TELECOMMUTING

I. OVERVIEW

     A.   POLICY

Telecommuting is a work arrangement whereby eligible

University employees may perform the normal duties and

responsibilities of their positions through the use of computers or

telecommunications, at sites other than the employees' usual place

of work. Employees, while engaged in such work, are covered by

workers' compensation.

     B.   DELEGATED AUTHORITY

Vice presidents (who may delegate this authority to deans

and directors) may authorize telecommuting situations that are in

the best interest of the University and may authorize the use of

the following University-owned equipment and/or services, including

telecommunications lines:

          1.   When telecommuting situations warrant the

               expenditure of State funds for the purchase of

               equipment or services or the reimbursement of

               expenses, those expenditures are to be approved

               prior to the expense being incurred to ensure

               appropriate billing and payment.

          2.   When telecommuting situations require the use of

               data terminal equipment (DTE) or personal computers

               to communicate with host computers, uploading and

               downloading data should be processed to minimize

               on-line time.

               NOTE: Generally, University-owned equipment and/or

               services will not be provided or paid for by the

               University when the telecommuting situation is

               authorized solely for the convenience of the

               employee. Deans and directors should have a written

               agreement with each employee who is telecommuting

               full or part-time, on other than an incidental

               basis, and anytime a telecommuting arrangement

               involves the expenditure of funds by the University

               for services, equipment, or other expenses as

               described in III., Approving Equipment and Services to 
               be Paid by the University.

          3.   Refer to  Exhibit Telecom.1 for the Delegation of

               Authority Table for Telecommuting.

      C.   GENERAL

Telecommuting is not considered as a replacement for

caregiver responsibilities for children, parents, or others. While

telecommuting provides more flexibility, an employee should not

assume working at home provides the ability to take care of

children, parents, or other dependents.  Research indicates that

when attempting child or elder care while telecommuting, an

employee should plan on working reduced hours, usually 20 or fewer.

When the telecommuting site is the home, employees should

schedule work during a time when interruptions can be kept to a

minimum.  This not only increases productivity but assures

compliance with established work hours and workweek laws and regulations.

II.  APPROVING A TELECOMMUTING ARRANGEMENT

Vice Presidents have the authority to approve a

telecommuting arrangement that serves the best interest of the

University. Procedures should be developed for each Vice-

Presidential area considering the approval of telecommuting.

In reviewing proposed telecommuting arrangements, Vice

Presidents should consider but not be limited to the factors listed

in Exhibit Telecom.2, Considerations for Approving a

Telecommuting Arrangement.

III. APPROVING EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO BE PAID BY THE UNIVERSITY

      A.   TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

Requests for telecommunications equipment and services

such as telephone instruments, communications lines for telephones,

fax machines, or modems should be approved by an Information

Technologies representative, using the Request for Communications

Services form.  Each departmental telephone counselor has a supply

of these forms and is familiar with the procedures for requesting

the services.  Prior approval not only facilitates billing the

appropriate SAMAS account, but also provides the requestor with

information so that the appropriate telecommunications equipment,

lines, and services can be purchased.

      B.   NON-TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

Non-telecommunications equipment and services such as fax

machines, modems, office equipment, personal computers, and

service/maintenance agreements are to be ordered through the

Division of Purchasing using

      C.   AUTHORIZING THE REQUEST TO USE UNIVERSITY EQUIPMENT OFF-CAMPUS

Deans/directors must authorize the use of any equipment

at an off-campus location using the Off Campus Equipment Use Permit

form available from the Property Section of the Division of Finance

and Accounting.  Approvals should be submitted to a Property

representative within the Division of Finance and Accounting.  If

the equipment is to remain off campus for a year or longer, an Off

Campus Equipment Use Permit must be resubmitted and forwarded to

Property on an annual basis, along with a completed certified

Statement of Satisfactory Condition (of equipment). Refer to Exhibit

Telecom.3 for a copy of the form.

          NOTE: The employing department is responsible for

          terminating services which are no longer required and

          accounting for all USF equipment at an off-campus

          location.

IV.  AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY AND THE TELECOMMUTING EMPLOYEE

Each employee engaging in an approved telecommuting

arrangement is required to sign an agreement with the University.

The agreement is to include, but not be limited to, the

factors contained in Exhibit Telecom.4, Agreement

Between Employee and the University of South Florida for a Telecommuting

Arrangement.

Failure to comply with the provisions of the agreement

may result in termination of the agreement and/or disciplinary

action.



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