7.6 Disciplinary Guidelines

The guidelines on the following pages are examples of violations and the type of disciplinary action that might be taken for each one. This list is not exhaustive, and these are guidelines. The University will consider the facts of each individual situation. The University reserves the right to change the discipline noted in the guidelines due to the extent and severity of an offense. In some instances, even though previous violation of policy has not occurred, the severity of the offense may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

During an investigation of employee misconduct, to the extent allowed by applicable law, a background investigation may be conducted without authorization from the employee.

OFFENSES FIRST OFFENSE SECOND OFFENSE THIRD OFFENSE FOURTH OFFENSE

Absence from work without approval

Written Warning

Written Warning to 3 Days Suspension

Termination

 

Breach of ethics – unauthorized access to or release of information on employees, students or patients, release of University confidential information, HIPAA or FERPA violations, etc.

Suspension or Termination

Termination

 

 

Charged with a felony or equivalent

Suspension Without Pay Pending Outcome

 

 

 

Conviction of a felony or equivalent

Termination

 

 

 

Failure to follow policies and procedures

Written Warning

Suspension/ Termination

Termination

 

Falsification of a record

Written Warning or Termination

Termination

 

 

Falsification of time sheet or time record

Termination

 

 

 

Fighting, engaging in horseplay, or acting

in a manner that endangers the safety of oneself or others

Suspension or Termination

Termination

 

 

Gambling on University premises

Suspension

Termination

 

 

Immoral conduct or indecency

Termination

 

 

 

Improper conduct – disruptive, discourteous, or disrespectful

Written Warning or Suspension

Termination

 

 

Intentional withholding of material

information

Termination

 

 

 

Insubordination

Suspension or Termination

Termination

 

 

Interference with or failure to cooperate in an investigation

Termination

 

 

 

Loitering during working hours

Written Warning

Suspension

Termination

 

Making a false statement or dishonesty

Termination

 

 

 

Misuse or abuse of University property, funds, materials, equipment, or supplies

Written Warning

Termination

 

 

Possession or drinking of alcoholic beverages or abuse of drugs or other intoxicating agents on University premises (Drug Free Workplace Policy)

Suspension or Termination

Termination

 

 

Refusal to allow security personnel to inspect contents of packages, etc.

Suspension or Termination

Termination

 

 

Scientific misconduct

Suspension or Termination

Termination

 

 

Sexual or other unlawful harassment

Suspension or Termination

Termination

 

 

Sleeping on duty

Termination

 

 

 

Soliciting or canvassing without authorization on University premises

Written Warning

Termination

 

 

Stealing

Termination

 

 

 

Tardiness and Attendance Issues

Written Warning

Written Warning

1-5 Days Suspension

Termination

Unacceptable appearance

Written Warning

Suspension

Termination

 

Unauthorized absence from workstation

Written Warning

1-3 Days Suspension

Termination

 

Unauthorized use of University property or property of an employee, student, guest, or patient

Written Warning or Suspension

Termination

 

 

Unauthorized possession of firearms or explosives on University premises

Termination

 

 

 

Unauthorized consumption or use of food

Written Warning

Termination

 

 

Workplace violence, participating in acts of violence, or making threats of violence

Termination