3.5.9 - Open Door Policy

Last updated on March 30, 2023

POLICY:  Spoon River College provides a means for encouraging open communication, feedback, and discussion about any matter of importance to an employee.  This means, literally, that every supervisor's door is open to every direct report.  While there may not be an easy answer or solution to every concern, employees have the opportunity at all times, through the open door policy, to be heard.

SCOPE:

This policy applies to all Spoon River College employees.

DETAILS:

  1. Employee Responsibilities: Employees have the responsibility to:
    1. Address concerns with their direct supervisor first;
    2. Escalate any unresolved issues to the next level supervisor or Human Resources.
  2. Supervisor Responsibilities: The Supervisor has the responsibility to:
    1. Provide an environment that encourages open communication for direct reports.
    2. Listen to direct reports regardless of the problem, complaint, suggestion, or observation.
    3. Attempt to resolve problems and/or complaints in compliance with College policies and procedures.
    4. Attempt to clarify or explain rationale for policies, practices, processes, and/or decisions.

PROCEDURE(S):

  1. Most problems can and should be solved in discussion with the employee’s immediate supervisor as a first effort to solve a problem.
  2. If a problem or issue is not or cannot be resolved by the direct supervisor, the employee may seek further assistance from the next level supervisor or Human Resources.