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It is the policy of Tennessee Technological University to seek as employees the best qualified persons regardless of their relation to other University employees. Close relatives may be employed in the same or different departments of the University. However, no University employees, including student workers and temporary employees, who are relatives shall be placed within the same direct line of supervision whereby one relative is responsible for supervising the job performance or work activities of another relative. Nor shall close relatives be involved in institutional decisions involving a direct benefit to either person. Such decisions include, but shall not be limited to, initial hiring, retention, promotion, salary adjustments, leaves of absence and termination.
An administrator shall not make employment decisions and/or recommendations which impact a relative individually; however, the policy does not prohibit an administrator who does not otherwise violate the nepotism policy, from making recommendations that pertain to all faculty and/or staff members at an institution while he/she has a relative who is a faculty or staff member.
The nepotism policy shall not be used or considered in the granting of tenure.
5.2 Definition of Close Relatives
Close relatives, for purposes of this policy, are defined as: parent, foster parent, parent-in-law, child, spouse, brother, foster brother, sister, foster sister, grandparent, grandchild, son-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law or other family member who resides in the same household.
5.3 Marriage
When, as a result of marriage, employees are in violation of this policy, such violation shall be resolved by means of a transfer or resignation as may be necessary. The affected employees shall be advised by the President, or his designee, on each of the alternatives available. The employees shall be given the opportunity to select among such available alternatives. If the employees are unable to agree upon any such alternative within sixty (60) days, then the President shall take appropriate action to remove such violation.
5.4 Remedies
The institution may remedy any violation of this policy by voluntary transfer, or if an agreement cannot be reached, by involuntary transfer, from a unit or position, or by termination when appropriate.
5.5 Effective Date
This policy does not affect relatives employed prior to July 1, 1980.