Policy 623 - Staff Community Service Program for Mission Engagement

623. Staff Community Service Program for Mission Engagement

Purpose:  

To provide opportunities for staff to experience foundational formation grounded in our mission, and to engage with University run programs that provide services to our surrounding community.  Our staff are essential partners in infusing our mission and values throughout the student experience. In order for staff to be best equipped to be successful, they must have opportunities to learn about and experience first-hand foundational experiences in the Jesuit tradition. This program is designed for staff who want to devote time during scheduled work hours to Mission and Ministry programs. Participation in these programs strengthens the mission of the University,  builds strong community relationships, and deepens a sense of belonging.

Eligibility:  

Regular benefits eligible employees in good standing, who have completed their introductory period, and whose job duties do not include the management or coordination of the specific formation program in which they are volunteering are eligible

Program:  

Upon the requisite approvals, as detailed below, eligible employees may take a maximum of up to 40 hours / calendar year, or 80 hours every 2 calendar years, of paid release time  to participate with a Mission and Ministry program focused on mission formation, such as immersions or retreats. . 

Staff members wishing to participate in this Program do so with the understanding that the University is granting them paid release time as personal leave to do community service or participate in an immersion or retreat.  As such, it is not a work assignment.  Participating employees personally assume any risks associated with the volunteer service they choose to provide under this Program.  As such, employees will need to complete and sign a University Volunteer Agreement in order to participate. 

Both exempt and non-exempt participating employees will enter all paid release mission engagement hours on their timesheet as Mission Engagement Hours.  Note that any time spent volunteering that extends beyond an employee’s normal work day is not counted as paid release time under this Program.  Employees are only eligible for paid release time under this program for time volunteered that takes place during the employee’s normal work day.

Requirements:  

A two-step approval process is required.  Approval to volunteer in a designated Mission and Ministry program is required by the Division of Mission and Ministry.  Approval as to the release time for specific times and days is required by the employee’s immediate supervisor.  Eligible staff members should make specific requests for release time in writing to their supervisors at least two weeks prior to the requested time-off.  Department workloads and business needs vary and will impact whether it is possible or prudent to release a staff member during the work day.  Employees may not exceed 40 hours per calendar year, or 80 hours over 2 calendar years, of mission engagement release time.  Paid release time under this program only applies to Mission and Ministry-run programs or immersion trips.  Employees are of course encouraged to volunteer for additional non-profit organizations, but paid release time will only be provided to mission formation programs offered by the University, as described above..

Resource

For any questions please contact Mission and Ministry or the Department of Human Resources.

Policy Approved: May 2016

Last Updated: October 15, 2026

Last Reviewed: September 21, 2026

Maintainer: Human Resources