The Office of General Counsel provides legal assistance on a broad range of employment, benefits and labor law matters that relate to compliance with University policies, as well as state and federal employment laws. The attorneys are also available to provide training or to lead workshops on the legal issues surrounding employment policies and laws.

Frequently Asked Questions about Employment

Where are the basic policies governing employment at Iowa State University found?

Please refer to the Policy Library for a complete list of policies governing personnel and human relations. Topics include: benefits eligibility, employee records, resignations, terminations, separations, smoke-free campus and drug-free workplace, just to name a few.

What is the University's policy on equal opportunity employment and non-discrimination?

"Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries  regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu."

I may need a workplace accommodation due to disability? Who do I contact?

The Employee and Labor Relations Office can assist with individual questions, conflicts and issues that arise in the workplace. More information is available on the University Human Resources website.

Where do I find out about ISU's policies on employee leaves (such as FMLA)?

University Human Resources has compiled information regarding paid and unpaid leave available to employees. For additional resources, contact your department head or University Human Resources, 515-294-4800.

How do I report fraudulent or illegal activity?

If you suspect fraud ...

  • Do not confront the suspect
  • Do not investigate the situation yourself

To report misconduct

  • Iowa State University has implemented the ISU Compliance and Ethics Hotline, a fraud hotline that has automated and anonymous reporting mechanisms in place to bring forward misconduct issues and concerns across campus. You may file a report by calling 515-294-7119 or filing an online report.
  • Reports are investigated as promptly and discreetly as possible with the facts made available only to those who need to investigate and resolve the matter. Iowa State University is committed to safeguarding the confidentiality of individuals who submit reports and University policy prohibits the taking of any retaliatory action against anyone for reporting or inquiring about potential misconduct.

Am I protected from retaliation?

Iowa State University will not tolerate retaliation against persons who report misconduct. ISU's policy of non-retaliation against persons reporting misconduct details university efforts to create an environment wherein members of the university community are encouraged to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.

I have been sued. Will I be represented by the University? What should I do?

The State of Iowa, through the Attorney General's Office provides defense and protection from liability so long as the employees conduct is within statutory requirements. See the general description of protection from personal liability below.

If you are served with a lawsuit which involves you as an employee of the University (as opposed to a personal matter), please do the following:

  • Immediately email, fax or bring a copy of the papers to the Office of General Counsel (3550 Beardshear, Fax: 515-294-1799) with a short description indicating who served them and how and when you received them.

If you are named as a defendant in the lawsuit, please make an appointment to meet with an attorney in the Office of General Counsel. We will help you understand the process of litigation.

Do employees have protection from personal liability in university matters?

Caution: The following is a general description of Iowa law regarding protection of employees from liability. For information on interpreting the applicability of these sections to a particular case, please consult with the Office of University Counsel. Ultimately, the Iowa Department of Justice interprets and administers these sections of law.

Iowa law (Iowa Code Chapter 669) provides that employees and volunteers of the State of Iowa shall be protected from personal and property injury claims of monetary damage while acting in the scope of employment. The state of Iowa will pay such claims and will provide legal defense to employees and volunteers. The state's duty to provide the defense and pay such claims is conditioned upon the employee's cooperation in investigating and defending the claim. In addition, the state is not required to provide such protection if the employee's engaged in willful and wanton acts or omissions, or malfeasance. The Iowa Department of Justice provides the legal defense.

While volunteers are also generally covered under these provisions, protection may be denied when the volunteer has intentionally or knowingly acted improperly, or has derived an improper personal benefit from the volunteer activities.

Employees and volunteers may elect to seek their own legal advice and representation on claims made against them arising from employment by the University; however, normally the employee is responsible for the costs of such representation and advice.