Q – I was just hired as a Full-Time Unit Professional by XYZ Community College? Is there a probationary period A– Yes. According to the Contract (11.01C) Unit Professionals “shall be subject to a six-month probationary period commencing upon the effective date of their initial appointment. During this probationary period an employee may be terminated without cause. If a full-time unit professional staff member is terminated prior to the third month anniversary, the member will receive one (1) month notice prior of separation. If terminated on or after the third month anniversary, but prior to the six-month anniversary, the member will receive three (3) months notice prior to separation.”
Q – I was just hired as a Part-Time Unit Professional by XYZ Community College? Does section 11.01 apply to me in the same way as it applies to my Full Time colleagues described in the question above. A – No. The provisions in sections 11.01 through 11.04 of the contract, do not apply to part-time Unit Professionals. Please read the section on Part-Time appointments.
Q – What are the terms for Reappointment/Non–Reappointment of a Full-time Unit Professional? A-The contract begins (11.02 I) with discussion of Non-Reappointment of Unit Professionals, stating that Non-Reappointment may occur “without cause” in the first four (4) years. Reasons may be provided at the discretion of the College President, and these reasons shall NOT be subject to grievance procedures. In other words, you may not be reappointed and the employer is neither obliged to give you a reason, nor have a reason or cause to not reappoint you. In addition, you do not have the right to grieve such an action.
Q – When will I be informed of a Non–Reappointment ? A – According to 11.02 II of the contract, “The non-reappointment of a full-time faculty or professional staff member shall be in accordance with the following procedures:
1. Termination at the end of the first (1st) through the fourth (4th) year of service; notice provided by March 1st of the year of termination.
2. Termination at the end of the fifth (5th) year of service or later, notice provided by October 15th of the year of termination.
Q – After the Fifth year, will I be subject to a Non-Reappointment without just cause? A – No, after the Fifth year, Non-Reappointment must be made with just cause.
Q – I just received my first Reappointment letter. What should I do with it? A – You need to respond in thirty (30) days that you are accepting the Reappointment. Failure to accept your Reappointment “shall constitute a rejection of reappointment”.
Tenure
Q – Who is eligible for Tenure? A – Tenure may be granted to Unit Professionals as well as to Faculty by the President of your College. Tenure is only for the College you are employed at.
Q – How long do I need to have worked to be granted Tenure? A – According to the Contract, “the unit member must have served at least six (6) full years as a unit member, at least three (3) of which have been in that unit member’s current job function.”
Q – Are there any other stipulations needed for Tenure? A– According to the Contract, “the unit member must have received other than unsatisfactory on that unit member’s most recent summary evaluation.” The complete procedure for the Tenure process can be found here.