This procedure is applicable to Regular Employees as defined in Procedure 2755 and is not applicable to temporary help positions, lab aids, or any position which is normally less than 20 hour per week which are "at will" positions. This procedure is not applicable to Administrators as defined in Procedure 2755 unless otherwise specifically stated in their contract.
1. Probationary Period
Regular Employees will be employed on a probationary basis during the first twelve (12) months of service whether or not they have received a contract for a different term. The probationary period is completed following twelve (12) months of continuous service at one-half time or more without a break in service. Time on leave with or without pay is not qualifying service for the completion of the probationary period. Employees who are rehired following a break in service caused by termination shall serve a new probationary period whether or not they previously completed a probationary period. Regularly scheduled breaks between contracts shall not be considered a break in service for purposes of this provision. Employees shall not take annual leave until after completed six months of probation. An employee who has voluntarily transferred to another position after successfully completing probation in the previous position gives up any expectation of continuing status in the former position and must successfully complete a new term of probation in the new position.
2. Continuation or Reinstatement of Probationary Period
At the end of the probationary period an employee's supervisor after consultation with and concurrence by the supervising administrative staff may extend the probationary period for up to an additional twelve (12) months. The employee shall be informed in writing of an extension before the end of the initial probationary period and shall have the right to grieve the same pursuant to Procedure 2760. Upon determination of inadequate performance or other appropriate cause, the employee's supervisor, after consultation with and concurrence by the supervising administrator, may request a new period of probation for the employee and make such recommendation to the President. An Employee as defined in Procedure 2755 who has successfully completed the initial term of probation may only be dismissed pursuant to Procedure 2755 but any dispute concerning the re-imposition of Probation shall be dealt with according to Procedure 2760.
3. Termination of Employees during Probationary Period
Regular Employees may be terminated within the probationary period or any contiguous extension thereof with no right to a hearing, an appeal, or reasons for the termination. Probationary period employees are "at will." Either the employee or the College may terminate the employment relationship at any time during the probationary period. Faculty under a current contract have a right to the procedures afforded by Procedure 2755 even though probationary but do not have a right to a continuing contract if probationary.
The College reserves the right to provide an informal "name clearing" hearing procedure in the event it chooses to terminate an employee during a probationary period in circumstances where providing the employee or a third party a reason for doing so is appropriate. Such a hearing shall be conducted in accordance with grievance Procedure 2760 except that no action need be taken until the conclusion of the grievance procedure process and that the proceedings and results shall only be held confidential should the employee successfully clear his or her name. No supervisor shall give a reason for terminating or reassigning an employee during a probationary period without first clearing it with the administrator responsible for his or her department. The opportunity for a name clearing hearing is intended to give those rights constitutionally due the employee and is not intended to create any additional right.
4. Termination of Employees after Successful Completion of Probationary Period
After successful completion of the initial probationary period or any contiguous extension of it, a Regular Employee may be terminated during his or her contract term only for cause.
5. Employee Review
Each employee covered under this procedure will be evaluated at least one time during his or her probationary period and shall be evaluated on a regular basis thereafter. Any evaluation conducted to satisfy the "one evaluation" requirement of the preceding sentence shall be provided to the employee in writing.
