This handbook applies to all full-time staff employees of Villanova University. Many general University policies, such as benefit policies, also apply to faculty. Faculty are reminded that there is also a Faculty Handbook for their use. We encourage you to read this document carefully.

This Handbook is a general guideline voluntarily adopted by the University for informational purposes only. It is not intended to and does not create an express or implied contract of employment or any other contractual rights, obligations or liabilities. It does not contain any promises by the University and the University is not legally or otherwise bound by it. More specifically, the Handbook should not be considered as or relied upon by employees as establishing terms and conditions of employment. Additionally, because staff employment is at-will, you are not guaranteed employment or any particular job or type of work for any specified period of time.

We believe that every employee is an individual and that no general policy can, or should, dictate what must happen in every situation. Therefore, from time to time, situations or problems may arise which, the University believes, require or deserve special handling, even though a policy stated in this Handbook may indicate a different general rule. Accordingly, just because a particular policy or procedure is generally followed in certain circumstances does not mean that the University must apply that policy or procedure in every instance.

Because your employment is at-will, both you and the University have the right to terminate your employment at any time and for any or no reason and with or without prior notice. While the University may follow a disciplinary process from time to time, nothing in this Handbook or its application shall restrict the right of the University to terminate employees at-will. Exceptions to the employment-at-will policy apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or individual employment contracts.

Please appreciate also that the University reserves the right to interpret the policies, rules, benefits, sections and provisions contained in the Handbook as it deems appropriate in its sole discretion. The University also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend, modify, change, cancel, terminate or withdraw any or all of the policies, rules, benefits, sections and provisions of this Handbook at any time, unilaterally, with or without prior notice, in its sole discretion.

This Handbook, as well as its attachments and all subsequent revisions, supersede and/or replace all policies, rules, and benefit program descriptions issued previously.