CARE Program: Compassionate Acknowledgement & Recognition of Events 2.8-1

Introduction/Purpose:

Life brings a variety of significant events that impact members of our university community. These moments may include the joy of welcoming a child, the challenge of medical recovery, or the sorrow of losing a loved one. As part of our commitment to a compassionate and supportive culture, the University has established the CARE Program to acknowledge these milestones with appropriate gestures of care and understanding.

Definitions:

Immediate Family Members: Spouse, child, step-child, parent, or step-parent of the employee or their spouse.

Applicable CARE Situations:

The CARE Program may be activated in the following circumstances:

• Loss and Bereavement
  • Death of an employee
  • Death of an employee’s immediate family member (immediate family includes: spouse, child, step-child, parent, or step-parent of the employee or their spouse.)
• Medical Events
  • Hospitalization or outpatient surgery of an employee, followed by an extended at-home recovery period
• Joyous Occasions
  • Birth of an employee’s child
• Other Circumstances 
  • Unique events, subject to approval by the Office of the President. 

Vice Presidents, Deans and Director may also submit special requests through the CARE Form.

Procedure:

1. Initiation
   • A CARE Form is submitted to the Office of Human Resources (HR).
2. Verification
   • HR will confirm the details, including the nature of the event, contact information, and receipt address.
3. Recognition Process
   • Bereavement: A floral arrangement will be sent to the funeral home unless the family requests an alternative. If preferred, a $50 memorial contribution to the SVSU Foundation may be sent in lieu of flowers.
   • Hospitalization or Surgery: A card or floral arrangement will be sent to the employee’s home to express care and support. 
   • Birth of a Child: A congratulatory card or gift may be sent to celebrate the new addition to the family.
4. Departmental Recognition
   • Administrators who wish to send additional cards or floral arrangements from their department may do so at their own budgetary discretion through an account under their control. Departments may not make memorial contributions to non-profits other than the SVSU Foundation from University accounts.
5. Retiree Communication
   • Upon notification of a retiree’s passing, Human Resources will issue a communication to faculty, staff, and university retirees. 

Related Policies & Forms:

CARE Form