To ensure safe and orderly operations and provide the best possible work environment, The Cleveland Institute of Art expects all employees to follow standards of conduct that will protect the interests and safety of all employees, students, visitors, and contractors.

When deemed appropriate, Cleveland Institute of Art uses a process of “progressive discipline” to try to correct disciplinary offenses, such as poor work performance or some types of misconduct, to encourage employees to become more productive workers and to conform their behavior to standards and expectations. Discipline may be progressive in nature, beginning with a verbal warning, then a written warning, and progressing to a final written warning and/or suspension and discharge. Employees must understand that discipline may not include all of these steps and that an employee can be discharged for the first offense of a very serious nature. In the case of poor job performance, an employee may be placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). Cleveland Institute of Art reserves the right to determine the appropriate level of discipline for any inappropriate conduct.

The College reserves the right to skip any of the foregoing disciplinary steps. Under certain circumstances, employees may be subject to immediate termination and legal action.

The following are examples of conduct violations that may lead to corrective action, up to and including termination:

1. Integrity and Property Violations

1. Theft, misappropriation, or unauthorized possession of College property or the property of others.

2. Destruction, defacement, sabotage, or misuse of College-owned or personal property.

3. Unauthorized use of College resources, including equipment, vehicles, supplies, or facilities for personal gain or non-College business.

4. Falsification, fabrication, or alteration of any College document, record, report, timesheet, application, or other official document.

5. Submitting false information or omitting material information during the hiring process or internal investigations.

6. Tampering with, disabling, or circumventing College security systems or technology controls.

2. Substance Use and Safety Violations

1. Working or reporting to duty under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or illegal drugs.

2. Possession, use, sale, distribution, or transfer of alcohol or illegal drugs on College property, at College-sponsored events, or while on duty.

3. Unauthorized possession or use of prescription medication or controlled substances.

4. Possession, use, or storage of explosives, firearms, knives (outside of instructional use), or other weapons on College property or at College-sponsored functions, except where explicitly authorized.

5. Smoking, vaping, or use of tobacco products in unauthorized areas.

3. Violence, Threats, and Intimidation

1. Fighting, physical assault, battery, or any violent behavior toward another employee, student, contractor, or visitor.

2. Threatening behavior, intimidation, bullying, stalking, or instigating violence.

3. Harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, discriminatory harassment, or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any protected status.

4. Engaging in or encouraging retaliatory behavior against someone who reports misconduct or participates in an investigation.

4. Professionalism and Conduct

1. Insubordination, including refusal to follow reasonable or lawful instructions from a supervisor or member of leadership.

2. Disrespectful, defiant, or uncooperative behavior toward supervisors, colleagues, students, or other members of the College community.

3. Use of profane, abusive, or disrespectful language in the workplace or directed at others.

4. Disruptive behavior that interferes with College operations or the work of others.

5. Failure to cooperate in internal investigations or obstructing a College inquiry.

6. Unprofessional conduct or behavior that undermines the integrity or reputation of the College.

5. Attendance and Work Performance

1. Excessive absenteeism or tardiness without valid reason or prior notification.

2. Leaving the worksite or campus during scheduled work hours without authorization.

3. Failure to meet job responsibilities or performance expectations despite coaching and feedback.

4. Sleeping while on duty (unless during an authorized break).

6. Confidentiality and Compliance

1. Unauthorized disclosure of confidential or sensitive College information, student records (e.g., FERPA violations), personnel data, or intellectual property.

2. Accessing or attempting to access restricted or confidential files, systems, or data without proper authorization.

3. Misuse of College email, IT systems, or social media platforms for personal gain, harassment, or unauthorized communications.

7. Policy Violations

1. Failure to adhere to College policies, procedures, protocols, or handbooks.

2. Violations of academic integrity policies (for employees who also serve as instructors or academic staff).

3. Engaging in external employment that conflicts with College responsibilities or violates conflict-of-interest policies.

4. Gambling or betting while on duty or on College property.

5. Conduct outside the workplace that negatively affects the employee’s ability to perform their job or harms the College’s reputation (e.g., criminal conduct, public misconduct).

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, but merely to provide examples of unacceptable conduct. Some of these rules of conduct are explained in more detail in the sections that follow.