MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
MEAL AND REST PERIODS
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
PURPOSE:
To establish meal periods and rest periods as defined by the University.
POLICY:
The University provides unpaid meal periods of at least thirty (30) minutes to one hour for all employees. Department/unit heads have the authority, but are not required, to provide rest periods for non-exempt support staff employees. While exceptions to the usual departmental meal or rest periods may occur, non-exempt support staff employees who are required to work during the meal period must be paid or granted compensatory time in accordance with University procedures for Overtime/Compensatory Time #60-311.
PROCEDURE:
Meal Periods
Employees are authorized one unpaid meal period typically one hour, but not less than thirty (30) minutes during each workday/shift. The employee must be completely relieved of all duties during this period. Department/unit heads have the authority to schedule the meal period to accommodate the needs of the department.
Rest Periods
Non-exempt support staff employees may be authorized by their supervisor and/or department/unit head to take a paid rest period of up to 15 minutes for each four-hour work period.
Rest periods are not cumulative and employees must not use rest periods to offset late arrival or early departure from work, to extend the meal period or to accumulate paid time off from one day to the next.
REGULATION/LAW
Fair Labor Standards Act
REVIEW:
This policy and procedure will be reviewed by the Director of Human Resources Management at least every four (4) years.
HRM 60-321
01/10/07
For information about this policy, contact the responsible/reviewing department hyperlinked above.
