Unit Policy
Title
Facilities Services: Cell Phone (Mobile Device) Policy
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish clear, current requirements for the appropriate use of mobile communication devices issued and/or supported by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (“UNC-Chapel Hill” or “University”) and used by Facilities Services employees. These requirements help ensure compliance with all applicable University policies, state requirements, and information security standards.
Scope
This policy applies to Facilities Services employees who are issued a University-owned mobile device or receive a University Mobile Device Stipend for the use of a personally owned device for University business purposes.
Policy
Policy Statement
UNC-Chapel Hill governs mobile device usage through its Mobile Device Stipend Policy (Finance Policy 1269) and Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy. Facilities Services adheres to these University policies and establishes the following unit-level expectations to support operational, safety, and business needs.
Mobile devices are provided or supported only when there is a documented business need, such as on-call responsibilities, emergency response, life-safety operations, supervisory duties, or work performed away from a fixed workstation.
Types of Mobile Device Support
University-Owned Mobile Devices
- Issued only when required by the nature of the position.
- Intended primarily for University business use.
- Must comply with University IT security, data protection, and acceptable use requirements.
Personally Owned Devices
- Provided in accordance with the University’s Finance Policy 1269: Mobile Device Stipend Policy.
- Employees are responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and securing their personal devices and service plans.
- Stipends are taxable and paid through payroll.
- Devices may be used for both personal and University business purposes, provided University data and systems are accessed securely.
Acceptable Use
Employees using mobile devices for University business must use the devices in a manner that:
- Supports safety, job performance, and operational effectiveness;
- Protects University data;
- Complies with all applicable laws and policies; and
- Avoids activities that compromise attention to duty or safety.
Prohibited Use
Prohibited use includes activities that:
- Violate the University’s Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy,
- Involve unauthorized access or transmission of Sensitive Information (as defined in the University’s Information Classification Standard), and/or
- Interfere with job responsibilities or University operations.
Records and Public Information
Mobile devices used for University business may be subject to public records laws. Employees are responsible for ensuring that University-related communications are retained and produced in accordance with applicable public records requirements.
Supervisor Responsibilities
Supervisors are responsible for:
- Determining business need,
- Approving requests for University-owned devices or stipends,
- Ensuring employees understand this policy, and
- Periodically reviewing device assignments for continued operational necessity.
Exceptions
Exceptions to this policy must be approved by Facilities Services leadership and must comply with applicable University policies.
Definitions
Mobile Device: A cellular phone, smartphone, tablet, or other portable wireless communication device capable of voice, messaging, or data transmission.
Mobile Device Stipend: A taxable payment provided to an employee for the use of a personally owned mobile device for University business purposes.
Related Requirements
University Policies, Standards, and Procedures
Contact Information
Primary Contact: Robyn Narvesen
Telephone: 919-962-0761
Email: robyn.narvesen@facilities.unc.edu
Publication Details
Issuing Officer: Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Services
Revised: March 2026
Next Review Date: March 2027