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Probationary Periods for University Support Staff and Unclassified Professional Staff, University Policy on

Policy
Purpose: 

To outline the terms and conditions of the probationary employment for University Support Staff (USS) and Unclassified Professional Staff (UPS).

Applies to: 

USS and UPS for all KU campuses.

Campus: 
Edwards
Lawrence
Juniper Gardens
Parsons
Yoder
Topeka
Medical Center, Kansas City
Salina
Wichita
Policy Statement: 

Individuals who are hired or rehired into regular USS or UPS positions are placed on probationary status and are employed at will during the probationary period. The initial probationary period is in effect for six months from the effective date of the initial hire. Employees are not eligible for any available merit increases during the initial probationary period. 

Supervisors may extend the probationary period up to a total of twelve months, with approval from Human Resource Management (HRM), if it is in the best interests of the University. Notifications of extension of the probationary period shall be in writing and shall be issued to the employee as early as possible but no later than one business day prior to the end of the probationary period.

If an employee accepts a different position while still serving a probationary period, the employee must complete the remainder of the initial probationary period or an extension thereof. Provided however, if the new position is substantially different or requires different qualifications, supervisors may initiate a new six-month probationary period upon HRM approval.

For example, among other reasons, the probationary period may be extended if there is a significant degree of job complexity associated with the position or if more than six months is needed for the employee to complete the full cycle of job responsibilities.

During the probationary period, if performance, conduct, or other issues arise that warrant termination, the unit head shall provide a written recommendation for termination to HRM. HRM will notify the employee in writing of the termination of the employee's appointment. No advance notice is required for termination during the probationary period.

Termination during the probationary period cannot be appealed. Employees whose appointments are terminated during the probationary period may be placed in a no-rehire status by the University.

Exclusions or Special Circumstances: 

The probationary status provisions of the relevant Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be followed for staff covered by a MOA.

Contact: 

KU Human Resource Management
103 Carruth-O’Leary Hall
1246 W. Campus Road
Lawrence, KS  66045
785-864-4946
hrdept@ku.edu

KUMC Department of Human Resources
Senior HR Director
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City, Kansas 66160
913-588-5080
ssnakenberg@kumc.edu

Approved by: 
Chancellor
Approved on: 
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Effective on: 
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Review Cycle: 
Annual (As Needed)
Definitions: 

Rehire” means a return to employment after a break in service of thirty days or more.

At will” means that the employer may terminate an employee’s appointment without notice and without cause.

Keywords: 
Probation, Performance, Initial Probationary Period, Promotional Probation
Change History: 

06/03/2022: Removed reference to extended probationary period.
06/16/2020: Updated KUMC contact information.
07/11/2016: Updated to remove gendered pronouns.
06/11/2014: Technical edit. This policy supersedes the probationary period policy formerly in place for USS and institutes a probationary period for unclassified professional staff. May 29, 2012: Approved by Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little.

Personnel: Staff Categories: 
Performance

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