Skip to main content

People Experience
  2. Policies
  3. Solicitation

Solicitation

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY PEOPLE EXPERIENCE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SUBJECT: Solicitation Policy
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2015

POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to establish Vanderbilt’s intent to have a work environment that is free from solicitation efforts that do not relate to Vanderbilt business or interest. While Vanderbilt actively encourages employees' participation in community activities and organizations outside of work, the time spent at work is more productive and pleasant when not interrupted by solicitations and distribution of materials by employees. Employees may not solicit on work time (when either the employee or the person being solicited is on work time). Employees may not distribute any literature or other non-work related materials either on work time or in work areas, except as otherwise provided below.

DEFINITIONS

“Work time” is defined as that time when an employee is scheduled and expected to be properly engaged in performing his/her work tasks. “Work areas” are all areas of the University except break rooms and other areas designated for non-work use.

PROCEDURE

I. SOLICITATION BY VANDERBILT EMPLOYEE

A. Approved:

University sponsored activities such as the Vanderbilt Community Giving Campaign, the Vanderbilt Faculty/Employee Campaign, institutional fund raising, or other efforts to support academic excellence and further the mission of Vanderbilt are examples of appropriate and allowable activities under this policy. In addition, solicitations for approved charitable organizations are also permissible.

B. Prohibited Solicitation

Examples of prohibited activities by staff at Vanderbilt during work time or in work areas include, but are not limited to, activities involving:

  • Raffles
  • Charity drives
  • Trips
  • Sports pools
  • Cosmetic or jewelry sales
  • Bake sales
  • Sales of items to raise funds for non-Vanderbilt related organizations or entities
  • Food vending (other than licensed by the University)
  • Proposing and/or procuring membership in any organization
  • E-mail solicitations
  • Commercial or personal business sales

Additionally, solicitation or distribution of literature by any employee for any purpose is not permitted in areas that are: 

  • Reception areas
  • Immediate patient care areas
  • Areas immediately adjacent to patient rooms
  • Treatment areas
  • Thoroughfares frequently used to transport patients and visitors
  • Other areas where distribution would disrupt the delivery of health care services

Employees found to be soliciting or distributing literature in violation of this policy will be subject to the Performance Management process.

II. SOLICITATION BY NON-VANDERBILT INDIVIDUALS

A. Solicitation or distribution of literature by non-employees or non-students on University property is strictly prohibited.

B. Normal business contacts with University officials by authorized representatives are not prohibited by this policy.

III. USE OF VANDERBILT RESOURCES FOR PERMISSIBLE POSTINGS

Vanderbilt provides designated bulletin boards for employees as a means to exchange, sell or give away personal items only. Examples include such things as announcing apartment openings, property for sale, pet give-a-ways, furniture sale, items wanted or services available, etc.

Employees are also permitted to post items with the Classifieds section of the myVU website. However, advertisements for commercial products and services are not acceptable. For guidelines regarding appropriate postings, please contact myVU.

Notices regarding charitable activities must be approved three (3) working days prior to posting. Request for approval should be submitted to the office of the Associate Vice Chancellor of People Experience. An employee who uses the bulletin board must provide his/her name, telephone number and where he/she can be reached after work with all bulletin board postings.

NOTE: Employees may not use a work telephone number, a Vanderbilt email address, Vanderbilt voice mail box or receive calls regarding the posted advertisement during work hours.

A. Bulletin boards are not intended for the purpose of soliciting or distributing items other than those personal items or services that the employee desires to exchange, sell or give away.

B. Any notice that does not meet the appropriate posting requirement will be removed. Employees using Vanderbilt property to post inappropriate notices may be subject to the Performance Management process.

C. For questions about appropriate materials that can be posted, please contact Employee Relations.

The employee must provide any and all advertised services outside of his/her work day and utilizing their personal equipment and resources. It is not appropriate to use Vanderbilt computers, telephones, equipment, paper and related supplies for personal use. See the Electronic Communications policy.

 

This policy is intended as a guideline to assist in the consistent application of University policies and programs for employees. The policy does not create a contract implied or expressed, with any Vanderbilt employees, who are employees at will. Vanderbilt reserves the right to modify this policy in whole or in part, at any time, at the discretion of the University.

Approved by Traci Nordberg, Chief Human Resource Officer and Associate Vice Chancellor

Approved by Eric Kopstain, Vice Chancellor for Administration