Fitness for Duty

Policy Number: HR-4103-001

Policy Title: Fitness for Duty

Vice Chancellor/Associate Chancellor: Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services

Unit Responsible for Policy: UIC Human Resources

Effective Date: February 9, 2017

Contact: Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources

Policy Statement:   All University of Illinois (UIC) employees are required to be fit for duty during their entire work schedule. Employees must be able to perform their jobs in a safe, secure, productive, and effective manner. Employees who are not fit for work may present a safety hazard to themselves, to other employees, to the University, and to the public.

In appropriate circumstances, an employee of the University may be required to be examined by a physician or a nurse at the University Health Service (UHS) in order to determine the employee's fitness to perform assigned duties and responsibilities. UIC reserves the right to require employees to undergo psychological/psychiatric evaluation and treatment, as well as tests for illegal drugs or alcohol. Employees who refuse to comply with recommended evaluations may be disciplined up to and including discharge.

Reason for Policy: To establish a campus standard for fitness for duty to perform on the job and to clarify the University's right to require psychological/psychiatric or medical evaluations and tests.

Minority Impact Statement:  The policy does not have a disproportionate or unique effect on UIC’s minority students, faculty, or staff.

Who Should Read the Policy:  All UIC employees.

Definitions: 

  • University: Refers to UIC.

Procedures: View UIC HR procedures.

Forms: View UIC HR forms.

Related Laws, Regulations, Statutes, and Policies:

  • Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988
  • Memorandum from Vice Chancellor for Administration to Deans, Directors and Department Heads, dated October 9, 1992

Document History:  Updated version of UIC HR #308, effective 4/1/1997; revised 09/01/2013

Approved by: Committee on Policy
Approval date: February 9, 2017
Approved as: Updated Policy (supersedes Policy UIC HR #308)