Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity

Policy Description

It is the policy of Oregon State University to provide employee and student services, currently available to a spouse through legal marriage, and within the purview of the University, to the "domestic partner" of an employee or student. The benefits and services that meet the criteria above and, therefore, are covered under this policy are as follows:

For Domestic Partners of Students, Staff, and Faculty:

• Recreational Sports Facilities/Programs
• Borrowing Valley Library Materials

Domestic partners of OSU employees are also eligible for heath benefits. This program is administered through the Public Employees Benefits Board and administered by the Office of Human Resources. More information is available at

http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/DPBenefitsInfo.shtml

Domestic Partners of OSU employees also qualify for the staff fee reduction when enrolled in courses at an OUS school. Information can be obtained in the Office of Human Resources, Kerr 204.

For Domestic Partners of Students only:

• Student Health Insurance
• Student Family Housing
• Student Tickets to Athletic Events

For the purposes of this policy, domestic partnership exists when two individuals:

1. Are each eighteen (18) years of age or older;
2. Share a close personal relationship and are responsible for each other's common welfare;
3. Are each other's sole domestic partner;
4. Are not married to anyone nor have had another domestic partner within the prior six months;
5. Are not related by blood closer than would bar marriage in the State of Oregon;
6. Have jointly shared the same regular and permanent residence for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the date of application for domestic partner status with Oregon State University, with the intent to continue doing so indefinitely;
7. Are jointly financially responsible for basic living expenses defined as the cost of food, shelter, and any other expenses of maintaining a household. Domestic partners need not contribute equally or jointly to the cost of these expenses as long as they agree that both are responsible for the cost.

If requested, proof of the existence of a domestic partnership shall consist
of current documentation of at least two of the following (information should
be dated to confirm eligibility at time of application):

1. Joint mortgage, lease or rental agreement.
2. Designation of the domestic partner a primary beneficiary for a life insurance or a retirement contract.
3. Designation of the domestic partner as primary beneficiary in the employee/student's will.
4. Durable power of attorney for health care or financial management.
5. Joint ownership of a motor vehicle, a joint bank account, or a joint credit account.
6. A relationship or cohabitation contract which obligates each of the parties to provide support for the other party.

Questions about this policy or its implementation should be addressed to the
Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, 526 Kerr Administration
Building, (541) 737-3556.

(Adopted 6/14/99)