23.1 Professional Meetings. Faculty should be encouraged to and may, with the approval of the supervisor, attend professional meetings, conferences, and activities. Subject to the availability of funds, the faculty member’s expenses in connection with such meetings, conferences, or activities will be reimbursed in accordance with the applicable provisions of State law and rules and regulations having the force and effect of law.
23.2 Office Space.
(a) Each faculty member will be provided with office space which may be on a shared basis.
(b) The parties recognize the desirability of providing each faculty member with enclosed office space with a door lock, office equipment commensurate with assigned responsibilities, and ready access to a telephone.
(c) Each faculty member will, consistent with building security, have reasonable access to the faculty member’s office space and laboratories, studios, music rooms, and the like used in connection with assigned responsibilities; this provision may require that campus security provide access on an individual basis.
(d) Before a faculty member’s office location is changed, or before there is a substantial alteration to a faculty member’s office to a degree that impedes the faculty member’s work effectiveness, the affected faculty member will be notified, if practicable, at least one (1) month prior to such change.
23.3 Safe Conditions.
(a) Whenever a faculty member reports a condition which the faculty member feels represents a violation of safety or health rules and regulations or which is an unreasonable hazard to persons or property, such conditions will be promptly investigated.
(b) The appropriate administrator will reply to the concern, in writing, if the faculty member’s concern is communicated in writing. A copy of any investigative report regarding the condition will be forwarded to the faculty member.
(c) If a building has been designated as a “sick building” or equivalent by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, the University will take prompt action to ensure the health and safety of the faculty.
23.4 Limitations on Personal Liability.
(a) In the event a faculty member is sued for an act, event, or omission which may fall within the scope of Chapter 768, Florida Statutes, the faculty member should notify the President’s office as soon as possible after receipt of the summons commencing the action in order that the Board may fulfill its obligation. Failure to notify the President’s office promptly may affect the rights of the parties.
(b) For information purposes, the following pertinent language of section 768.2 8(9), Florida Statutes, is reproduced herein. No officer, employee, or agent of the State or its sub-divisions shall be held personally liable in tort for any injuries or damages suffered as a result of any act, event or omission of action in the scope of his or her employment or function unless such officer, employee or agent acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose or in a manner exhibiting wanton and willful disregard of human rights, safety or property.
23.5 Travel Advances. The University will, to the extent permitted by State law and rule, provide travel advances, upon request, of up to eighty (80) percent of budgeted expenses for authorized travel of longer than five (5) consecutive days.
23.6 Working Papers Rights. Consistent with the law, University rules and policies, the provisions of Article 20 (Inventions and Works), and the legitimate interests of the University, faculty will have the right to control of their personal correspondence, notes, raw data, and other working papers.
23.7 Protection for Whistleblowers. Faculty are notified that section 112.3187, Florida Statutes, provides protection to whistleblowers and delineates their rights and responsibilities.
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