The University of Iowa has extended the contract with the Des Moines law firm reviewing the university’s employment policies and practices.
The contract amendment provides additional time, but no change in projected cost, to review documentation and data in assessing the UI Department of Intercollegiate Athletics’ compliance with employment laws and policies concerning equitable treatment of employees.
“This additional time will ensure the review is comprehensive and provides appropriate recommendations for additional training or changes to our employment practices,” says Cheryl Reardon, UI chief human resources officer and associate vice president. “Our focus has been to make sure the review is thorough and transparent.”
The UI signed the original professional services agreement with Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. on Nov. 6, 2017, after the firm was selected by the Employment Practices Committee to evaluate policies and practices related to hiring, promotion, documentation, compensation, and termination of both faculty and staff. The initial contract was for $95,000.
“The review is intended to be forward-looking to help the university be the best workplace possible for current and future employees. We are working with Fredrikson to examine the entire employee life-cycle to identify any shortcomings or areas for improvement,” says Reardon.
Policy revisions
Fredrikson & Byron completed the first phase of the review in May and issued a report with recommendations. Since then, human resources leadership has been working with stakeholders and shared governance representatives to implement the recommendations. Revisions to the UI’s policies regarding unacceptable behaviors and anti-retaliation have resulted in clearer language, better consistency, and improved organization to allow for easier cross-referencing.
The Fredrikson & Byron report noted the narrowness of the definition of harassment with respect to speech under the Anti-Harassment Policy. The university’s revisions have brought that policy into legal compliance and have made the policy clearer and more effective. Likewise, changes to the Sexual Harassment Policy have clarified the use of interim measures to maintain a safe campus environment while an investigation is ongoing.
Athletics evaluation continues
In May, the UI signed a contract amendment for the next step of the review, evaluating athletics practices to determine if there are discrepancies between the written policies and their application in practice. The agreement stipulated the work would not extend beyond 90 days or exceed $92,000 without prior authorization. The second amendment to the November agreement extends the review until Jan. 21, 2019, with no change in the projected cost.
The university will then review its academic and operational units and UI Health Care.