Things Everyone Should Know About This Handbook

Amended 1/23/2024 

Provided by Department of Human Resources 

Related Links and Resources: 

Collective bargaining agreements

Faculty: Faculty should refer to the handbook of their primary school affiliation for guidance. 

Postdoctoral Scholars Handbook

University policies and procedures contained in this Handbook (inclusive of any state supplement, collectively the “Handbook”) provide key information regarding Tufts University’s workplace standards 

The contents of this Handbook are guidelines intended for information purposes only and supersede any prior Handbook or policy.  The University has the right, with or without notice, in an individual case or generally, to change and/or modify its interpretation of any of its guidelines, policies, practices, working conditions, or benefits at any time, unless otherwise restricted by applicable law.  Nothing in this Handbook should be construed as a promise of specific treatment in any specific situation upon which any employee should rely.  Additionally, many matters covered by this Handbook, such as benefits, are also described in separate official documents, and such official documents are always controlling. Moreover, there may be some policies or procedures unique to your specific work area that will be explained by your supervisor or Human Resources. In certain circumstances, supplemental policies for your work group, such as Postdoctoral Scholars and overseas employees, collective bargaining agreements and faculty handbooks, may supersede some aspects of this Handbook.

As is required by law, we also include the following statement which applies to all employees, as noted: 

SUBJECT TO ANY LIMITATIONS PURSUANT TO ANY APPLICABLE CBA, NEITHER THIS HANDBOOK NOR ANY OTHER UNIVERSITY GUIDELINES, POLICIES, OR PRACTICES CREATES AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, BARGAIN, OR AGREEMENT OR CONFERS ANY CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS WHATSOEVER.  UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY APPLICABLE LAW AND/OR BY ANY APPLICABLE CBA, EMPLOYMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY IS AT-WILL, AND EITHER THE EMPLOYEE OR THE UNIVERSITY MAY TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE, REASON OR NOTICE. NO REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNIVERSITY IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE ANY EMPLOYEE, INDIVIDUALLY OR ON A COLLECTIVE BASIS, WITH AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT OR SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT CONCERNING THE TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT UNLESS THE CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT IS IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY A SENIOR LEADER OF THE DIVISION OR SCHOOL.  

This notice applies to all employees regardless of date of hire.