Working in a Public Higher Education Environment

The University of Arizona is a public and nonprofit higher education institution. Working as an employee in this sector can be very different from other industries. This page provides training and resources to help orient (or refresh) yourself on things that are helpful, and sometimes vital, for university employees to know.

Orientation and Education Options

Arizona Public Service Orientation

Arizona state law requires that all state employees complete this orientation. It covers policies and laws relating to proper business conduct for public employees. It is automatically assigned to new hires.

Status: Mandatory
Length: 35-40 minutes

Understanding Higher Education

The College and University Professional Association for Human Resources created this training to provide a basic orientation to the higher education environment. Topics include types of institutions, terminology, cultural hallmarks of the work environment, and the basics of funding.

Status: Optional
Length: 40 minutes

Reasonable Expense Guide

As stewards of state dollars, university employees must ensure every expenditure adds value to the university and furthers its core mission and objectives. The Reasonable Expense Guide provides information on what to consider before spending university funds, related expense requirements, and additional resources.

Did You Know?

About Public Records
Documents created or used in the course and scope of your employment are the property of the Arizona Board of Regents and are subject to Arizona’s public record laws and guidelines. Most documents and communications created in the course of your work at the university will likely be considered public records.

Our Land-Grant Institution Background
The University of Arizona is a land-grant institution and is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Learn more about this distinction and history on the University of Arizona Land-Grant Project website.

How to Disclose Substantial Interests
University employees who have a Substantial Interest in a company, as determined by the Office for Responsible Outside Interests, must not participate on behalf of the university in any purchasing decisions, contracts or sales pertaining to the company, including subcontracting university research to the company. This is prohibited by State law.

 

Shared Governance

To ensure input, guidance, and perspectives from important campus stakeholders, University leadership regularly engages with shared governance organizations. Review a few of those organizations below and see how you can participate.

University Advisory Council

Serves as a vital link between the University of Arizona's leadership and its community, fostering dialogue on matters affecting the campus.

Staff Council

Staff Council's goal is to enhance the quality of career life for Classified and University Staff by providing advocacy, information and resources.

Faculty Governance

The Senate's business is focused on a broad spectrum of policy issues, including academic personnel policies; instruction and curriculum policy; research policy; and student affairs policies.

Policies and Statutes