VCOM Administrative and Classified Staff Handbook

Custodial staff will clean and disinfect on a regular schedule. However, individuals must not rely solely on custodial services to maintain order in personal and shared work areas. Any specific cleaning needs or incidents requiring urgent attention, such as spills, biohazard exposure, or pest control, should be reported promptly to Facilities. Adherence to this policy is mandatory. Failure to follow cleanliness protocols may result in corrective action, including verbal or written warnings, restricted access to facilities, or formal disciplinary measures. Food and Drink in the Workplace As an osteopathic medical college, VCOM seeks to promote the health and well-being of all students and employees. Foods that are high in calories, sugar, or fat such as candy, cakes, doughnuts, etc. are often distracting in the workplace and increase the risk for obesity and other related diseases. Therefore, VCOM encourages employees to avoid the consumption of such food and avoid placing such food in public areas. Employees are encouraged to bring food for their lunch or breaks and should keep the food at their desks or in a refrigerator. Leftover food, open containers, and dirty dishes should not be left out in offices, break rooms, or common areas. These practices are essential not only for cleanliness but also for pest control and odor prevention. Any food covering or containers should be removed and placed in the trash after eating to avoid contamination and mess within VCOM. All food and containers should be taken home each day or kept in a refrigerator; however, all food should be removed from refrigerators every Friday. Refrigerators are in several areas in the building for employee use. No one may bring a personal refrigerator, coffee pot, or other such device for personal use. Drinks are required to be capped or to always have a lid. Any spills are the responsibility of the employee who spilled the drink. All empty containers employees have finished should be discarded in the trash by the employee and not left out on the table or desks. If employees witness spills or trash from food that has been left by other employees or students, they should discard such trash to help keep the building clean and to avoid contamination. Employee Events with Food During the year there are special events where employees may bring food from home or that VCOM has catered (i.e., potluck lunches). The sponsoring department must ensure that all food and drinks are discarded at the end of the event. Other employees who have participated in the event should assist the department in its clean-up effort. Campus Safety and Access All VCOM students, faculty, and staff are responsible for campus safety. The campus is available for student access during announced times. The use of VCOM IDs are required to access the building during approved hours. Employees will receive a VCOM photo identification badge upon hire, which is used for identification and access to the campus building. VCOM identification badges must be worn/displayed in plain site by the students, faculty, and staff always when on VCOM premises and while on clinical rotations. This badge must be used to access the VCOM campus/building during approved hours. All students and employees are required to badge into campus individually. Students, faculty, and staff who cannot display their badge for whatever reason, must acquire a temporary access badge from reception for use for 24 hrs. After the 24 hours, the temporary badge must be returned to reception and a new badge issued (if the existing badge is lost). Anyone using temporary badges must enter the building through the front entrance only, as temporary badges do not grant building access through the card swipe system. Students, faculty, or staff who observe someone in the building without their photo ID displayed, should report that person to the nearest VCOM faculty or staff member. If you observe suspicious or criminal activity on campus, please report these actions immediately.

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