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

Individuals who are hired or rehired into regular University Support Staff (USS) or University Professional Staff (UPS) positions are placed on probationary status and are employed at will during the probationary period. The initial probationary period for all regular USS and UPS employees at KU Lawrence campus (KUL) and all reporting units is in effect for six months from the start date of the position. For the KU Medical Center campus (KUMC) and all reporting units, USS employees have an initial probationary period of 12 months and UPS employees have an initial probationary period of six months from the start date of the position. KUMC and KUL employees are not eligible for any available merit increases during the first six months of the initial probationary period.

Supervisors may extend the probationary period for up to an additional 6 months with approval from KUL Human Resources (KUL HR) or KUMC Human Resources (KUMC HR), 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 initial probationary period.

A subsequent probationary period may be assigned if the employee accepts a different position within the organization at any point after their original date of hire. If an employee accepts a different position while still serving a probationary period, the employee will be subject to the standard probationary period of the new position. Supervisors must request and receive approval from KUL HR/KUMC HR for any exception to the standard probationary period.

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 KUL HR/KUMC HR. KUL HR/KUMC HR 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.