Frequently Asked Questions

Employee Questions

Question:
If for any reason I terminate employment with Tarleton do I continue to receive my monthly Communication Allowance?
Answer:
No.  The Communication Allowance is a monetary contribution toward cellular communication related to your Tarleton job duties.  If you are no longer employed by Tarleton you no longer have these job duties and no longer qualify for the allowance.

Question:
If I don’t spend all my one time equipment allowance initially, can I use it at a later time?
Answer:
No.  The intent of the one time equipment allowance is to assist the employee in establishing the service required to support the business use of cellular communications.  The allowance amount is the maximum total reimbursable amount for this one time purchase.  It is not a cumulative total and any monies not spent in this one time purchase are forfeited.

Question:
I didn’t need my one time equipment allowance initially because I kept my Tarleton issued cell phone.  I just purchased a new battery for the phone and need to be reimbursed.  What do I do?
Answer:
During the initial transition to the Communication Allowance in 2005, employees were given the option to keep their University issued cellular equipment “in lieu of” the one time equipment allowance.  The intent of this option was to allow the University to obtain maximum benefit from existing investments.  Employees who kept their University issued cellular equipment are not eligible for the one time equipment allowance option.

Question:
I need help completing the forms.  Who do I call?
Answer:
Call the Telecom Help Desk at 9966. 

Question:
Where do I find a copy of the Communication Allowance Rule?
Answer:
http://www.tarleton.edu/~policy/259908t1.htm

Question:
Where do I find a copy of the Communication Allowance forms?
Answer:
http://www.tarleton.edu/~payroll/forms/CommunicationAllowanceFormMonthly.pdf (enrollment form)

http://www.tarleton.edu/~payroll/forms/One_Time_Communication_Equip_Allow_form.pdf(one time reimbursement form)

Question:
If I have a problem with my service or with my vendor, do I need to report it to Tarleton?
Answer:
No.  Your contract is between you and your vendor directly.  You handle it like you would any other utility or personal service problem.

Question:
I want to discontinue service with my existing vendor.  Do I need to complete another enrollment form or notify my department head?
Answer:
No.  Cellular arrangements you make are strictly between you and the vendor.  However, if your cell number changes you must notify your department head of your new number within five work days.

Department Head Questions

Question:
What do I do if an employee receiving a Communication Allowance terminates their Tarleton employment?
Answer:
You must submit a new Communication Service Allowance Enrollment form. Complete the employee information at the top of the form, select the “cancel” option, sign the form, and submit it to Payroll.

Question:
What do I do if an employee receiving a Communication Allowance changes positions either within my department or moves to another Tarleton department?
Answer:
First, determine if the new position qualifies for a Communication Allowance.  If not, then submit a Communication Service Allowance Enrollment form.  Complete the employee information at the top of the form, select the “cancel” option, sign the form, and submit to Payroll.

If you (or the new dept. head) determine that the new position qualifies then you must evaluate the allowance options to determine if the existing allowance is sufficient.  Complete the employee information at the top of the form, select the “change” option, update the allowance amount option if needed, update the employee Pin # or Paying Account # if needed, you (or the new dept. head) and the employee sign the form, and submit it to Payroll.

Communication Service Allowance eligibility is determined by the position the employee holds on the 1st day of the month.  The form must be received in Payroll by the 15th of the month to be processed in that month’s transactions.

Question:
What if I forget to submit the Communication Service Allowance form to Payroll by the 15th of the month but get it turned in before the end of the month?
Answer:
If Payroll does not have the completed form by the 15th of the month, your employee will not be reimbursed for that month of service.  They will be paid the next month but it will not be retroactive.

Question:
I need help completing the forms.  Who do I call?
Answer:
Call the Telecom Help Desk at 9966. 

Question:
Where do I find a copy of the Communication Allowance Rule?
Answer:
http://www.tarleton.edu/~policy/259908t1.htm

Question:
Where do I find a copy of the Communication Allowance forms?
Answer:

Question:
If the usage requirements for my employee changes how do I adjust their allowance accordingly?
Answer:
Allowance amounts can only be adjusted annually in September to coincide with the beginning of a new fiscal year.  As in all cases, the University President can make an exception if he believes it’s warranted.

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