The following shall apply to all Explorers in order to provide them with consistency and accountability regarding specific problematic behaviors or actions. Any continued action can result in termination from the program.
1) Workshop Absences: If for any reason you are unable to attend a workshop, a phone call must be made to the program coordinator to excuse you.
A. Excused Absence: An excused absences is defined by; the program coordinator receiving a phone call from your parent/guardian at least 4 hours prior to the scheduled workshop.
B. Unexcused Absence: An unexcused absence is defined by the program coordinator not receiving any phone call regarding your absences, receiving a phone call from you or a friend calling out for you. NO MORE THAN 3 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES WILL BE PERMITTED FOR THE YEAR.
B1. 1st offense = documented verbal warning
B2. 2nd offense = written suspension
B3. 3rd offense = dismissal from program
2) Internship Absences: If for any reason you are unable to report for work, a phone call must be made to your supervisor and coordinator to excuse you.
A. Excused Absence: An excused absences is defined by; your supervisor receiving a phone call from your parent/guardian or school official at least 1 hour prior to your scheduled work time, with a reasonable excuse for your absence.
B. Unexcused Absence: An unexcused absence is defined by your supervisor not receiving any phone call regarding your absences, receiving a phone call from you or a friend calling out for you, receiving any phone call within 30 minutes for your scheduled time, or an unreasonable excuse for the absence (for example: got up late, forgot, missed the bus).
A trend in unexcused absences will result in eventual dismissal from the program.
3) Lateness: If, for any reason, you will be late to work, to a mandatory meeting, workshop, or event, a phone call must be made to your supervisor.
A. Excused Lateness: An excused lateness is defined by your supervisor receiving a phone call 15 minutes prior to the start of your scheduled work time, with a definitive time of arrival. After 5 such latenesses, all further latenesses will be considered unexcused.
B. Unexcused Lateness: An unexcused lateness is defined by arriving up to 30 minutes late without a phone call to your supervisor. After 30 minutes it will considered an unexcused absence.
B1. 1st offense = verbal warning
B2. 2nd offense = written warning
B3. 3rd offense = 1 day suspension. Continued lateness will result in dismissal from the program.
4) Dress Code: See "Dress Code" for detailed explanation of the policy. This includes not wearing the explorer tee-shirt when doing public programs.
1st offense = verbal warning & sent home
2nd offense = written warning & sent home
3rd offense = 1 week suspension
4th offense = dismissal from program
5) Attitude: This is including, but not limited to: Inappropriate behavior or language on the job, discourtesy towards visitors, insubordination to any museum staff, and poor attitude in public areas. (If the public is rude or discourteous, do not respond but report immediately to the supervisor, who will handle the issue.)
1st offense = written warning & meeting with coordinator
2nd offense = 1 week suspension & meeting with coordinator and Science Director
3rd offense = dismissal from program
5) Work Space:
A. You should be in your appropriate workspace during the entire time of your shift unless specified by your supervisor; if you have the need to leave, you must first inform you supervisor. (Obviously, if you are bleeding copiously, have someone else inform your supervisor while you handle that.) If you have left your station for a long period of time, you should be able to account for the entire time you were away.
B. If you are off shift and are waiting for your friends who are still working, you cannot congregate around their work area, as this is distracting to them, their supervisor, and the public. (Waiting in the science conference room is fine.) In addition, you cannot have non-explorer friends congregating in your work space while you are on the job. (Have them wait for you outside or in the court until your break or shift is over.)
1st offense = verbal warning
2nd offense = written warning
3rd offense = written warning & 1 day suspension; continued disregard will result in dismissal.
6) Electronic Devices: The use of electronic devices is STRICTLY PROHIBITED while on the floor, or in any public areas while representing the Explorer Program. Including but not limited to: cell phones, I-pods, P2P, cd players, and MP3s. Supervisors reserve the right to ask for a device they deem inappropriate for the length of the work shift.
1st offense = written warning
2nd offense = written warning & suspension
3rd offense = dismissal from program
7) Misuse of Time Clock: Punching in when you arrive to the museum is not appropriate unless it is when your shift is to start or your supervisor tells you to punch in early to work. Punching out right before you are leaving the museum is not appropriate unless it is when your shift is over or your supervisor has you stay later than your normal shift. This is considered a very serious offense by the Science Director and Coordinator; who will be monitoring your timesheets. Students may not work more than 20 hours in any given week.
1st offense = 2 week suspension
2nd offense = dismissal from program
8) Stealing: The removal of property not belonging to you without authorization from the owner. This will result in immediate dismissal from the program.
Any offense that involves a dismissal includes a phone call, letter, or email to your parent/guardian and school officials.
