American University recognizes the growing demands on staff while at work and the increasing challenges of finding new and better ways of serving students, other customers, and meeting the University's goals. The University supports flex work arrangements to foster a highly desirable and productive work environment that is responsive to these demands and challenges. The University expects that flexible work arrangements will increase retention and recruitment of highly qualified staff, maintain staff productivity, and promote employee engagement.

While not all positions will be amenable to flex work arrangements, consideration of flexible work schedules will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis taking into account the departmental needs and the employee's ability to maintain a high level of service. The University expects that implementation of flex work arrangements will enhance the quantity, quality, and productivity of the employee's level of service. A flex work arrangement must be authorized in advance by an authorized official. Please visit the Flex Work Policy page for more information on how to pursue a flex work arrangement

American University has a sincere interest in the well-being and productivity of its employees and believes that problems, with early identification and professional treatment, may be resolved. Therefore, the University has implemented a Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP).

The purpose of FSAP is to assist all full-time employees and members of their immediate families with professional counseling on any of a broad range of human problems. There are no fees for the use of FSAP services. However, the University does not assume financial responsibility for any other counseling, treatment, hospitalization, or other fees. These are to be the responsibility of the employee or family member where not covered by medical/hospitalization insurance.

Please visit FSAP for more information about FSAP services and how to schedule an appointment with a counselor.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA) provides an employee with a “reasonable break time to express breast milk for her nursing child for up to 1 year after the child’s birth each time she has a need to express the milk.” These breaks should be paid and allowed whenever the employee has a need to express breast milk.

The PPACA also provides a place shielded from view and from intrusion by coworkers and the public, other than a restroom, where mothers can express their milk while at work. Please visit the Lactation Rooms page for more information on lactation rooms on campus.

Clear and open channels for the expression of employee complaints are basic principles of sound employee relations. Because employees do on occasion differ with supervisors on important questions, American University has provided subordinates with a mechanism for appealing the action or decision of a superior to a higher level within the organization without fear of retaliation.

Each staff member is responsible for using this procedure in a timely manner whenever there are unanswered questions or problems which adversely affect any aspect of the employment relationship (except for complaints involving discrimination or harassment which are covered by the Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy). For more information on the complaint procedure, please visit the Staff Personnel Policies Manual. Employee Relations is also available for consultation and advice about how to resolve problems or file a complaint.