Probationary Periods
Human Resources Policy: 20.062The probationary period provides an opportunity for both employees and supervisors to assess how well the employment relationship is working. During this period, employees may resign or be terminated without notice.
Length of Probationary Periods
The probationary period for employees holding nonexempt positions is three months. For employees working in exempt positions, the probationary period is six months. A written Probationary Appraisal form is required for employees working in nonexempt and exempt positions prior to the end of this period.
Termination of Employment during Employee Probationary Periods
All employees shall be informed in advance of the expiration of the probationary period if their employment will not be continued. In addition, the supervisor should discuss the situation with the Director of Employee Relations or an HR Generalist at least one week in advance of the date of termination. Employment may be terminated prior to the end of the probationary period.
Extension of Probationary Periods
Under certain circumstances, probation may be extended for up to three additional months. To extend probation, the supervisor should contact the Director of Employee Relations or an HR Generalist at least one week prior to the expiration of the original probationary period. Employees should be informed of an extension before the current probationary period expires. A decision to extend probation must be documented in writing and sent to the employee and the Director of Employee Relations or an HR Generalist for inclusion in the employee's personnel file.
When employees are absent from work for a total of 10 working days or more during their probationary periods, the period may be extended by the length of the absence.
Waiver of Probationary Periods
The probationary period may be waived, upon the supervisor's written notification to the Human Resources Director. A waiver may be appropriate when, for example, the employee was previously performing the same job on the Limited Duration Payroll for longer than three months.
Probationary Status upon Transfer or Promotion
A new probationary period starts when an employee transfers or is promoted to a different position. In cases of termination during this probationary period, notice or pay in lieu of notice may be required. (Please see the Performance Improvement Process policy (20.073) for more information.) Under certain circumstances, a supervisor may request that the probationary period following a promotion or transfer be waived.
Vacation and sick time may be used once an employee has worked at Brown for at least three months, according to normal department policy.