1.8 Disciplinary Action for Staff

As a matter of general policy, and not as a promise of specific treatment to any employee, the University may seek to engage in disciplinary action with staff. This means the University may provide a period of time, when appropriate in the University's sole discretion, for the correction of performance or behavior.

Disciplinary procedures may be initiated at any time and for various reasons, as deemed appropriate by the University. The severity of the action may generally depend on the nature of the problem and on the staff member’s past performance, and may range from verbal counseling to immediate dismissal.

Disciplinary procedures may consist of any or all of the following steps:

• verbal counseling

• written warning

• withholding salary increases

• suspension with or without pay

• demotion

• dismissal

As a general policy, and not as a promise of specific treatment, disciplinary action may be progressive in nature (e.g., a verbal warning preceding a written warning). However, exceptions to or deviations from this general policy may occur whenever the University (in its sole discretion) deems appropriate. The University reserves the right to terminate any staff member, at any time, at will, with or without cause and with or without prior disciplinary action.

Policies regarding discipline and termination of faculty members are contained in the Faculty Employment Handbook.