Employee Conduct and Discipline Policy

This policy and procedures apply to non-faculty staff members not otherwise covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

As an at-will employer, Lewis & Clark College reserves the right to discipline and discharge employees not otherwise covered by a collective bargaining agreement or faculty handbook, with or without prior notification, for any reason determined by the College to be in its best interest.

After completion of an employee’s initial introductory period, an employee may be disciplined for any reason, as determined by the College. Each disciplinary situation is different and the College reserves the right to take whatever corrective action it feels appropriate in any given situation.

Discipline may include:

• Attempt to bring about improved performance
• An off-cycle performance appraisal
• Counseling, as appropriate
• Oral warning
• Written warning
• Probation
• Suspension
• Termination

Disciplinary action should be taken only after consultation with Human Resources. There is no guarantee that any particular disciplinary action will be taken prior to termination and no obligation on the part of the College to follow any set procedure with regard to disciplinary decisions.

Moreover, the College may impose on an employee, as a condition of continued employment, an obligation to participate in the Employee Assistance Program or other counseling directed at behavior and/or substance abuse issues.

An employee who has completed the initial introductory period may protest any discipline or discharge only under the terms of the grievance procedure. An introductory employee may be discharged at any time during the introductory period, for any reason determined solely by the College, without recourse to the grievance procedure.