FITNESS HANDBOOK

 

EMPLOYMENT POLICIES

PAY:  Payment is based on years of experience as an instructor. Generally,  all first year instructors will get paid $15 per hour. For second year and above, we offer $20 per hour.

First year instructors: $15.00 per hour

Returning instructors: $20.00 per hour

TRACKING PARTICIPATION:  You are responsible for taking a count of male and female participants for each class that you teach and recording that number in the fitness binder.  Participants will also be required to sign a waiver once a semester to be enrolled in the fitness programs. You need to announce to your classes that new participants in the fitness program need to sign in. The waivers will also be in the fitness binder.

MONITORING PARTICIPATION:  Only students, faculty, staff, their spouses, and alumni members are eligible to participate in the fitness classes. You only need to check ID’s if you suspect that a participant is not in any of the above-mentioned categories.

CHILDREN:  All children under the age of 16 need to be supervised by their parent or guardian at all times. It is unacceptable for a parent to take a fitness class, while their kid or kids play on the other side of the gym.

EQUIPMENT:  Weights, steps, jump ropes, and bands will be stored in the storage area behind the Recreation Desk. We will allow participants into the storage room to get their class equipment. If anyone needs equipment for a longer period of time, he or she must make arrangements with the recreation director.  There will be a charge for returning the equipment late. Patrons will be held responsible for any damages to the facility or equipment that they are borrowing. If you have other equipment needs, please let me know and I will see what I can do. Also, please notify the director of any faulty or broken equipment. 

SOUND SYSTEM:  We currently have a portable sound system with a wireless microphone and a boom box. Larger classes should use the portable sound system with microphone so that the class can hear you. In regards to the volume level, please be respectful to the other users of the gym. If you are having any problems with the equipment, please notify the director as soon as possible so that the equipment can be fixed.

CURTAIN: If you have a class in the RecPlex, please ask the building supervisor on duty to put the curtain down. This will make it easier for others in the gym as well as your class.

CLEANING: When you pick up your radio or other supplies from the Rec storage closet, also take a spray bottle and towel with you. There will be bottles and towels in the Rec closet at all times. Users can clean the mats before or after the class if they want to. Note: The mats will be cleaned two times a week by Rec staff.

MUSIC:  Instructors are responsible for their own music.  In the case that you forget your music, a back-up CD will be available in the recreation office. You can leave your music in the storage closet if need be, just communicate with us so we are aware.

SCHEDULE:  All instructors will turn in a proposal of the classes/times that they wish to teach once they have scheduled their school classes for the following semester. Schedules will then be determined by the director and set for the entire semester.

SUBSTITUTIONS:  Employees must obtain a sub for those times when they are unable to work.  A phone list will be made available to all employees to facilitate this process. Please try to get a substitute so we do not have to cancel class.

REPORTING AN ABSENCE:  If an employee cannot work, they are expected to make every attempt to find a suitable substitute. In the case that there is no time to find a substitute because of an emergency, an employee must call and talk to the supervisor on duty at the time. If the Supervisor is not available a message should be left on the director’s voicemail at 3092. The director will then review the situation and make a decision on whether the absence is excused or not.

SCHEDULE CHANGES:  If you can no longer work a class that you are scheduled for, it is your responsibility to notify the GA for Fitness two weeks in advance so that a replacement can be found.

REPORTING TO WORK:  Aerobic instructors are expected to report to work 10 minutes in advance and have all equipment set up prior to the class.

PAYROLL PROCEDURE:  All work study employees are expected to clock in and out with a time card. All employees who are non-students or non-work study will be paid under a Independent Contract. Your class hours will be recorded and you can pick your check up in the Recreation office every 2 weeks. Independent contractors are responsible for reporting their earnings to the IRS. Work study instructors can pick their checks up  every other Friday at the cashier’s office. Students must have their student ID cards to receive their checks.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES:  In any case of misunderstanding or misinterpretation of student employment policies, procedures, or work practices, the following steps should be taken: (1) The aggrieved student employee should make every effort to resolve the problem with his/her immediate supervisor informally. (2) If the aggrieved student employee is dissatisfied with their direct supervisor’s actions the student should get in touch with the Director to request further action.

TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT:  It is very important for employees to take responsibility for their individual actions. Violations of the rules or regulations may be grounds for dismissal.

GROUNDS FOR IMMEDIATE TERMINATION:  Extreme Violation of RecPlex policies and procedures may result in immediate termination. This means that an individual in violation of the following rules will not be given a warning or a probation notice, but will be suspended immediately followed by a hearing with probable termination.

1. Working while under the influence of alcohol or other non-prescription drugs.
2. Smoking while on duty.
3. Pilfering of equipment belonging to the RecPlex.
4. Consuming alcoholic beverages or non-prescription drugs while on duty.
5. Falsification of payroll.
6. Physical and or verbal abuse of others.

GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION:

1. Failure to perform duties as stated in position description.
2. Excessive tardiness
3. Failure to report for work when scheduled
4. Not reporting participation counts

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE:

• Verbal Warning Notice:  Issued by supervisor or recreation director for any minor violation of RecPlex policies, including tardiness.  Once an employee has received a verbal warning, his or her next violation could lead directly to probation if warranted.
• Written Warning Letter:  Issued for second infraction of handbook policies.
• Probation:  Issued for any serious violation of RecPlex policies, any violation after a letter of warning is given. Recreation Director or Assistant Director will decide the length of the probation period after meeting with the student. If an employee violates any policy while on probation, he or she will be terminated from his or her position.
• Termination:  See grounds for termination above.

REHIRE POLICY:  Student employees are not automatically rehired for their second or third year. All employees will be evaluated for rehire each semester.

NEW INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

NEW INSTRUCTOR TRAINING:  All applicants for the fitness instructor position need to attend an instructor training class. This class will prepare you to work in the department and get certified by a national organization. This training does not guarantee that you will have a position in the department, but will give you the opportunity to audition for a position. Returning employees will have to attend our initial meeting during the first week of school.

SHADOWING TRAINING:  All individuals who are hired following the auditions will have to shadow a current instructor for one to three months, and obtain their certification before they will be given their own class.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION:  The recreation department mandates that you obtain your national certification in your area of expertise before you teach a class by yourself. A list of acceptable national certifying organizations will be given to you.  You will have six months to obtain your certification. If you have not obtained your certification in six months then you will not be eligible to work for the department any longer. You will be responsible to pay for your certification.

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RECREATION CENTER RULES

RECPLEX GYMNASIUM:

1. All users must present a JCU ID card or membership card at the rec desk before using

2. Used primarily for free play, intramurals, and fitness classes

3. Participants must wear gym clothes with clean tennis shoes

4. No dunking or hanging on the rim

5. No food or drink (other than water) permitted in the area

6. No balls or objects permitted that can mark up the gym floor

University Mission:  John Carroll University is a Catholic and Jesuit University dedicated to forming women and men with the knowledge and character to lead and serve.

Student Affairs Mission:  Our mission is to participate fully in the education of the whole person by fostering learning environments that promote student growth through which students will become caring, principled citizens engaged in the promotion of justice.

Recreation Mission:  Our mission is to provide a safe facility, quality programs, and a friendly environment to 1) students, 2) faculty/staff, and 3) alumni members. Recreational activities can promote health and wellness, social interaction, fun, and peace of mind. We feel that these aspects play an important part in the lives of all people, especially in a student’s development.

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