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; 7/15/2025 | 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 for non-exempt employees whose job duties meet one of the following criteria:

  1. The employee is involved with emergency operations related to institutional safety, such as security.
  2. The employee’s primary duties are routinely carried out away from their regular workspace without consistent access to a desk phone or computer such as Technology Services, Clinical Education, and Facilities staff.

Human Resources, in coordination with and at the request of a supervisor, will make the determination if the job duties of the position meet eligibility. 

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.

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

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