Policy UL-HR08 Probationary Period Review

Policies and Guidelines

HUMAN RESOURCES

Policy UL-HR08 PROBATIONARY PERIOD REVIEW

Contents:

Purpose
Background
Summary
Completing the Evaluation
Terminating a Probationary Employee
Cross References

PURPOSE:

This policy serves to define the process for supervisors completing probationary period reviews for new University full-time staff employees.

BACKGROUND:

The probationary period is crucial for both the employer and the new employee. This is the time for new employees to demonstrate and confirm that they are the best-qualified person for the position and that they are worthy of continued employment with the University. Supervisors should consider this time as an opportunity to fully evaluate the new employee’s qualifications, as well as their ability to understand the job responsibilities and to meet or exceed the performance standards and expectations of the job.

SUMMARY:

Supervisors are expected to evaluate employees during their twelve-month probationary period at three intervals after hire – two months, six months, and the beginning of the twelfth month. At each interval Libraries Human Resources will send the supervisor the Probationary Employee Performance Evaluation Form (Word document) with specific instructions for completing the form. Upon receipt of the form the supervisor should schedule a meeting with the employee to discuss their performance and then complete the evaluation form.

COMPLETING THE EVALUATION:

Upon completing the form the supervisor should discuss the evaluation results with the employee. The form should be signed by both the supervisor and the employee after each evaluation period. [Human Resources will send a copy to the Department Head.] At the final twelve-month evaluation, after the employee signs the form, the employee should retain a copy and the original should be forwarded to Libraries Human Resources. New employees who fail to meet the performance standards and expectations for the job should be terminated during the probationary period. Some factors that contribute to a new employee’s successful completion of his or her probationary period are as follows:

Fostering a mutual understanding of expectations, standards of performance, and the evaluation process by meeting and providing feedback on a regular basis.
Coaching the new employee in his/her efforts to meet training goals and performance objectives.
Coaching the new employee in his/her efforts to develop the skills needed to perform the job.
Providing the new employee with the tools needed to perform the job successfully.

TERMINATING A PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEE:

If you are considering terminating an employee during the probationary period, contact Libraries Human Resources office for guidance before proceeding. Do not terminate a probationary employee without prior authorization from LHR.

To avoid unnecessary terminations, please contact LHR as soon as you become aware of problems with the probationary employee. LHR can provide assistance for working with the employee to correct performance deficiencies.