This Human Resource Policy Manual has been established to provide written guidelines to be used for management of the university's most valuable asset, its human resources. These policies are intended to create order and consistency in the day-to-day operation of Kentucky State University, hereinafter referred to as "KSU" throughout the manual. The policies and procedures contained in this manual shall replace and supersedes any previous or existing personnel policies, regulations, or practices.

Kentucky State University is an “at will” employer and all KSU employees maintain “at will” status unless that status is altered by a written agreement signed by the President of the University. The “at will” employment status means that both the University and the employee reserve the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time without cause.

All current policy statements and procedures are considered to be in force and effect at the time of publication of this manual. This manual governs the terms and conditions of all KSU employees. KSU reserves the right to amend or modify these policies at any time through written amendments or additions approved and signed by the President and approved by the Board. All policies are subject to review and change. Suggestions or recommendations for revisions shall be made to the Office of Human Resources.

The President of KSU delegates the responsibility to the Vice President of Finance and Administration to ensure that policies are up-to-date with current federal and state employment law. Further, the President empowers the Vice President to ensure that all KSU Deans, Directors, Department Heads and Managers adhere to these policies with consistency and in the spirit of the KSU mission and organization values. The Vice President of Finance and Administration delegates the maintenance and interpretation of this manual to the Office of Human Resources "OHR"). OHR will ensure that the manual is distributed to all KSU administrators and managers to serve as a reference guide in handling employee matters and will be available for viewing to all employees as required. The Office of Human Resources is responsible for final interpretation of personnel policy and will decide the necessity for review and possible revision.

Certain provisions of the Human Resources Policies and Procedures, as published and amended, apply to all employees. The Faculty Handbook contains provisions specifically for faculty and may contain exceptions to the Policy Manual. In cases where the employment contract of a faculty or non-faculty employee conflicts with the Policy Manual, the provisions of the individual's employment contract will apply.