Dear Colleagues,
Georgetown values the contributions of all employees to the University’s mission, and we are committed to ensuring that all employees are compensated for the work they perform. The University’s policies on work hours and pay practices (Section 800) and Just Employment Policy reflect this core commitment. Hourly employees (also referred to as non-exempt employees) are responsible for recording all time worked, and their managers are required to review time reports and confirm that they are accurate and include all time worked.
Recent Time Reporting Issue
We have learned that certain hourly staff employees at the Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) have reported that they worked time that was not reflected on the timesheets submitted to the University (“off the clock” work). Georgetown has been working with the DC Office of the Attorney General to cooperate fully in an investigation relating to this matter, which arose out of concerns relating to hourly staff employees in research lab settings at GUMC and GSAS.
We will compensate affected employees consistent with a settlement with the DC Office of the Attorney General. GUMC and GSAS hourly staff employees who were employed during the pandemic between March 1, 2020 – June 13, 2023, and who worked time that was not reflected on their time sheets will be compensated for any hours worked that were not previously paid through a claims procedure. The University has appointed a third-party administrator to process these claims. The administrator will be directly contacting relevant employees in the weeks ahead. You can learn more about the settlement process and how to file a claim if you are eligible and believe you were impacted here.
We are deeply committed to ensuring all hourly employees are paid for all hours worked. We are taking immediate action to ensure that all managers and employees understand and follow applicable laws and policies regarding time reporting and payment for hours worked.
Improving Time Reporting Through Additional Training
Going forward, we will require all hourly staff employees and their managers to complete an enhanced training on timekeeping to ensure that they understand and follow the spirit and letter of laws and policies related to compensation. We have also developed a new Time Tracking web page that includes helpful information about the University’s policies and timekeeping process and about who to contact for questions or support.
We encourage any employee who has questions or concerns regarding time reporting to submit a Human Resources Help Ticket. Please include as much detailed information as possible so that we are able to route your request appropriately. You may also contact your area-specific HR Business Partner for support with University policy and how wage and hour laws apply to your area. Additionally, employees can file a report through our Compliance Helpline, which can be anonymous if desired.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and for your partnership in ensuring that both in policy and in culture we value and respect all of our colleagues.
Sincerely,
Tony Kinslow, JD., MA.
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer