UTemp orientation: Assignment, attendance, and pay
Table of Contents
Temporary assignments
Temporary job assignments fill vacancies for sudden absences, planned leaves and vacations, as well as needs-based opportunities during peak workload periods and pending recruitments. Duration of job assignments can range in length from half a day, to a week, a month, or several months. Length of assignments are determined according to the needs of the requesting departments; therefore, end dates are subject to change at any time. However, there is no guarantee of placement in a temporary position.
To ensure you will continue to be considered for temporary opportunities, we ask that you check in with us periodically to let us know you are still available and interested in working as a temp employee. It is appropriate to contact us every few weeks, or as your availability changes.
If your interests lie in obtaining regular or “permanent” employment at the UW, you must search for and apply to requisitions online and follow the specific application process. As an active UTemp temporary employee, you are able to apply to requisitions that are open to UW employees only. For more information, visit UW Jobs to start your job search. If you have questions about the application process, visit FAQs or contact us.
Temporary employment limit
Temporary employees are limited to working no more than 950 hours during the 12-month period that begins with the employee’s original UW temporary employment date. Once this Original Temporary Employment Date (OTED) is established, it does not change even if a person leaves UW employment and later returns to accept another temporary appointment with the same or a different department.
All hours worked in multiple and/or consecutive temporary appointments at the UW are combined and counted toward the 950-hour limit, regardless of whether the job is through UTemp Staffing, another UW department, or an outside agency. Overtime hours worked are not included in calculating time worked toward the 950-hour limit. A temporary employee’s hours accumulation starts over upon reaching the anniversary of their temporary employment date.
When a temporary employee employed by UTemp Staffing has worked approximately 700 hours, our office calculates an estimated “last work day” based on the number of hours remaining. We send a letter to both the employee and the on-site supervisor notifying them of the last day the employee is eligible to work. This allows approximately two and a half weeks’ advance notice before the ending of the assignment. Temporary employees who reach their maximum 950 hours eligibility will become eligible for reassignment after reaching their temporary employment anniversary date.
Benefits
As a University of Washington temporary employee, if you meet certain requirements, you may become eligible for employer-provided health and welfare benefits (such as retirement, medical/dental insurance, etc.).
If you become eligible while working on a temporary assignment, you will be notified by UW Benefits. Once notified, it is your responsibility to contact the Benefits Office and complete the required paperwork as soon as possible. Contact the Integrated Service Center (ISC) for additional questions or assistance with this process.
Union representation
A temporary hourly employee may be represented by a union and covered by a collective bargaining agreement depending on the nature and location of the work assignment. Visit the Temporary Employees in Bargaining Units webpage for more information. A full list of union contracts may be viewed on the Labor Relations webpage.
Time and pay
Overtime
Temporary employees do not receive holiday pay. Temporary employees are paid at their regular rate for work performed on University recognized holidays. Authorized overtime is paid at the rate of time-and-a-half for work in excess of 40 hours per week (Monday through Sunday). All overtime must be pre-approved and scheduled by the supervisor each time overtime is worked.
Time tracking
After your hire is complete, you may log into Workday and begin entering your hours worked. We encourage you to enter hours daily and save, rather than waiting until the deadline to add and submit all of the hours you worked. Whichever way you choose, you must complete and submit your time at the end of each pay period (the 15th and last day of the month), and your time must be approved by a Time & Absence Approver in the unit you are working in, for the hours to be paid appropriately.
Entering time in Workday
- Log into the Enter Time section of Workday.
- Click the Time Worklet (image of a clock) located on your Workday homepage.
- Enter the hours worked for the day (see the ISC’s step-by-step guide).
- If you hold more than one position, be mindful to select the one for which you are entering time from the drop-down menu before entering your In/Out times.
- Enter the hours worked for the pay period.
- Submit your hours by the end of the pay period (15th and last day of the month).
- Include any notes that you wish to show your department using the Comment box feature.
- Comments that are added and saved become a permanent record and are subject to public records requests.
- UTemp staff are not able to see these comments.
- After you submit your time, your approver will review your entries. If approved, your time will be processed for payment. If your approver send your time back for correction, you will need to make changes and resubmit it.
UW online timesheet help
- Help for entering your time is available from the Integrated Service Center (ISC):
- Error Messages: Error messages must be corrected before you can submit your time (e.g. entering more than 24 hours worked in a day).
- Tutorials are available for employees. Visit the ISC for more information.
Note: It is the responsibility of the employee to make sure their time is entered and submitted on time. If your time is sent back for correction, it will not be paid until submitted and approved by the department. Late submissions will not be processed until the following pay period. See the payroll schedule for cutoff dates and times.
Paychecks
Temporary employees are paid on an hourly basis. We offer competitive pay that varies depending on the nature of the work being performed. Paycheck deductions are made for Social Security, Medical Aid (workers compensation insurance), paid family and medical leave, and federal income tax. Depending on enrollment, other deductions may be made for benefits, retirement, and/or union representation.
Paydays are the 25th for days worked the 1st through the 15th of the month, and on the 10th for days worked the 16th through the end of the month. If the 10th or 25th falls on a weekend or holiday, the pay day is on the nearest business day. Visit the ISC to find dates for paydays and holidays.
How do I get paid?
The University encourages all employees to have direct deposit. You can sign up for direct deposit in Workday and find more information on the ISC.
If you do not set up direct deposit, your check will be mailed to your primary address listed in Workday. It can take one pay cycle for your direct deposit to take effect.
Reporting to work
When you are placed on an assignment, you will be given a contact person to whom you are to report. Most likely this person will be your on-site supervisor. Your on-site supervisor will orient you to the department, designate break and lunch times, pre-authorize any overtime, and authorize any absences.
Attendance and punctuality
Importance of punctuality
The department you are assigned to expects you to be prompt and adhere to your assigned work schedule. If there is an emergency for which you are unable to report to work on time, or you are need to stay home due to illness, contact your supervisor as early as possible to let them know.
If you are unable to reach your supervisor, contact UTemp at 206-543-3652. If you are calling us before office hours, leave a brief voicemail explaining who you are and why you are unable to make it to work. Someone from our office will attempt to follow up with your supervisor on your behalf.
Emergency conditions
In the event of snow, adverse weather, or other emergency conditions, call the UW’s information line or alert services for up-to-the-minute information about the operations of the UW campuses:
- 206-UWS-INFO (206-897-4636) and toll-free 1-866-897-4636
- UW Alert is available to current UW faculty, staff, and students at www.uwalert.org
Please note: cancellation of classes does not always mean that the University and clinics are closed. Make sure to talk with your supervisor regarding whether or not your temp services will be needed in the event of inclement weather or suspended operations.
Appropriate attire
Dress requirements at the UW vary, with some departments expecting highly professional attire and other departments allowing relatively casual clothing. Unless otherwise instructed by your recruiter in the appointment notification email, temporary employees are expected to wear business casual attire on their first day of work; thereafter, dress should conform to departmental standards.
Work performance
UTemp asks all departmental supervisors to complete an evaluation of each temporary employee’s performance at the end of each assignment. This information is considered when making future work assignments and may be used in consideration of regular, full time employment opportunities. Unprofessional conduct may adversely affect future assignments or result in dismissal.
Workplace health and safety
The University of Washington is committed to the health and welfare of all individuals associated with the institution. The University Health and Safety Policy begins, “The University of Washington shall create, maintain, and enhance a safe and healthful environment for all individuals associated with the institution, including students, faculty, staff employees, hospital patients, and visitors.” The complete policy may be found under Executive Order No. 55 on UW’s Policy Directory.
Who is responsible for health and safety at the UW?
All employees are responsible for following health and safety rules. Supervisors and faculty are also responsible for the health and safety of those they supervise. This responsibility cannot be transferred or delegated.
Organizational and campus-wide Health and Safety Committees play an important role.
The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) provides consultation and services.
The ultimate responsibility for health and safety in the operating unit rests with the Dean, Director, Chair, or Manager.
How do you protect yourself from hazards and maintain a safe worksite?
- Follow safe work practices and know about the hazardous materials you work with.
- Know your emergency plan and two ways out of your work area.
- Follow your department’s policies and procedures.
- Be aware of safety signs.
- Call 911 to report police, fire or medical emergencies.
- Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor and correct unsafe conditions when possible.
During emergencies
- During an alarm, everyone leaves, following the unit’s evacuation plan! Treat each alarm as the real thing, because it could save your life.
- Follow your building/department emergency plan. If you are not familiar with the plan, ask your supervisor.
- Persons with disabilities need their own evacuation plan. For more information, go to the Emergency Evacuation for Persons with Disabilities page.
- To summon police, fire, or medical help, dial 911 or pull the fire alarm.
What to do if you have a work related injury or illness
- Report the incident to your supervisor right away, and contact UTemp Staffing at your earliest opportunity. Seek medical attention if needed.
- Employees who are injured at work, or who believe that their illness is related to their job, should file a Labor & Industries claim through their treating physician.
- As soon as possible, but within 24 hours, complete an accident/incident report form through the Online Accident Reporting System (OARS).
- A report should be submitted through OARS even if there were no injuries sustained. Report near misses, so that recommendations may be made for correction before an injury occurs. For more information, visit UW Environmental Health & Safety.
Assignment completion
My assignment is over… now what?
Call us three days prior to your assignment end date and let us know if you would like to be considered for another assignment. A recruiter will call you if or when other opportunities are available that are a match to your job skills and experience.
What if I can’t complete my assignment?
It is very important that you keep your commitment to work the duration of your assignment. However, if you must end an assignment, we’d prefer that you give us as much notice as possible, but require a minimum of three days notice. You should give notice to your supervisor and your recruiter.
Submit your time
Don’t forget to submit your time when your assignment ends! If it’s prior to the end of the pay period, you do not need to wait until the end of the pay period to enter and submit your time. It is preferred that you submit your time on your last day worked.