This updated version of the Kalamazoo College Staff Employee Handbook supersedes all prior versions. The College reserves the right to alter, modify, amend or terminate at any time the policies, procedures and/or benefits stated herein. The entire content of this handbook is available as a printable pdf. This handbook is intended for use by Kalamazoo College staff employees for informational purposes only. The content of this handbook is not intended to create a contract or agreement between the College and you for either employment or the provision of any benefit. Staff employees of Kalamazoo College are what the law terms “at will” employees. This means that either you or the College may decide to end your employment here for any reason not prohibited by law, at any time. As a matter of practice, staff appointments at Kalamazoo College are for indefinite durations, depending upon the needs of the institution and the performance of the individual. Nothing in this handbook changes your “at will” employment. 

Many of the details that govern the administration of each of the major areas mentioned in this handbook are deliberately brief. The handbook is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of policies; it provides reference to other sources for more detail. In addition, your department or office may have additional specific procedures for many of the general policies stated in this handbook. You are expected to learn your area’s procedures and follow them. You are also expected to conform to the professional standards of your occupation. 

The Human Resources Office is responsible for the interpretation and administration of personnel policies and procedures and for details relating to compensation. The Human Resources Office is the official source of information regarding details pertaining to College sponsored benefit plans. Promises or interpretations made by staff not associated with the Human Resources Office are not binding on the College. Please direct any questions to your supervisor, the President’s Staff member for your area, or Human Resources staff. 

Kalamazoo College reserves the right to correct errors and to amend the wording of this handbook at any time or to change or eliminate any policy, procedure or benefit described in this handbook. Changes or modifications must be made in writing, signed by either the president, provost, vice president for business and finance, or the human resources director following review by the President and President’s Staff and approval by the President. All employees will be notified. An email to the employee’s College email account is the official mode of notification. A paper memo will be issued to employees who have not been assigned a College email account. In addition, in any situation where insurance, retirement provisions or earnings participation are concerned, the terms of the policy or plan prevail regardless of any statements to the contrary contained in the handbook. 

Any claims brought by an employee or a former employee and relating to employment must be brought within six months of the alleged employer infraction, or be barred.

Please email Human Resources for a printed copy of this handbook.