuring that all employees, regardless of their position or level, are treated with dignity. Brown will cultivate an atmosphere in which mutual respect is given and shared among all members of the community.
  3. Brown University is committed to clear and open communication with its employees. Employees will have access to non-confidential information about the University and its policies and practices. Brown will inform employees regarding policies, practices and expectations for performance and behavior.
  4. Brown University is committed to the equitable treatment of all employees. Equity, or fairness, does not necessarily mean that all employees are treated the same. Equity recognizes a common set of shared values and it emphasizes that human resource policies will be applied in an evenhanded and unbiased manner to all employees.
  5. Brown University is committed to a compensation system that is based on the precepts of pay-for-performance and market competitiveness. Brown has committed itself to a formal salary administration program through which the relative worth of a position to Brown can be determined. Starting salaries for positions reflect the employee's qualifications as they relate to the position, market factors within Brown's employment environment, and maintaining equity within the department. Salary increases are based primarily on performance within an approved salary pool. Benefits are based on market factors, employee preferences and affordability.
  6. Brown University is committed to developing and retaining its staff. Brown recognizes that its human resources are its most important asset. Thus, staff development will include appropriate training, professional development, career pathing, promotion or transfer, and other opportunities for growth in accordance with staff ability and management need.
  7. Brown University is committed to providing a safe, drug-free work environment in which employees can effectively pursue their work.
  8. Brown University is committed to providing employees with the professional quality of supervision and management they need to succeed in their jobs. The quality of human resources at Brown University is primarily a function of the relationship between the supervisor or manager and the employee. Thus, the supervisor or manager must assume the major responsibility for the hiring, retention, development and recognition of staff. Supervisory performance evaluation will reflect the quality of their management. As such, the University will make available appropriate guidance and training for supervisors and managers.
  9. Brown University is committed to recognizing the achievements of its employees. Brown believes that employee recognition should go beyond salary compensation and should occur more frequently than the annual salary cycle. To create and maintain a sense of community, all members of the community should be aware and appreciative of the contributions of all Brown employees.
  10. Brown University expects its employees to perform all duties associated with their positions with integrity and competence.