Mobile Device Stipend Policy

Responsible Unit: Technology Services | Executive lead: Vice President, Technology and Operations 
Created: 12/2017 | Reviewed/Revised: 2/5/2018, 4/25/2023; 7/8/2025 | Effective: 5/1/2023 
Compliance: N/A 
Approving Body: ELT | Classification: Institution-wide 


Policy:  
The university will provide a stipend for use of a personal mobile device or purchased mobile device, including subscription fees, for employees whose job duties involve emergency operations related to institutional safety. 

Stipends and device purchases will be paid for by the employee’s unit.

When employees require Internet access to perform their job duties in public areas that do not have adequate, secure connections, access to hotspot mobile cellular network devices are available for check out. Devices should be checked out from a central location and not assigned to individuals for regular or personal use.

Hotspot devices will be managed by Technology Services. The devices are to be returned at the end of each check-out period. Lost, stolen, or damaged devices and accessories will be replaced at the employee’s department expense. Technology Services will pay the monthly charges for the hotspots and refresh the hardware according to standard lifecycle practices.

Devices purchased by PNWU that are capable of cellular-based Internet connections and require a monthly fee, such as tablets, may be authorized by the VP of Technology & Operations and paid for with unit funds.

Definitions:

Hotspot: devices that connect to a cellular service such as Verizon and provide a secure wi-fi network.

Mobile device: In the context of this policy mobile devices refer to phones and tablets. Other devices may be considered and defined by the VP of Technology & Operations.

Stipend: additional compensation added to employee paychecks. Stipends are subject to payroll tax withholdings, do not constitute an increase in base pay, and are not included in any percentage calculations for base pay increases or retirement contribution compensation.

Procedures (private): 
N/A

Related documents:

N/A

Policy Resources


For assistance with policies and procedures contact:

Dee Dennis
ddennis@pnwu.edu