Ohio University approves five policy updates

The Ohio University Executive Staff Policy Committee (ESPC) and OHIO President Lori Stewart Gonzalez have approved updates to five policies.

The ESPC gave its approval on May 16, 2025, and President Gonzalez gave approval on May 27, 2025, to the following policies:

• 47.001: Operation of University Vehicles – Granted final approval – This policy establishes guidelines for the purchase, operation, maintenance, and replacement of University-owned and leased vehicle assets, utility vehicles, golf carts and licensed equipment trailers. It sets requirements for the use of these assets by vehicle owners and operators. The policy is intended to promote the safety of drivers, passengers and the public through safe vehicle operating standards, and minimize loss, damages and claims against the University.
• 47.004: Abandoned, Unattended, and Unauthorized Vehicles – Granted approval to create policy and place in interim status – This policy establishes guidelines for the identification, towing, relocation, immobilization, removal and disposition of abandoned, unattended or unauthorized vehicles on University property. This policy is intended to promote the safe and efficient use of campus parking resources.  
• 40.035: Vacation Leave Donation – Granted approval to extend interim policy and send for review – Eligible administrative staff and faculty may participate in a vacation leave donation program. Vacation leave may be donated to a “Leave Pool.” Donated vacation time will be converted to sick leave and administered as outlined in this policy. This pool will be used to provide leave to administrative staff and faculty in need of sick time for personal use or to care for a family member.
• 41.001: Vacation and Winter Closure Time – Granted approval to extend interim policy and send for review – This policy governs vacation leave for all administrative employees. This policy also governs winter closure time for all eligible "Fraternal Order of Police," police officers (FOP-blue) and "Fraternal Order of Police," police lieutenants (FOP-gold) and administrative employees.
• 40.059: Direct Deposit of Employee Pay – Granted approval to create policy and send for review – University Human Resources aims to enhance the security and efficiency of its payment methods for faculty, staff, and student employees. This policy outlines the need for implementing a mandatory direct deposit policy, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Direct deposit helps ensure employees receive their earnings promptly and securely, reducing the chance of unclaimed checks. 

For more information on these and other Ohio University polices, see the University Policy website.