Employee Handbook

Introduction and Welcome

Welcome to the Operations Office staff of the Centennial Student Union. You are an important part of the student union; the vitality of the building is founded on your enthusiasm, dedication and creativity. As part of the CSU family, you will gain career experience, job references and financial support while pursing your education at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Centennial Student Union employees play a crucial role in representing the CSU and its programs to students, faculty and the community. They are in a unique position to stay informed about events and activities on campus, to meet a wide variety of people from all over the world, to influence the direction of student programs, to shape the quality of student life and to form the image of the CSU.

This handbook will provide you with an overview of the Centennial Student Union, the Operations Office and the policies and procedures governing your position here at the CSU. It will also describe and define your job. Please read it thoroughly, as you are responsible to know its contents.

Purpose and Roles of Student Unions

The earliest college union was founded at Cambridge University, England, in 1815, and acted as a forum for several debating societies. The first union building was constructed in 1823 at Oxford University and served to promote debating and encouraged students to participate in public life.

In 1832, the first union in this country was established at Harvard. Like its English predecessors, the union’s purpose was to be a debating society. It wasn’t until 1880 that it became a general club. The first building in America erected explicitly for union purposes was Houston Hall at the University of Pennsylvania. Today, student unions can be found in campuses around the world.

By whatever form or name, a student union performs several roles that cannot be fulfilled by any other organization or facility in a college. By offering a wide variety of programs, activities and services, student unions are an integral part of campus life.

•     Student unions complement the academic experience through a variety of cultural, educational, social and recreational programs, all of which provide the opportunity of students to balance course work and free time with cooperative factors in education

•     The union is a student-centered organization that values participatory decision-making. Through volunteerism, boards, committees and student employment, the union offers first-hand experience in citizenship, leadership and social responsibility

•     In all its proceedings, the union encourages self-directed activity, giving maximum opportunity for self-realization and for growth of individual social competency and group effectiveness

-     Adaptation from the Association of College Union International “Role of the College Union” statement

History of the Centennial Student Union

The Centennial Student Union opened its doors in September 1967, almost 100 years after Mankato Normal School was founded as an institution to educate rural schoolteachers. A second stage was added five years later in 1972, and in 1999 a third phase was completed and named the Student Activities Center.

The CSU has always been, and still is, supported entirely by student fees and self-generating revenue. It is a place for students to meet, socialize and relax. The three-level building contains conference and meeting rooms, dining facilities, a bookstore, art gallery and offices of several organizations tied to college life.

Mission Statement of CSU Operations

The mission of Operations is to serve as the backbone of the Centennial Student Union, the community center for Minnesota State University, Mankato.  To maintain facilities and provide services in a safe environment.  To serve as a laboratory where all students can learn and practice leadership, management, social responsibility, and interpersonal skills, guided by values, principles, and quality.  To provide the services, conveniences, and amenities which are needed in daily campus life as well as create a comfortable meeting place for other non-campus organizations.

The CSU has a responsibility to:

•           Ensure premium customer satisfaction for all its customers

•           Provide safety and security to its customers

•           Schedule the use of the CSU building

•           Maintain and repair the building and equipment

•           Support and work closely with campus organizations, Student Government and Student Development Programs and Activities

•           Maintain the superior appearance of the Centennial Student Union building and adjacent areas

•           Welcome and provide information to its customers

Part Two: Your Job
Topics Covered: Our Customers, Job Descriptions: (Building Assistant, Information Desk Assistant, LEAD Building Assistant, Information Desk Coordinator, Building Manager), Who’s Who in the CSU  - Staff

Being a member of the Operations staff is a fun and rewarding experience. The key fact to remember is that customer service is our chief concern. Prompt, pleasant handling of customer requests and grievances is essential. Give customers your undivided attention. Answer all questions promptly and thoroughly. If you don’t know an answer, find out. “I don’t know” is NEVER an appropriate response to any question.

Who is a customer

A customer is anyone who enters the CSU, and can be an individual or a group. Students, faculty, visitors, alumni, parents, vendors, presenters, organizations, sororities and countless others are all customers while inside the CSU. As part of the Operations staff, everything about your job, in some small way, involves helping the people who use the Centennial Student Union.

Job Descriptions 

Title:                 Building Assistant

Job Purpose:

This position is responsible for conference room preparation, service to each room before and after every event, maintenance of the order and location of equipment and furniture in the building, technical support for events and supplement to the GMW staff. Primary concern is to complete customer satisfaction.

Clientele:

The Building Assistants provide assistance primarily to students, faculty, staff and visitors utilizing the Centennial Student Union. Other clientele are those who use the CSU facility on a contract or rental agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities:                       

1. Ensure each room is properly set, clean and unlocked for every scheduled event.
   
• Check that all upcoming setups have been completed, including those already circled and initialed by physically checking each room
  
• Circle and initial each reservation in the Setup Book once completed
  
• Check equipment after setting it up to ensure that it is in proper working order
  
• Turn off the lights and lock any doors once a setup is completed
  
• Use the radios with care and ensure their safety
  
• Ensure that the Building Keys are returned after each shift
  
• Perform any other duties that the Evening Coordinator, or those acting on her behalf, deems appropriate
  
2. Work with the Evening Coordinator, Operations Graduate Assistant and Building Manager and report any of the following:
   
   • Excessively dirty and messy rooms
     
   • Any changes in the room setup not in the reservation
     
   • Any room or equipment damage
     
   • Any unusual problems
     
   • Reasons for why any duties could not be performed
     
3. Provide limitless customer service:
   
   • Provide any needed equipment according to our policies
     
   • Assist in any room needs
     
   • Direct customers to appropriate people when help is needed
     
   • Call for a supervisor when appropriate
     
   • Open rooms for customers when requested to do so
     
   • Be willing to go the ‘extra mile’

Supervisors: Building Managers, Graduate Assistant and Evening Coordinator

Minimum Requirements:

• Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0
  
• Be at least a part-time student
  
• Must be able to perform many physical activities such as reach overhead and lift 50 pounds           

…

Title:                 Information Desk Attendant

Job Purpose:

Provide accurate information (by telephone, in person or in writing) to the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus community and users of the Centennial Student Union. Carry out responsibilities pertaining to the Information Desk’s specific services and its daily operation.

Clientele: 

The Information Desk’s customers are primary students, faculty, staff and visitors utilizing the CSU. Other clientele are those who request or supply information and product to the Information Desk.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Be a resource for anyone who needs assistance, including:
   
   • Providing accurate information in a courteous, timely and customer-friendly manner. Willingness to go the ‘extra mile’ for the customer is expected
     
   • Knowing where to obtain information about MSU and the CSU daily activities, special events, meetings, etc.
     
   • Being familiar with the MSU campus and the Union in order to give directions or referrals to customers in a clear, understandable and accurate manner
     
   • Being aware of general information about the Mankato community
     
   • Perform any other duties that the Evening Coordinator, or those acting on his/her behalf, deems appropriate
     
2. Help keep the CSU running smoothly by:
   
   • Closing down the Satellite Computer lab
     
   • Assisting the Information Desk Coordinator, Building Manager, Operations Graduate Assistant and/or Evening Coordinator in detecting any possible problems.
     

Supervisors:

Information Desk Coordinator, Building Manager, Operations Graduate Assistant, Evening Coordinator 

Minimum Requirements:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0
  
• Be at least a part-time student
  
• Must have attended MSUM a minimum of one year

…

Title:                 LEAD Building Assistant

Job Purpose:    This position is responsible for possessing the knowledge to provide lead direction over the Building Assistants for conference room preparation, service to each room before and after every event, maintenance of the order and location of equipment and furniture in the building, technical support for events and supplement to the GMW staff. Primary concern is to complete customer satisfaction.

Clientele:          The Lead Building Assistants provide assistance primarily to students, faculty, staff and visitors utilizing the Centennial Student Union. Other clientele are those who use the CSU facility on a contract or rental agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities:                       

1.         Ensure each room is properly set, clean and unlocked for every scheduled event.

·        Check that all upcoming setups have been completed, including those already circled and initialed by physically checking each room

·        Circle and initial each reservation in the Setup Book once completed

·        Check equipment after setting it up to ensure that it is in proper working order

·        Turn off the lights and lock any doors once a setup is completed

·        Use the radios with care and ensure their safety

·        Ensure that the Building Keys are returned after each shift

·        The Lead Assistant will ensure that these things are completed and done to an above satisfactory level.  He or she will also mentor the Building Assistants while working on a set up, providing guidance and training when necessary

·        Perform any other duties that the Evening Coordinator, or those acting on her behalf, deems appropriate

2.         Work with the Evening Coordinator, Operations Graduate Assistant and Building Manager and report any of the following:

·        Excessively dirty and messy rooms

·        Any changes in the room setup not in the reservation

·        Any room or equipment damage

·        Any unusual problems

·        Reasons for why any duties could not be performed

3.         Provide limitless customer service:

·        Provide any needed equipment according to our policies

·        Assist in any room needs

·        Direct customers to appropriate people when help is needed

·        Call for a supervisor when appropriate

·        Open rooms for customers when requested to do so

·        Be willing to go the ‘extra mile’

Supervisors: Building Managers, Graduate Assistant and Evening Coordinator

Minimum Requirements: 

·        Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0

·        Be at least a part-time student

·        Must be able to perform many physical activities such as reach overhead and lift 50 pounds           

…

Job Title:           Information Desk Coordinator 

Job Purpose:    To coordinate and provide direction to the Information Desk employees, to promote the facility and act as a liaison between all involved parties.

 Clientele:          The Information Desk’s customers are primarily students, faculty, staff and visitors utilizing the Centennial Student Union. Other clientele are those who request or supply information and products to the Information Desk

 Duties and Responsibilities:           

1          Ensure that the Information Desk is properly staffed and operated:

·        Provide initial and on-going training

·        Identify staffing needs and schedule staff work hours 

2          Coordinate and help evaluate the Information Desk Staff:

·        Assist the Evening Coordinator in the development of staff members’ goals and objectives related to their positions

·        Delegate responsibilities and tasks

·        Provide on-going feedback on the performance of staff members

·        Participate in weekly meetings with the Evening Coordinator, Graduate Assistant and Building Managers

3          The Information Desk Coordinator is expected to be a resource to clientele in the same manner as Info Desk Assistants

            4          Help keep the CSU running smoothly by:

·        Closing down the Satellite Computer lab

·        Assisting the Building Manager, Operations Graduate Assistant and/or Evening Coordinator in detecting any possible problems.

            5           Apply, improve and develop the Information Desk operational policies:

·        Possess a through knowledge and understanding of all CSU policies

·        Ensure a fair and consistent application of policies

·        Recommend policy changes as necessary

·        Record all new policies and revisions in the Information Desk manual

 6          Other duties as assigned

Relationships:                The Information Desk Coordinator will work closely with the Director, Evening Coordinator, Operations Graduate Assistant, Building Manager, Student
Leadership Development and Service Learning, Admissions, International Student Office and Association and the University Wide Scheduling and Conferencing staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:    The Information Desk Coordinator interacts and communicates with a
                                                     large, diverse range of people: employees, clientele, supervisors, vendors and
                                                    others. She/He must be able to provide direction to others and recognize skills
                                                    and abilities in them that can be utilized and maximized by the CSU. She/He
                                                    must also understand, or be willing to learn, how to schedule basic events and
                                                    use the Scheduler Plus reservation system.

Supervisor:       Building Manager, Operations Graduate Assistant, Evening Coordinator

Minimum Requirements: 

·        Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5

·        Must be at least a part-time student

·        Must have attended MSUM a minimum of one year

…

Job Title:                      Building Manager

Job Purpose:                This position on the CSU staff is designed to increase the efficiency of the night and
weekend security and help supplement the general maintenance staff. Building Managers
may on occasion be required to provide sound and lightning equipment and physical set-
ups where necessary to groups utilizing the CSU.
During the evening and weekends the Evening Coordinator is not on duty, the Building Manager will be the chief representative of the CSU and will fulfill all the following:

·        Act as an interpreter and implementer of all building and campus policies

·        Supervise all Building Assistants, Information Desk workers as well as providing direction to those students workers in the other Service Areas

·        Assist in general upkeep and operation of the CSU

o       Custodial

o       Maintenance

o       Repair

o       Standards of Operation

General Responsibilities: 

1              Act on Behalf of and with the Evening Coordinator:

·        Be available for questions and/or directions

·        Carry the Building Manager cell phone when on duty and operate according to policy

·        Report the effectiveness of the maintenance program and identify any needed repairs

·        Attend weekly meetings with the Evening Coordinator

·        Assist in the evaluation of employees, programs and services

·        Assist in the selection and training of new Building Managers and other employees

·        Assist in the hiring and training of new CSU employees

·        Open or close the CSU when appropriate

·        Enforce policies established by the Centennial Student Union

·        Take appropriate measures to maintain the cleanliness of the building, its equipment and its furniture

·        Ensure services are provided per any reservation agreements

·        Act as the Union’s liaison with the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus security

·        Coordinate, supervise and document action taken during emergency procedures

·        Log activities after each shift

·        Perform any other duties that the Evening Coordinator deems appropriate           

2              Act on behalf of the Assistant Director:

·        Account for all funds in the Main Office and all Service Areas

·        Complete any reports requested by the Evening Coordinator

·        Secure the safe at closing

·        Make change for Service Areas

·        Change Student Activity Center’s printer paper when necessary

·        Log usage of Student Activity Center from 12am to 2am nightly

3              Act on Behalf of Scheduling and Operations:

·        Open or secure any doors as needed by scheduled groups or individuals

·        Arrange and/or put away furniture and equipment used for special events

·        Facilitate unscheduled groups or individuals where applicable

·        Ensure the needs of customers utilizing the CSU are being met by checking with them before, during and after their event

·        Take care of any set-ups, last minute reservations, custodial duties or changes in set-ups for groups utilizing the building

·        Help control the loss of audio-visual equipment as soon as the groups using it leaves

·        Report estimated attendance at all meetings and events for future reference

·        Report equipment used and any damages that may have occurred for future reference

·        Document any damage or vandalism that occurs to the CSU

·        Provide for setups, operation and tear down of lighting and sound equipment so that all equipment requested is operated efficiently and under the direction of building manager staff

·        Learn about and operate sound and lighting equipment

·        Provide maintenance on sound, lighting and audio-visual equipment so that CSU equipment is constantly in efficient operating condition

·        Provide physical arrangements and setups to supplement regular CSU staff duties           

4              Act on behalf of the Service Area Manager

·        Supervise all employees in the performance of their duties and report any exceptional or sub-standard employee behavior to their supervisor

·        Provide the best customer service possible

Relationships:                The Building Manager will work closely with the Director, Evening Coordinator, Operations Graduate Assistant, Student Leadership Development and Service Learning, Admissions, International Student Office and Association, Cultural Diversity and the University Wide Scheduling and Conferencing staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:           

The Building Manager interacts and communicates with a large, diverse range of people: employees, clientele, supervisors, vendors and others. She/He must be able to provide direction to others and recognize skills and abilities in them that can be utilized and maximized by the CSU. She/He must also understand, or be willing to learn, how to schedule basic events and use the Scheduler Plus reservation system. 

Supervisor:       Evening Coordinator

Minimum Requirements: 

·        Maintain a GPA of at least 2.5

·        Ability to perform many physical activities (reach overhead, lift up to 50 pounds, etc.)

·        Must be a full-time student

Who’s Who in the CSU?

Director of Student Involvement                        Henry Morris

Operations Director                                         Scott Hagebak

Assistant Director of Student Union                   Michael C. Hodapp

Conference Coordinator                                   Shirley Piepho

Evening Coordinator                                         Jessica Miller

Tech Service Specialist                                     William Steil

Reservations                                                     Karen Foreman

Reservations                                                     Cathy Smith

Office Secretary                                               Sue Olson

Francis Goettl                                                   Maintenance

Bill Oliver                                                         Lead GMW

Mel Crane                                                        GMW

Dan Hanel                                                        GMW

Ron Jones                                                        GMW

Greg Kirby                                                       GMW

Part Three: Policies
Topics Covered: Absence, Dress Code, Reapplying, Semester Performance Review, Hiring and Advancing, Employee Rights, Corrective Action, Studying, Telephone Usage, Time clock, Pay, Raises, Holidays/Breaks, Time Off, Discrimination, Harassment, Scheduling, Resigning, Alcohol and Drugs, Breaks, Training, All Staff Meetings

Being an important part of campus life isn’t always easy. As such, the Operations Office has developed a set of rules that spell out how its employees are to act on the job, what employee and supervisor rights are and what duties belong to what positions. These are all designed to increase the productivity of the Operations Office and make the CSU an enjoyable place to be for employees and everyone who uses the CSU.

If any of these policies are unclear, you are encouraged to discuss them with your supervisor before they become a problem. Your supervisor will be able to explain the reason behind a policy and work out a compromise or a change. The CSU is always looking for improvement, and the best source of new ideas comes from the minds of its own employees.

Absence 

It is important for all employees to show up for work. You were hired to perform a task and the building and your fellow employees are counting on you to perform it. Employees are expected to arrive at work on time and ready to work.

Should you have to miss a shift for which you are scheduled, try to find a replacement and fill out a Replacement Form. If no substitute can be found, notify your supervisor as early as possible. Employee contact information can be found with the weekly schedule and on-line at http://www2.mnsu.edu/csubldmgr/Contact%20Information.htm

If an emergency arises suddenly and detains you from working, contact a supervisor as quickly as possible to notify them of your absence.

Missing a shift without contacting a supervisor will result in an unexcused absence and will result in being written up (see Corrective Action, page 15). Chronic tardiness will also result in disciplinary action as deemed appropriate to the situation.

Dress Code

Visitors are constantly judging the Centennial Student Union based on their experiences with its services and personnel. By displaying a neat and casual appearance, CSU employees help to leave a positive impression on all members of the public they encounter. With their distinctive uniform, CSU staff is easily identifiable even from a distance.

All CSU employees are commissioned a personal nametag upon being hired. Building Managers and Assistants, Information Desk staff and Technical Assistants and are assigned a set of Centennial Student Union shirts which, in addition to a nametag, are to be worn and visible at all times while working in the CSU. Shirts and nametags are to be returned when an individual leaves employment with the Operations Office.

The following rules also apply to all CSU employees:

•    No ripped, torn or ragged clothing. Outfits should be clean and presentable

•    No articles of clothing with other University logos or information on them

•    CSU shirts are to be worn with a pair of jeans. People in positions not requiring purple shirts are to use their best judgment on work attire

•    Closed-toed shoes must be worn unless permission to the contrary is given by a supervisor

Reapplying

Students are hired on a semester-to-semester basis, and are required to fill out a reapplication form shortly before the beginning of a new semester. Reapplying does not guarantee re-employment. The needs of the CSU, such as the number of hours to be filled, your prior conduct and a variety of other factors affect rehiring. 

Every semester the schedule changes to reflect new class schedules. When filling out the reapplication form, you must provide your class schedule and any hours you will be unable to work. The application binds you to this schedule. Should you make a change to it, you will no longer be scheduled the hours you request off, however, there may not be any free hours to replace the time you lost.

Semester Performance Review

At the end of each semester, employees must complete a Performance Review Sheet and meet privately with their supervisor. This is an opportunity for the individual to reflect on the semester, discuss performance and set new goals for the upcoming months. The meeting will also help identify strengths and weaknesses and allow employees to make comments about peers, supervisors and the general working environment.

Hiring and Advancing

Notices for open positions will be advertised on campus through a variety of sources and applications will be made available at the Career Development Center. 

Candidates are evaluated on their previous experience, perceived ability to succeed in the position they have applied for and their willingness to make a commitment to the CSU. 

Advancement opportunities will be made available to employees demonstrating leadership, a strong work ethic, motivation and understanding of the CSU and their job.

Rights

Employees have the right to:

·        Receive training

·        Have input on decisions which affect them

·        Fair and impartial supervision

·        Evaluations of job performance

·        Regular communications with supervision

·        Healthy working conditions

·        Communicate with management above their supervisor

Supervisory staff has the right to:

• Expect quality workmanship
   
• Set high standards for employees
   
• Counsel, discipline and terminate employees who do not meet these standards

Corrective Action 

The Operations Office has a three-strike policy. In the event that disciplinary action becomes necessary, an employee will be ‘written-up.’ This means the incident will be documented and filed by your supervisor. Three write-ups will result in immediate termination of an employee. 

In unique situations, your supervisor may choose a different course of action in lieu of or in addition to a write-up. 

Alternates include: 

• Verbal reprimands
• Time off from work
• Demotion from your present position
• Immediate termination of employment

Employees have the right to appeal the action of a supervisor to the next level of authority.

Studying

Studying is not allowed in most positions at the Centennial Student Union. Some jobs, however, allow studying or reading while on duty; your supervisor will inform you if this is acceptable in your position.

Telephone Usage

Telephone calls are not to be made or received by employees during work hours. Exceptions can be made in special circumstances, but these calls must be brief and infrequent.

Time Clock

The time clock and time cards are located behind the Information desk on the first floor of the building. With the exception of Chartwells, all employees of businesses and organizations in the CSU share this clock. 

You must punch in at the beginning of your shift and out at the end of it. To do so, find your card on the near-by rack and slide it down through the time clock. Do not punch in or out for another employee. There is a 10-minute grace period at the beginning and end of each shift for students who must come from or go to a class. Arriving late or leaving early may result in disciplinary action.  Remember to punch in and out.  Frequent missed punches may result in loss of hours.

 If you experience any problems with the time clock, e-mail and talk with your supervisor.

Pay

Starting wage for employees is the base wage set for the university, which is determined each August by the state of Minnesota. Payday is every other Friday, with checks being available in the MavCard office; you must bring your student I.D. A free direct deposit service can be arranged at the Business Office.

Time and a half is given to employees in unusual cases. The most common instance of this is during finals week when the CSU is open for the late-night Study Stations.

Generally, students cannot work on campus for more than 20 hours a week, as determined by the federal government. This cap fluctuates to reflect holidays, breaks, the number of credits a student is taking and graduate student standing, but generally remains about 20. This does not hinder CSU employees from getting jobs off campus.

International students must complete a work permit at the International Student Office (CSU 219B), and all employees must fill out a W-4 form before being paid.

Raises

In most cases, all employees receive an automatic pay raise each August, which is determined on the university’s tuition for the year.  This may not happen in years that the University decides against it.

An increase in pay is also earned by becoming a Building Manager, Information Desk Coordinator, Lead Assistant or Technician.

Individuals displaying leadership, consistent good performance, motivation and ambition are also likely to be considered for a raise.

Holidays/Breaks 

The CSU is closed for major holidays and is often open when the campus is closed. Even during the summer months, the CSU is active and providing services for organizations, orientation groups, faculty and the community. The CSU is also a Safety Building, offering protection to the campus in the event of an emergency.

Time off

Life is busy. College life is very busy. If you need to request time off for any reason, inform your supervisor as soon as possible. E-mail them and write your request on the large, public calendar in the office. A note at least two weeks in advance is appreciated.

Discrimination

The Operations Office is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All employment practices will be without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, marital status, national origin or veteran status.

Harassment

Acts of sexual harassment create a hostile environment contrary to the goals of Minnesota State University, Mankato. If you feel you have been a victim of sexual harassment, talk with your supervisor or fill out a Problem Tracking Report with as much information you are comfortable sharing.

• Acts of sexual harassment include
• Unwelcome verbal harassment or abuse of sexual nature
• Unwelcome pressure for sexual activity
• Unwelcome patting, pinching or physical contact
• Unwelcome sexual behavior or words, including demands for sexual favors, tied to an individual’s employment or treatment.
• Unwelcome behavior or words directed at an individual because of gender

Individuals may also contact the Office of Affirmative Action or the Counseling Center for more information or to report an incident of sexual harassment.

Office of Affirmative Action, 112 Armstrong Hall, 389-2986

Counseling Center, 245 Centennial Student Union, 389-1455

Scheduling

Every Thursday, the next week’s schedule will be made available. The schedule does not change greatly from week to week. Due to absences, tests, meetings and a multitude of other reasons, however, it is important for all employees to check the schedule every week to double-check shift changes.

To view the schedule online, look at www2.mnsu.edu/csubldmgr/bms.htm or refer to the “CSUcompass” employee hub. 

Resigning

Should you wish to leave employment with the Operations Office, simply inform your supervisor of your decision two weeks before your final day. You will be asked to complete an exit interview and to return your nametag and purple shirts.

Alcohol and Drugs

No employee shall report to work under the influence of alcohol, any controlled substance or any type of drug which may affect his or her alertness, coordination, reaction, response, judgment decision making or safety. Coming to work under such conditions constitutes immediate termination of employment.

Breaks

There are no formal breaks scheduled for employees while working. If you need a short break to relax, inform your co-workers and remove yourself from the area.

If a shift falls over a mealtime, as long as you have not just begun your shift, it is acceptable to bring or purchase a meal. It is recommended that you leave the public eye by bringing food into the office or an empty room to eat it.

Training

Most training you will receive will be on the job training that is focused on what you need to know to do your job, however there are a variety of training options available to you throughout the year.  Some of the training is mandatory, of which you will receive compensation.  You will be notified beforehand of these sessions.

Staff meetings 

Staff meetings are important for communication between management and employees, brainstorming new ideas, reviewing procedures and troubleshooting. They are an opportunity to discuss the time since the last meeting, introduce new staff members and for team building.

 Under normal circumstances, there is one mandatory staff meeting a month. You are automatically paid for attending the mandatory formal meetings. Informal meetings are called on short notice and are focused on a recent event or a bit information that needs to be discussed as a group.

Missing a mandatory staff meeting is considered missing a scheduled shift and may warrant being  written up (see Corrective Action, page 15).

Part Four: The Building
Topics Covered: General Information, Numbering, Building Hours, Services and Tenants, Conference Rooms, Unique Rooms, Lounges

The Centennial Student Union is located at 620 South Road, Mankato, MN 56001 and is set in the center of the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus. Financed entirely though student fees and self-generating revenue, it provides a number of services to students and the MSUM community. Featuring a movie theater, ball room, numerous conference and meeting rooms, bookstore, food court, computer lab, offices for several organizations and businesses, recreational facility, lounges, coffee shop, computer store, credit union, hair salon and more, the CSU plays a role in many people’s daily lives. It is the ‘living room’ of the campus. 

And the Operations Office insures that it runs smoothly.

Operations is responsible for maintaining the CSU. We provide all of the necessities that keep the building clean and operational, policies for events, space for vendor sales, rules for who is kept as tenants and more. We maintain conference rooms, equipment and machines, organize events, conferences and meetings and make sure the building operates smoothly.

General Information

The Centennial Student Union consists of three floors. On every level are combinations of conference rooms, lounges, offices and student services. When not in use, rooms are locked to deter vandalism and theft. Garbage and recycling receptacles are conveniently located near lounges, stairwells and other high-traffic areas. Each floor sports at least two sets of handicap-accessible restrooms. 

The CSU has three elevators. Two serve all three floors, but the elevator in Phase III only runs between the main and second floors. The second public elevator is located across the hallway from Stompers on the main floor and opens in front of Cutting with Class and the Women’s Center on the lower and second floors, respectively. A service elevator, used only by CSU employees, connects the storage area behind the ballroom with the backrooms of Stompers and of the Indigo.

Numbering

The numbering system of CSU rooms was designed to be helpful and easy. Tragically, it missed the mark. Each phase of the building has its own numbering system that picks up where the previous phase left off. Fortunately, there are some consistencies.

The hundreds digit designates what floor the room is on, with the lower level being zero the first floor equaling one, and second floor equaling two. The final two digits mark the location of the room. Wherever the numbering begins, and it varies from floor to floor and phase to phase, it continues in a clockwise fashion in near-sequential order. Because all rooms are numbered, however, there are numerous closets and well-hidden, nonpublic rooms and storage areas that were all diligently numbered, but only serve to complicate giving directions within the CSU.

Building Hours

The Building is open for public from 7am to 2am Monday through Friday, 10am to 2am on Saturdays, and 12pm to 2am on Sundays.  These times adjust when classes are not in session, as well as during holidays.

Services and Tenants

Several organizations and businesses have taken up residence in the CSU. Each of them provides at least one service that students find important in their daily lives. These organizations help students in a variety of ways, from counseling to arranging a study abroad program. The following is a list off all the tenants and services located in the CSU.

ACC Satellite Computer Lab – CSU 22 * No Phone – has dozens of PCs and Macintosh computers open to students who want to surf the Internet or write a paper.

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union – CSU 13B  * 2146– provides services as a full credit union. Members may open a checking account or savings deposit and obtain a credit card or loan.

Barnes and Nobel Campus Bookstore – CSU 144 * 1649– where students can go to purchase textbooks, school supplies and Minnesota State University, Mankato, merchandise

Campus Computer Store – CSU 20 * 1907– is a non-profit computer store that only services the MSUM campus. They specialize in Apple and Dell computers.

Chartwells Dining Service – CSU 14 * 2613– provides catering and dining service for the entire campus.

Counseling Center – CSU 245 * 1455 – offers free, confidential help to assist students in resolving personal, social and educational concerns.

Cutting with Class – CSU 10 * 1554– offers haircuts, colorings, ear piercing and other hairstyling and barber services.

The Indigo – CSU 18 * 5437– is a waited restaurant and coffee shop that offers a large selection of specialty coffees, espressos and even caffeine-free drinks.

Intercultural Student Center – CSU 269 * 6207 –  Houses a mini-kitchen for students to cook various ethnic food, as well as provides a activity place for students of all cultures to get together.

International Programs Office – CSU 238 * 6669 – is responsible for international student exchange programs and arranging study abroad opportunities.

International Student Association – 264 *  – plays a vital role in keeping the international community at MSU united and is committed to bringing a diversity of cultures from around the globe to the campus.

International Student Office – CSU 219 * 1281 – helps students from around the world come to MSU.

Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual and Transgender Center – CSU 242 * 5131 – is devoted to raising awareness about alternative lifestyles through activism and knowledge.

Maverick Game Room – CSU 46 * 1321 – sports an arcade, 16 pool tables, bowling alley, ping pong tables and a rental facility.

MN River Review – CSU 192 * 2425 – on-campus literary magazine.

Minnesota Student Senate Association (MSSA) – CSU 280 * 2611– serves as the official voice of Minnesota State University students. It represents student opinions in a variety of places.

Multicultural Affairs – CSU 243 * 6300 – coordinates service facilities at MSU in order to provide assistance to minority students and help promote cross-cultural interactions.

Operations and Scheduling – CSU 246 * 2223 – contains offices of the Operations Director and Events Coordinator. The room is the home for Reservations and the entire Operations Staff.

Reporter – CSU 293 * 1776 – is the campus’ free, student-run newspaper. It’s published once a week and features local reports, news, editorials, opinion polls and sports.

Smoking Lounge – CSU 43 – Housed in the Maverick Game Room.

Stompers – CSU Main Level * 1526 – serves as the center of several dining establishments and offers an olio of food choices from tacos to fresh sandwiches and salads.

Student Leadership Development and Service Learning – CSU 173 * 6076 – works with student leaders to plan and sponsor on-campus social and recreational programs.

Student Union Office – CSU 220 * 2224 – Serves as the administrative headquarters of the CSU and is a lost and found for missing items in the CSU.

Women’s Center – CSU 218 * 6146 – aims to empower women, provide sexual violence awareness education and foster equality.

Conference Rooms 

Conference rooms are rented by organizations on a temporary basis, from a few hours to a weekend. The rooms vary in size, but all feature similar amenities. Each room has a white board, TV/VCR unit and telephone and computer hook-up capabilities.

It is the responsibility of the Operations Staff to insure that conference rooms are clean and stocked before an event is scheduled to happen in them. We set up tables and chairs according to the customer’s needs, clean stains and messes and insure that each room is ready to be used.

The CSU conference rooms are 101, 103, 201, 202, 203, 204, 219-A, 244, 253, 254, 255, 256, 284 and 285. Some rooms can be divided into several smaller rooms, or combined to make larger rooms. For instance, rooms 253, 254 and 255 are divided by folding screens that can be retracted to make one large room or one small and one medium-sized room. Room 284 also has two screen dividers that can be used to make rooms 284A, 284B and 284C.

Clients have specific needs when they reserve a conference room. They expect a certain number of people and have their program worked out in advance. How the room is arranged is important to them. It is the job of the Operations Staff to make insure that the room is set up correctly prior to the group’s arrival. This often entails moving tables and adding or removing chairs, media carts, podiums, sound systems, staging and even pianos. Often this work is in the background but that doesn’t mean it goes unappreciated.

Unique Rooms

The CSU features two very special rooms in addition to its services, conference rooms and lounges.

Ostrander Auditorium – CSU 150 – is an auditorium capable of seating 350. It serves as a movie theater, presentation room, and stage production theatre.

Ballroom – CSU 200 – located on the second floor of the CSU, the ballroom is large enough to provide theater seating for groups as large as 800, banquet seating for 400 or any arrangement of staging, chairs and tables. The room has dividers that can be used to make three smaller ballrooms: CSU 200-N, CSU 200-C and CSU-S. It’s used for a wide variety of purposes, from wedding receptions, dances and job fairs to presentations and dinners.

Lounges

The CSU fosters a comfortable, relaxed ambiance for all its patrons. A primary way this is accomplished is through a system of lounges spread throughout the building. These cozy areas have large, plush chairs plus footrests in soothing colors and matching carpet. They’re perfect places to sit for a while and read a newspaper, chat with a friend or take a nap.

Lounges are found on every floor of the CSU, with the more popular ones having informal names for easy identification.

Second Floor Lounges

Piano Lounge – Across from the ballroom. It has a baby grand piano for after business hours use, which can be unlocked by a GMW or Building Manager.

Main Floor Lounges

Purple Lounge – Across from Stompers’ entryway

Lincoln Lounge – Left of the Information Desk; named after its statue of Abraham Lincoln

Lower Level Lounges

TV Lounge – Left of The Indigo is the TV Lounge, the largest lounge in the CSU. Here everyone is welcome to curl up on any of the dozens of couches and watch the wide screen TV.

Number of times this Handbook has been accessed: