Employee Handbook - North Lake College

Employee 

Handbook

North Lake College 

ONE COLLEGE. FOUR CAMPUSES. 

Central Campus 

5001 N. MacArthur Blvd. 

Irving, TX 75038 

972-273-3000 

North Campus 

101 S. Royal Lane 

Coppell, TX 75019 

972-860-4400 

South Campus 

1081 W. Shady Grove 


214-891-1342 

West Campus 

1401 Royal Lane West 

DFW Airport, TX 75261 

972-860-7873 

Vision 

We will be the college of choice for our students, our community and our employees. 

Mission Statement 

North Lake College, created as a part of the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) 

in 1977, is a public community college with an open-door admission policy which anticipates and 

responds to the educational, training, and employment needs of the community. The college prepares 

people for successful living and responsible citizenship through quality educational programs. 

We invite dynamic partnerships with all our constituencies: students, community, business and 

industry, public schools, and government; we celebrate a supportive environment in all aspects of 

the college experience. We are committed to providing equal access and quality learning experiences 

to a diverse student population in an environment characterized by excellence in service and 

responsible use of resources.

Table of Contents 

Strategic Plan 2007-2010........................................3 

President’s Team.....................................................4 

Organizational Chart...............................................5 

Employee Value Proposition...................................6 

Employment with North Lake College...................7 

• Equal Employment Opportunity 

• Employment at Will 

• Contractual Employment 

• Standards of Employment 

• Nepotism 

• Employee Classifications 

• Evaluations 

Benefits...................................................................9 

• Health Insurance 

• Retirement Plans 

• Tuition Waiver Assistance 

• Blazer Life – Worklife Program 

• Worker’s Compensation 

Your Responsibilities and Conduct.......................11 

• Open Door Policy 

• Workplace Respect 

• Discrimination and Harassment 

• Drug and Alcohol Policy 

• College Expectations 

• Quality Customer Service 

• Dress and Personal Appearance 

• Work Hours 

• Standards of Conduct 

• Tobacco, Drug, and Alcohol 

• Electronic Communications 

• Computer Software and Hardware 

• Confidentiality 

• Other Employment 

• Changes in Personal Information 

• Workplace Visitors 

• Animals on Campus 

• eConnect 

• Professional Development 

Time Away from Work..........................................15 

• Holidays 

• Vacation Policy 

• Sick Leave 

• Other Time off 

• Professional Leave 

• Leave Without Pay 

Wages and Salary Policies....................................17 

• Pay Cycle 

• Distribution of Pay 

• Overtime 

• Promotions, Salary Placement, 

Reclassification 

• Other Stipends 

When Employment Ends......................................19 

• Termination of Your Employment 

• Resignation 

• Continuation of Insurance Coverage 

• Employment Verification 

• Retirement 

College Safety and Emergency Procedures..........20 

• Reporting Crimes 

• Evacuation Procedures 

• Bomb Threats 

• Hostage Situation 

• Medical Emergencies 

• Weapons on Campus 

• Chemical Spills 

• Weather Emergencies and Campus Closure 

Who to Call...........................................................24 

Frequently Used Terms.........................................25 

Locations...............................................................26 

1

Welcome to North Lake College 

It is North Lake Colleges’ intent to comply with all 

applicable laws. If there is a conflict with the 

applicable law and the information in this 

handbook, the applicable law will govern. 

If any provision in the handbook is found to be 

unenforceable or invalid, the finding does not 

invalidate the entire handbook, only that particular 

provision. 

DCCCD Board Policy (Policy) 

http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/057501/ 

North Lake College provides this Handbook for 

Employees to assist in a smooth transition into the 

college culture. This handbook gives you 

important information about North Lake College 

history, philosophy, employment practices, 

policies, and benefits. 

About this Handbook 

Information in this handbook has been complied to 

be a convenient guide and can help answer many 

of the questions you may have. Please familiarize 

yourself with it and use it as a reference. It is 

important to remember, however, that each 

situation is unique and judgment must be used in 

applying policies fairly and equitably. Please refer 

to the official DCCCD Board policy, Human 

Resources Operational Guidelines and North Lake 

College Operational Memorandums for complete 

details. North Lake College can not anticipate or 

address every situation that may arise during your 

employment. If you encounter a situation that is 

not covered in this document, please ask your 

supervisor or a Human Resources representative 

for assistance. 

Human Resources Operational Guidelines 

(HROG) 

http://www.dcccd.edu/Employees/Departments/ 

Human+and+Organizational+Development/ 

Human+Resources/HROG/ 

Business Procedures Manual (BPM) 

http://www.dcccd.edu/shared-nfs/intranet/dcccd/ 

business_affairs/bpm/toc.htm 

North Lake College Operational 

Memorandum (OM) NLC Intranet 

http://www.northlakecollege.edu/ 

North Lake College may change, delete, suspend 

or discontinue any part of the policies or benefits in 

this handbook (according to applicable law) at any 

time without advance notice. Every attempt will 

be made to notify you of a change in policy. 

However, events may occur when policy changes 

are implemented or enforced prior to this manual 

being revised in written form. 

2

Strategic Plan 2007 – 2010 

Strategic Priority One: 

Our Students 

Goal I – Student Success 

Our goal is to build a culture of student success through engaging students in active learning with an enriched 

curriculum and co-curriculum. We will strive to be known as experts in learning and an exemplary model to 

our peers. 

Strategic Priority Two: 

Our Community 

Goal II – Economic and Workforce Development 

We will be flexible and agile in anticipating and responding to employer and community needs. 

Goal III – Building a Sustainable Community 

We will utilize practices and collaborate with community partners to build a sustainable community. 

Goal IV – Community Development and Involvement 

We will be the “partner of choice” in our community. 

Strategic Priority Three: 

Our Employees 

Goal V – Employee Success 

We will be known as an “employer of choice” and recognized as the “best place to work” for all employees. 

We are committed to creating a unified, inclusive organization with a culture of pride, excellence, and 

commitment to a common identity that is proudly recognized by students and employees. 

Goal VI – Business and Fiscal Affairs 

We recognize our responsibility to be good stewards of the public’s funds. Our goal is to optimize the use of 

all college resources including fiscal, human, space and technical. 

Goal VII – Planning and Accountability 

We are committed to continuous improvement and strive to integrate planning and accountability into all of 

our work. 

3

President’s Team 

The senior management organizational structure for North Lake College represents the college president 

followed by five Vice-Presidents. Additionally, three Executive Deans oversee operations at the satellite 

campuses. 

Interim President 

Christa Slejko 

972-273-3010 

Senior Administrative Assistant 

to the President 

Debbie Eberle 

972-273-3010 

Interim Vice President of 

Business Services 

Shannon Weaver 

972-273-3390 

Vice President of Academic 

Affairs & Student Services 

Dr. Martha Hughes 

972-273-3590 

Vice President of Planning & 

Development 

Candace Castillo 

972-273-3015 

Vice President for 

Community and Economic 

Development 

Dr. Paul Kelemen 

972-860-3590 

Vice President, Student 

Services & Enrollment 

Management 

Mary Ciminelli 

972-273-3135 

Executive Dean of 

North and South Campuses 

Arthur James 

972-860-4400 

4 

Executive Dean of 

Construction Technology & 

West Campus 

Mike Cooley 

972-860-7839

NORTH LAKE COLLEGE 

of the 

Dallas County Community College District 

Christa Slejko 

Sr Executive Assistant 

Debbie Eberle 

NLC – North & South Campuses – Arthur James, 

Executive Dean 

NLC – West Campus – Mike Cooley, Executive Dean 

Marketing & Public Info. 

Gina Federer 

Interim Vice President 

Business Services 

Vice-President 

Planning & Development 




Academic Affairs 

Martha Hughes 

Mary Ciminelli 

Paul Kelemen 

Shannon Weaver 

Candace Castillo 

Business 

Operations 

Institutional 

Research 

Career Services 

Liberal Arts 

Teaching/Learning Center 

Student Services 

Technical 

Education 

Human 

Resources 

Math/ Natural & Sport 

Sciences 


Organizational & 

Staff Dev. 

Campus Police 

Student Support 

Continuing 

Education 

Educ.& Admin. 

Technology 

VPARTS 


SPAR/Health Ctr, 

Resource 

Development 

Clarissa Davanay 

Bus./Info. Technology 

Teaching/Learning 

Center 

Disability Services 

Library and Learning 

Resources 

Facilities 

Management 

Nursing and Allied 

Health 

Educ, Partnerships 

Distance Learning 

Organization 

10-11 INTERIM PRESIDENT 

Community/Economic Dev. 

Student Services & Enrollment Mgment. 

5

Employee Value Proposition 

Employee Assistance Program 

Tuition Assistance 

Employees may audit classes or enroll and receive 

a waiver of tuition for Credit and some non-credit 

courses. PSS and Administrators may receive an 

Education Stipend when a higher degree is earned. 

Faculty may reclassify when additional graduate 

hours are earned beyond the Masters or a Doctorate 

is earned. 

More and more today, people are looking not just 

for a job, but meaningful work that brings 

satisfaction to their personal life. Recognizing that 

and identifying the need to bring clarity to both the 

value that North Lake College offers to our 

employees, as well as the expectations we have for 

them. Our leadership is completely committed to 

delivering this value and hope you find the 

following proposition both relevant and appealing. 

Health Insurance 

Free Medical for the non-smoking employee 

through BC&BS and free Basic Life. 

Blazer Life – Worklife 

North Lake College fully supports the employee’s 

work/life balance. We offer initiatives such as 

flexible work schedules, holiday party, spring 

family celebration, annual employee recognition 

event, Wellness, mentoring and Wildfire 

Professional Development. 

Employee Dependent Assistance Program 

DCCCD provides you and your dependents with 

confidential free counseling services. 

Workplace Giving 

Employees may participate in the State Employee 

Charity Contributions each year with a one time 

donation or monthly payroll donations. 

Options for Additional Benefits 

Dependent Medical Insurance 

Long Term Disability & Short Term Disability 

Dental (Employee and Dependents) 

Optional Life Insurance/AD & D 

Pre Paid Legal 

Leave 

Vacation, Sick Leave, Sick Leave for Dependents, 

Extenuating days, Critical Illness (immediate 

family) Bereavement, Sick Leave Pool, and 14 

paid holidays for PSS and Administrators 

6

Employment with North Lake College 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Dallas County Community College is an Equal 

Opportunity institution that provides education and 

employment opportunities without discrimination 

based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national 

origin, veterans status or disability. Dallas County 

Community College District complies with the 

Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require 

special accommodation in order to apply for a 

position, please contact the District Human 

Resources Office at 214-860-2430. (Policy DAA) 

Standards of Employment 

To be a North Lake College employee, you must: 

• Complete a DCCCD employment 

application 

• Provide official transcripts (required for 

Admin and faculty and may be required for 

PSS) 

• Complete a W-4 form, I-9 Form, criminal 

background check, HB6 (required for 

faculty/adjunct faculty) and other required 

documents 

• Provide direct deposit information 

• Provide emergency contact information 

• Complete an ERS benefits sign-up packet 

• Present original signed Social Security 

Card 

• Sign Policy Acknowledgement Form and/ 

or Grant Disclaimer form (grant 

employees) 

• Complete Drug and Alcohol Testing / 

Driving Record (employees who will drive 

DCCCD vehicles) 

• Follow DCCCD employment procedures 

and TECLOSE (College Peace Officers) 

Employment at Will 

(Professional Support Staff) 

Your employment with North Lake College is at 

will. This means that you have not entered into a 

contract with North Lake College regarding the 

duration of your employment. You are free to 

terminate your employment with North Lake 

College at any time, with or without reason. 

Likewise, North Lake College has the right to 

terminate your employment. Policy DDC 

Contractual Employment 

(Administrative/Faculty) 

Those persons having a formal employment 

contract with DCCCD, North Lake College, which 

prescribes a fixed term, compensation and duties. 

All administrators and faculty are contractual. 

Policy DDA 

Nepotism 

Two or more members of the same family may be 

employed provided; their work assignments are in 

different work groups; and there is no supervision 

of one family member by another. 

“Workgroup” shall be defined as in district policy 

and shall include the total workgroup of employees 

under the supervision of one supervisor. Each 

Teaching and Learning Center shall be recognized 

as a ”workgroup”, with this additional delineation. 

If there is a full time employee in a work group no 

other family member may work part time or full 

time. 

Second level supervisor or higher may not employ 

family members in the extended workgroup. 

(Policy DBE and OM) 

7

Employment with North Lake College 

Evaluations 

Administrators and Professional Support Staff are 

required to have an annual Progress Discussion. 

The evaluation is to be completed by July 1. 

Faculty are evaluated by the Faculty Evaluation 

System. The process includes; Individual Action 

Plans, Instructional Visitations, Student Surveys, 

End-of-Year Review, Appraisal Report Summary 

and Contractual Recommendation Forms. (HROG/ 

forms) 

Employee Classifications 

Full time employees 

• Administrator 

• Faculty 

• Professional Support Staff: Facilities, 

General PSS, Information Technology, 

Safety and Security 

• Licensed Counselor 

Part time 

• PSS and Admin employees 

• Adjunct Faculty 

Nonexempt and 

Exempt PSS Employees 

Nonexempt: 

You are eligible to be paid overtime according to 

the Department of Labor. You will receive 

overtime or comp time when you actually work 

more than 40 hours in a work week. Prior approval 

from your supervisor is required. 

Exempt: 

You are an exempt employee and are not eligible to 

be paid overtime according to the Department of 

Labor. 

8

Benefits 

DCCCD offers health benefits through the state of 

Texas, Employers Retirement Systems of Texas 

(ERS). Full time Employees receive free medical 

benefits and basic life insurance. 

Employees are also offered optional benefits: 

• Medical (dependents) 

• Dental (employee & dependents) 

• Optional Term Life Insurance 

• AD&D (employee & dependents) 

• Short Term Disability 

• Long Term Disability 

• TexFlex 

• Long Term Care 

• Texa$aver Deferred Compensation 

Employees and their dependents also have access 

to an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with 

DeerOaks, 214-559-2171. 

Retirement 

Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS) 

TRS is the retirement plan for all Professional 

Support Staff and is also an option for Faculty and 

Administrators. An employee is vested after 5 

years of participation in the program. 

Optional Retirement Program (ORP) 

ORP is an optional retirement plan offered to 

Faculty and Administrators. An employee is vested 

after one year and one day in the program. TSA 

Consulting Group is the administrator of the 

program, www.tsacg.com. 

Tuition 

Employees are eligible to audit classes with 

approval from the Dean of the program. 

After one year of full time employment employees 

are eligible to participate in the Tuition waiver 

program. 

Employees are also allowed to enroll in some 

Continuing Education courses under the Tuition 

Waiver program. Employees are required to pay 

any fees related to the courses. 

Employees and their dependents are also eligible 

for in-county tuition if they reside outside of Dallas 

County. 

Employees are eligible to participate in an optional 

Tax Shelter Annuity program. Also administered 

by TSA Consulting Group. 

9

Benefits 

Blazer 

Life 

NThe O RSpirit T H of L AWork/Life K E C O LBalance 

L E G E 

Professional Enhancement Program 

PEP is to encourage and support the renewal and 

professional development of long-term employees 

(at least 10 years of service). Funding is available 

for a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $800 

for developmental activities, which may include 

travel. 

(HROG/forms) 

North Lake College has a Work Life program for 

employees, Blazer Life. The following are 

committees that are part of Blazer Life. 

• Wellness 

• Celebration 

• Trailblazer Connection 

• Recognition 

• Community Engagement 

• Wildfire 

Worker’s Compensation 

DCCCD has workers’ compensation insurance 

coverage from Texas Political subdivisions to 

protect its employees for work-related injury. 

Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated 

insurance program that pays medical bills and 

replaces some lost wages for employees who are 

injured at work or who have a work-related disease 

or illness. (Policy DEC- HROG/Worklife Benefit - 

Health) 

Wellness 

The Wellness program is to provide opportunity 

and inspiration for employees to participate in a 

healthier life and work style. Employees are 

encouraged to have wellness testing before 

participating in the program. Employees are 

entitled to take a total of 1.5 hours of work each 

week for wellness provided they match with 1.5 

hours of personal time each week. Supervisors 

approval is also required. 

(HROG/Worklife Benefits-Health, NLC- OM) 

10

Your Responsibilities and Conduct 

Open Door Policy 

Honest differences and concerns arise in any 

workplace from time to time, and North Lake 

College encourages you to express your concerns 

so we can resolve issues as quickly as possible. 

Whenever possible, discuss your work-related 

concern with your supervisor. If your supervisor 

cannot resolve your problem, he or she may refer 

you to someone who can help. If you feel you can’t 

approach your supervisor for any reason, contact 

your second level supervisor or your Director of 

Human Resources. 

If you have a complaint with your supervisor you 

may resolve it with an informal complaint or a 

formal grievance. (Policy DGBA – HROG/ 

Employment) 

Workplace Respect 

Employees should treat each others with courtesy 

and consideration and demonstrate professional 

conduct in interactions with others. 

Discrimination and Harassment 

Discrimination and harassment will not be 

tolerated at North Lake College. We are committed 

to providing you with an environment free of any 

form of discrimination, including- but not limited 

to- harassment regarding race, religion, color, 

national origin, age, sex, marital status, disability, 

sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other 

category protected by applicable federal state, or 

local law. 

Sexual Harassment 

Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual 

advances, requests for sexual favors, or other 

verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when: 

• Submission to such conduct is made either 

explicitly or implicitly a term or condition 

of employment or compensation 

• Submission to or rejection of such conduct 

is used as a basis for employment decision. 

Such conduct has the purpose or affect of 

unreasonably interfering with work performance or 

creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work 

environment. 

(Policy DOA) 

Reporting Discrimination or 

Harassment 

If you are exposed to conduct which you find 

offensive, promptly and clearly tell the offender 

that the language or behavior is unwelcome. If you 

believe the response you receive isn’t appropriate, 

report the problem to your Director of Human 

Resources. 

Drug and Alcohol Policy 

Employees shall not manufacture, distribute, 

dispense, possess, use or be under the influence of 

alcohol, controlled substance, chemical substance 

for inhalation, or any other intoxicant during 

working hours while at the College District. Each 

year employees receive a copy of the Drug-free 

workplace document. 

Harassment 

Workplace harassment can take many forms 

including, but not limited to, words, signs, 

offensive jokes, cartoons, pictures, posters, e-mail 

jokes or statements, pranks, intimidation, physical 

assaults or contact, and violence. 

11


College Expectations 

North Lake College is committed to helping you 

reach your fullest potential. We offer many 

opportunities for training and development. 

We expect professional conduct, work accuracy, 

productivity, attendance, customer service, and 

compliance with DCCCD board polices. 

Quality Customer Service 

You represent North Lake College whenever you 

communicate to a student, employee, community, 

vendor, or service provider. You must treat all 

customers in a fair and equal manner, regardless of 

age, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual 

orientation, marital status, disability, or other 

category protected by applicable federal, state, or 

local law. 

Dress and Personal Appearance 

Your clothing must be appropriate, clean, in good 

condition and convey a business-like appearance. 

Your supervisor may have a dress code for your 

specific department. 

Work Hours 

Administrators: 

Minimum of 40 hours per week 

Faculty – Instruction: 

Minimum of 30 hours per week 

Faculty – LRC: 

Minimum of 37.5 hours per week 

Professional Support Staff: 

40 hours per week (minimum for FLSA exempt) 

Professional Support Staff (facilities or police): 

40 hours per week (minimum for FLSA exempt) 

Part time Professional Support Staff: 

Maximum of 19.5 hours per week (maximum of 

1014 hours per academic year) 

(Policy DJ) 

Time Keeping Guidelines 

PSS nonexempt employees are responsible for 

properly recording all time worked on a time sheet. 

PSS employees are entitled to a 30 minute meal 

break after working 5 hours. 

Standards of Conduct 

You are expected to comply with DCCCD Policies 

and Procedures and North Lake College 

Operational Memorandums. 

12


Content of Electronic 

Communications 

District email is to be used for official college 

business. An Employee may not send out personal 

emails to the entire college or district. An employee 

may send out non-job related emails to the email 

group 7U. 

Computer Software and Hardware 

Guidelines 

As an institution of higher education, the DCCCD 

encourages, supports, and protects First 

Amendment rights and an open environment to 

pursue scholarly inquiry and to share information. 

Access to networked computer information in 

general and to the Internet in particular supports 

the academic community by providing a link to 

electronic information in a variety of formats and 

covering all academic disciplines. As with any 

resource, it is possible to misuse computing 

resources and facilities and to abuse access to the 

Internet. 

(Policy CR) 

Tobacco, Drug, and Alcohol 

Smoking in any area not specifically designated as 

a smoking area is prohibited. 

(OM) 

Possessing, consuming, selling, or coming to work 

under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol 

while on company premises and while on duty is 

prohibited. 

(Policy DH) 

Confidentiality 

Employee and student records should be used only 

in the context of official college business. Access 

to Colleague does NOT authorize unrestricted use 

of student or employee data! When in doubt, DO 

NOT release information, consult with your 

supervisor or the District Legal Office. Curiosity 

does not qualify as a legal right to know. 

13


Other Employment 

An employee shall disclose in writing to the 

employee’s immediate supervisor any outside 

employment that in any way creates a potential 

conflict of interest with the proper discharge of 

assigned duties and responsibilities or with the best 

interest of the College District. 

Change in Personal Information 

Employees must immediately notify HR of any 

changes in your personal information, such as 

name, address, email address or phone number. A 

Social Security card is required for a name change. 

Workplace Visitors 

Minor children of employees may not be present at 

the employee’s worksite during employees work 

hours. If a child is enrolled in a program of the 

college the child is allowed to be on campus during 

the program. (HROG/Employment) 

Animals on Campus 

Animals may not be brought to any NLC campus 

or property. Service animals are allowed under 

ADA Title III, CFR Sec 36,104. (OM) 

eConnect 

Employees must review their employee records on 

eConnect. Some information included: 

• Payroll information 

• Tax Shelter 

• Faculty Leave Banking 

• Leave Taken and Balances 

• Update Staff Directory 

Professional Development – 

Wildfire Institute 

Employees are given many opportunities to 

complete the recommended Professional 

Development plan. These courses are available 

through Wildfire, Blazer Worklife, and District 

Staff and Organizational Development (SOD). It is 

recommended that all full time employees 

complete 19 hours each year. 

Track Content Hours 

DCCCD Required Safety: 3 

Active Shooter, 

FERPA 

Technology eCampus Basics 2 

Intercultural Com. 

Servant Leadership B&G Assembly 4 

Sustainable Community 

Teaching & Learning 

Total Core 9 

Electives 10 

Total Required 19 

The eConnect log-in can be found on the dcccd.edu 

website. 

14

Time Away From Work 

Vacation 

Full-time professional support staff may not 

request vacation leave until after 90 days of 

employment. 

Full-time administrators may request vacation 

leave as accrued. 

Faculty are not eligible for vacation leave. 

Positions of fiscal trust are required to take 

mandatory vacation of 5 days each fiscal year. 

Check with your supervisor to see if you are 

required. (HROG-worklife benefits –leave) 

Holidays 

Martin Luther King Day – 1 Day 

Spring Break – 5 Days 

Good Friday – 1 Day 

Memorial Day – 1 Day 

Fourth of July – 1 Day 

Labor Day – 1 Day 

Thanksgiving – 2 Days 

Winter Break – 6 Days 

If holiday falls on Saturday, Friday will be 

recognized and if it falls on Sunday, Monday will 

be recognized as the Holiday. 

All vacation leave requires approval by the 

employee’s supervisor and shall be scheduled for 

the convenience of the operating unit of 

employment. The employee must complete an 

Application for Leave and request approval before 

the leave is taken. (Policy DED) 

PSS Accrual Rate 

0-60 months 1 day 

61-120 months 1.25 days 



After 240 months 2 days 

Maximum 48 days can be carried forward 

Administrators Accrual Rate 

Date of hire 15 hours (24 days per year) 

Maximum 48 days can be carried forward 

Employees who are on Leave Without Pay the day 

before and/or the day following the holiday shall 

not receive compensation for the holiday during 

such leave. 

An employee who is absent without proper 

authorization on the day before and/or the day 

following a holiday shall not receive compensation 

for such holiday. 

(Policy DED) 

15

Time Away From Work 

Sick Leave 

Employees are eligible for this benefit when 

accrued. 

Allowable Reasons for Sick leave: 

• For an employee illness. 

• With prior approval from supervisor for 

medical or dental emergencies or 

appointments that can not be scheduled 

after hours. 

• For maternity leave to the extent of 

accrued leave and at doctors certification. 

• For illness of immediate family member, 

spouse, child, father, father-in-law, mother, 

mother-in-law, sister, brother or 

grandparent of the employee or other 

person who occupies a position of similar 

significance in the family of the employee. 

An employee may not use more than 12 

days of sick leave per year for this purpose. 

• For appointments with the districtauthorized 

employee and dependent 

assistance program provider. (Policy DED) 

Administrator Benefit 

12 days/90 hours per fiscal year. Maximum of 66 

days can be carried forward into the next fiscal 

year. 

Faculty Benefit 

10 days/60 hours per fiscal year. Maximum of 66 

days can be carried forward into the next fiscal 

year. 

Professional Support Staff Benefit 

1 day (8.0) per month. Maximum of 66 days can be 

carried forward into the next fiscal year. 

Medical Certification 

When sick leave is requested for you or your 

dependents you may be required to support the 

request with medical certification. 

Returning from Leave 

When an employee is out under doctors’ care, you 

will be required to bring a medical release prior to 

returning to work. 

Other Time off: 

Please check the official policy for each type of 

leave. 

Birth or adoption of a Child 

Catastrophic Sick Leave 

Critical Illness 

Developmental Leave 

Extenuating Circumstances 

Family Leave Banking 

Family Medical Leave (FMLA) 

Inclement Weather 

Court appearance as witness 

Jury Duty 

Military Leave 

Mandatory Vacation 

Sabbaticals 

Leave Without Pay 

If an employee does not have accrued leave the 

employee must submit leave without pay (OTH). If 

an employee takes unauthorized leave it may be 

processed as LWOP. 

16

Wages and Salary Policy 

Pay Cycle 

Payroll is processed once a month and all 

employees are paid the last working day of the 

month. 

Distributions of Paychecks 

All employees are required to be paid by direct 

deposit. If an employee is unbankable we have 

arranged for a paycard with Higher One bank. 

Overtime 

If you are an hourly employee or a nonexempt 

employee, you are entitled to overtime or comp 

time. You are required to actually work more than 

40 hours per week to qualify. Overtime is paid at 

one and one-half times your regular hourly rate. 

You must request approval to work overtime. 

Employees who work unauthorized overtime may 

be subject to discipline. 

(Policy DEA – HROG/Compensation) 

PSS Promotions and Movement 

Guidelines 

All requests must be initiated by an employee’s 

supervisor. This process is normally completed 

during our Division Planning Cycle. The request 

can be for a new job description, career ladder 

promotion, lateral transfer, or reorganizations. If 

the request is a promotion the salary could be the 

new minimum or 7%; which ever is greater. 

(HROG/Compensation) 

Initial Salary Placement 

Administrative may request up to the 1st quartile 

PSS may request up to 10% above the minimum. 

Faculty salaries are based on education and 

experience. 

(HROG/Compensation) 

17

Wages and Salary Policy 

Competitive Salary 

If an Administrative or PSS employee competes 

and wins a new DCCCD position which has been 

advertised, the initial salary offer may be 

negotiated between the hiring location/supervisor. 

The President may match another District salary 

offer, as long as it fits within the range assigned to 

the position held. This is not mandated, but 

optional, at the location cabinet member’s 

discretion. (HROG/Compensation) 

Faculty Reclassifications 

For advancement to the next range, official 

transcripts are due to the location human 

resources office no later than Sept. 1 and are to be 

submitted to the October board meeting for a Sept. 

1 approval date. All reclassification shall be made 

by the board, on recommendation of the chancellor. 

(Policy DEA – HROG/Compensation) 

Education Stipend 

This benefit provides the opportunity for full-time 

and limited full-time professional support staff and 

administrators to be awarded a one-time stipend 

upon the completion of a higher education degree 

from a regionally accredited United States 

institution. 

To be eligible to apply for the stipend, the 

employee must: 

• be currently active with a minimum of 

12-months full time continuous 

employment. 

• be a full-time or limited full-time 

employee at the time of receiving the 

stipend. 

• complete appropriate forms and secure 

location approvals upon entering the final 

semester of the degree plan. 

(Policy DEB- HROG/Worklife/Employment) 

Associates Degree $500.00 

Bachelors Degree $1,000.00 

Masters Degree $1,500.00 

Doctorate $2,000.00 

18

When Employment Ends 

Employment Verification 

Under no circumstance may any North Lake 

employees respond to any request for information 

regarding another employee, unless it is part of 

your job responsibilities. 

Refer any inquiries regarding a current or former 

employee to Human Resources. 

Termination of your Employment 

North Lake considers you to have voluntarily 

terminated your employment if you: 

• Resign from North Lake College 

• Fail to return from approved leave 

• Fail to report for work or call in a timely 

manner 

You may be terminated for poor performance, 

misconduct, excessive absences, lateness, 

discrimination, harassment, or any other violation 

of DCCCD policies. 

(Policy DDC – HROG/Employment) 

Resignation 

If you decide to leave your employment with North 

Lake College, we request that you give written 

notice at least 14 days prior to the date of 

termination. When you leave employment you 

need to ensure that you have given HR your correct 

address. (Policy DDC and DMAC) 

In response to a written request for information 

regarding a current or former North Lake 

employee, HR will verify information; employee 

name, dates of employment, position held, and 

eligible for rehire. 

Internal requests for information related to an 

employee’s performance will be provided to hiring 

supervisors within DCCCD. 

Retirement 

You are eligible for retirement with DCCCD when 

you have at least10 years of service and be 65 

years of age or meet the rule of 80. The employee 

is also required to participate and contribute to an 

eligible retirement plan; Teachers Retirement 

System of Texas or Optional Retirement Program. 

(HROG/Employment) 

Continuation of Insurance Coverage 

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation 

Act of 1985 (COBRA) give you and your family 

the opportunity to temporarily extend your group 

health coverage when it would otherwise end. 

COBRA is available in case of certain qualifying 

events. 

19

College Safety & Emergency Procedures 

Reporting Crimes & Safety Issues 

Always report if you are injured or if you have 

been exposed to blood. 

Report if you are a victim or have knowledge of 

the following: 

• Stolen articles, either taken from you 

personally or missing from your work area. 

You should consider an article stolen if you 

have made an extensive search and cannot 

locate the item. The value of an item 

should not be a factor in deciding whether 

it should be reported. 

• Vandalism 

• Verbal abuse or threats 

• Drugs 

• Physical assault 

• Traffic accidents or violations, hit and run, 

speeding 

Report if you have knowledge of the following: 

• Fire or electrical hazards 

• Trip hazards 

• Parking hazards 

• Indoor/outdoor lighting inoperative 

• Suspicious activity 

• Disruptive students 

• Locked or malfunctioning doors 

Evacuation Procedures 

Do Not Use Elevators! 

All alarms should be considered “real”. 

Interior Evacuation 

(Steady Buzzing Tone) 

Leave the room immediately, do not leave the 

building. 

Go to a designated emergency shelter inside the 

campus. 

Emergency Shelters for Interior Evacuation: 

P Building - Lowest floor, down from Gallery 

area 

P207, P213, and P219 (classrooms down and 

across from mail room/print shop) 

P235, P239 (make-up lab and arena theatre, off 

of police office hallway) 

P249 (choir room), P250 (television/AV studio) 

T Building - 1st floor 

T114 (classroom), T123 (conference room), 

T148 (classroom) 

F-Building - Lower level, off of the gym floor 

F102 (girl’s locker room), F106 (weight room) 

Campus Police will signal “All Clear” when it is 

safe for you to return. 

Exterior Evacuation 

(Loud Repetitive Buzzer) 

Leave the room immediately and go outside. 

Walk away from the buildings to a distance of at 

least 300 feet. 

Campus Police will signal “All Clear” when it is 

safe to return. 

20


Bomb Threats 

If you receive a bomb threat, keep the caller on the 

phone and try to complete the bomb threat 

questionnaire. 

After the caller hangs up, dial 3300 on any inhouse 

phone. Tell the officer that you have just 

received a bomb threat and give the following 

information: 

• Your name 

• The location of the phone from which you 

are calling and the extension or telephone 

number on which the call was received (if 

different) 

• The time the call was received and 

approximately how long the caller 

remained on the line. 

Close all windows and doors in your immediate 

work area and evacuate the building via the nearest 

exit. 

Take only necessary personal items. Go to the 

nearest safe area and give the bomb threat 

questionnaire responses to the college police as 

soon as possible. 

Do not re-enter the building for any reason until 

the proper authority instructs you. 

Hostage Situation 

Dial 3300 on any in-house phone only if you can 

do so without risking danger to yourself or others. 

Give the officer the following information: 

• Your name 

• The exact location of the hostage-taker 

• How many hostages he/she has taken 

• A description of the hostage-taker, 

including clothing, race, sex, physical 

characteristics (hair color, complexion, 

height, weight, build, approximate age, 

etc.) 

• What type(s) of weapons you have seen 

• If anyone has been injured 

Alert others in your immediate work area of the 

situation. 

21 

Take only necessary personal items and evacuate 

via the nearest exit. Go to a safe zone for your 

particular building. If you can’t evacuate safely, 

close the door and stay in your work area until you 

hear the proper authority exclaim, “All clear.” 

If you are a hostage, cooperate with the hostagetaker 

until the situation has been resolved. 

Medical Emergencies 

Dial 9-911 if the situation appears life threatening. 

For less serious medical emergencies, 

dial 3300 on any in-house phone (the college 

police department will contact the health center) 

and give the officer the following information: 

• Your name 

• The exact location of the individual 

needing assistance (room number) 

• What symptoms the individual is 

displaying or what injuries the individual 

has sustained.


Chemical Spills 

If a chemical is spilled in your work area that could 

pose a health risk, evacuate the area and dial 3300 

on any in-house phone. Give the officer the 

following information: 

• Your name 

• The exact location of the spill (building 

and room number) 

• What type of chemical was spilled 

• If anyone has been injured 

Alert others in your immediate work area of the 

situation, keep a safe distance, and attempt to 

secure the area. 

Do not allow anyone to enter until the spill has 

been removed or declared safe. 

Weapons on Campus 

If you see someone with a weapon on campus or 

you are told someone has a weapon, dial 3300 on 

any in-house phone, or 972-273-3300 on a cell 

phone and give the officer the following 

information: 

• Your name 

• The exact location of the person with the 

weapon or where he was last seen 

• The name of the person suspected to have 

the weapon (if known) 

• A brief description of the person such as: 

(clothing, race, sex, etc.) 

• The weapon type: (shotgun, rifle, pistol, 

handgun, knife, etc.) 

If you require minor first aid, visit the Health 

Center in “C” building next to the Police 

Department. Do not delay in reporting injuries that 

occur on campus to the Health Center or the 

Campus Police Department. 

Start immediate evacuation of the area. Under no 

circumstances should you approach the person and 

inquire about the weapon! 

22


Weather Emergencies 

While you are at the college, if there is impending 

threatening weather, watch for weather broadcasts 

over the college email system. College 

administrators will be contacted with specific 

instructions and will be responsible for notifying 

staff. Decisions to close the college will be made in 

a timely manner. If threatening weather is about to 

affect the campus with limited advance warning, 

follow instructions for interior evacuation or, 

• Listen for closing information broadcast on 

TV and radio by 6:00 a.m. 

• Check the NLC Web site for closure 

information 

• Check GroupWise email for information 

If you are responsible for a main number on 

campus not serviced by the telephone Autoattendant 

included in the recorder’s list, dial into 

your voice mail and record a greeting to inform 

callers of our closing. 

Faculty may want to record closing information in 

their voice mail also: 

• Call the voicemail system at 972-860- 

7444. Several people will be doing this at 

the same time, so try again if you get a 

busy signal. 

• When system answers, press *, then your 

mailbox number, then your password. 

• When system says, “you have __ number 

of messages”, press 4 for setup options, 

then 1 for greetings, then 1 to change your 

greeting. Record the closing information. 

• Remember to remove the closing 

information when the campus reopens. 

Inclement Weather or Emergency Closure 

Procedures for Employees 

Because many DCCCD employees will be dialing 

the hotline for information, the time from 6:15 – 

6:30 a.m. has been designated as the preferable 

time for North Lake employees to call. The calling 

procedure is as follows: 

• Dial hotline at 972-273-3232 

• You will hear a recorded message of 

closings or late openings 

• If you get a busy signal, try again 

Information for Day Following a Closure 

If the college is open the next day, there will be no 

notices to the media. It is to be assumed by faculty, 

staff and students that the school will be open 

unless notified through the media or other sources. 

Listen to the TV or radio for closing information. If 

there is no closing information, assume that the 

school is open. 

To find out when if the college is open the 

following day after a closing, you may call the 

following: 

• Dial into the hot line (972-273-3232) 

between 6:15 and 6:30 a.m. 

• Call the main college number (972-273- 

3000) after 6:00 a.m. 

23

Who to Call… 

Accounting Services 972-273-3310 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield 800-252-8039 group #38000 

Bookstore 972-550-0509 

Computers 

Computer/media/printers 972-273-3339 email- 7PCHELP 

eConnect/datatel/ecampus 972-669-6402 

Software 972-273-3330 

College Police 972-273-3300 

Deer Oaks (EAP) 214-559-2171 deeroaks.com 

Dental 

Humana Dental 877-377-0987 group # 538226 

State Dental Choice 877-377-0987 group # 536957 

Employment Retirement System 877-275-4377 

Facilities Services 972-273-3340 email- NLCFACILITIES 

Fitness Center 972-273-3530 

Health Center/Wellness 972-273-3170 

Human Resources (payroll) 972-273-3308 

Human Resources (benefits) 972-273-3319 

Human Resources (main) 972-273-3307 

Library 972-273-3400 

Prescription (Caremark) 888-886-8490 

Phone problems 972-273-3265 email- 7FONHELP 

Printshop/Mail room 972-273-3257 

Natatorium 972-273-3531 

North Campus 972-860-4400 

South Campus 972-860-7863 

SUBWAY 972-273-3030 

TexFlex 866-353-9839 

Texa$avers (Great-West Retirement Services) 800-634-5091 

Teachers Retirement System (TRS) 877-275-4377 www.trs.state.tx.us 

TSA Consulting group 888-796-3786 www.tsacg.com 

West Campus (DFW) 972-860-7873 

Wildfire Professional Development 972-273-3089 

24

Frequently Used Terms 

Academic Year – September 1 and ending August 31 

Adjunct Instructor – Part time faculty 

COBRA – Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act 

EAR – Employment Authorization Request (new hire document) 

ERS – Employers Retirement system – Agency that administers Health benefits. 

Fiscal Year – September 1 and ending August 31 

FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 

Full time PSS or Admin – at least 37.5 hours or 40 hours per week 

HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 

Maymester – the semester after the Spring semester but before Summer I 

NOV – Notice of Vacancy 

ORP – Optional Retirement Program 

Part time employee – 18.5 hours or less per week 

PSS – Professional Support Staff 

PT – President’s Team 

SACS – Southern Association of Colleges and School- The accreditation agency for an 11 state region, 

including Texas. 

TRS – Teachers Retirement System of Texas 

TSA – Tax Shelter Annuity 

WECM – Workforce Education Course Manual 

Wildfire – Professional Development for North Lake College 

Wintermester – the semester after the Fall but before the start of the Spring semester 

25

Locations 

Dallas County Community College District, 

founded in 1965, now has seven colleges located 

around Dallas County. The colleges enroll more 

than 100,000 credit and noncredit students every 

semester, making it one of the largest higher 

education institutions in the state of Texas. 

Locations, Telephone and Fax Numbers 

District Office - (DO) (1) 

1601 South Lamar St. 

Dallas, TX 75215-1816 

Area Code: (214) Prefix: 378- 

Information: 1824 FAX: 1840 

Brookhaven College - (BHC) (2) 

3939 Valley View Lane 

Farmers Branch, TX 75244 



Cedar Valley College - (CVC) (3) 

3030 N. Dallas Ave. 

Lancaster, TX 75134 



Eastfield College - (EFC) (4) 

3737 Motley Drive 

Mesquite, TX 75150 



North Lake College 

Central - (NLC) (7) 

5001 N. MacArthur Blvd. 




Richland College - (RLC) (8) 

12800 Abrams Road 

Dallas, TX 75243 



District Service Center - (DSC) 

4343 North Highway 67 

Mesquite, TX 75150 



Bill J. Priest Institute - (BJP) 

1402 Corinth Street 




LeCroy Center for Educational 

Telecommunications - (LCET) 

9526 Walnut Street at Richland College 




Telecourse Hotline: 6400 

El Centro College – (ELC) (5) 

801 Main Street 




Mountain View College – (MVC) (6) 

4849 W. Illinois Ave. 




26

North Lake College History 

North Lake College is located in the northwest portion of Dallas County and rests on 276 acres of land, 

donated by the John Carpenter family. The College was built as the sixth of seven colleges in the Dallas 

County Community College District and was formally dedicated in 1977 serving 2,900 credit students 

and 2,000 continuing education students. With the increase in student enrollment, North Lake College has 

expanded student learning to include 1 central campus and 3 satellite campuses. Today, college enrollment 

encompasses 10,998 credit students and 6,143 continuing education students.

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