1.0 PURPOSE

To ensure that an individual, whose employment relationship with Wheeling Jesuit University is served, is treated in compliance with the University's policy on Human Dignity.

2.0 POLICY STATEMENT

2.1 Policy Statement

1. The employment relationship between the University and its employees is at-will and can be served at any time and for any reason with the exception of those relationships covered by an employment contract. In those instances the terms and conditions of the employment contract will prevail.
2. Terminations by the University must be pre-approved by the president of the University or his designee on the appropriate Personnel Action  Form.
3. Self-terminations at the employee's request (resignation or retirement) may be at any time; the University requests a minimum of two (2) weeks advance notice unless the employee is covered by an employment contract. In those instances the terms and conditions of the employment contract will prevail. The last day actually worked on-site will be the official last day upon which benefits cease and does not include subsequent vacation. Such remaining vacation, if any, will be included in the full and final accounting but may not be scheduled or included as days worked.  

2.2 Procedure

1. An employee who is terminated by the University (due to reduction in force, performance misconduct) will be informed of the reason and the following should be completed:
• A signed document noting the return of all the items noted on the Termination Checklist including keys, University credit cards, access cards, computers, software, and any other proprietary items owned by the University. This checklist will be completed jointly by the employee's immediate supervisor, Human Resources, Information Technology, Safety and Security, and the Business Office.
• A brief Exit Interview with Human Resources if preferred.
• A full and final accounting reconciling all outstanding expenses, pay and deductions available within seventy-two (72) hours of the day that the employment relationship ends.
• A Personnel Action Form noting the action taken with attached supporting memorandum as needed.
2. Whenever the employment relationship between the employee and the University is terminated at the employee's request (resignation or retirement), the following should be completed:
• A memo from the employee to the University tendering his/her resignation with the effective date.
• A signed document noting the return of all the items noted on the Termination CHecklist including keys, University credit cards, access cards,computers, software, and any other proprietary items owned by the University. This checklist will be completed jointly by the employee's immediate supervisor, Human Resources, Information Technology, Safety and Security, and the Business Office.
• A complete Exit Interview with Human Resources.
• A full and final accounting reconciling all outstanding expenses, pay and deductions on the day the employee leaves if the employee has provided at least one (1) pay period advance notice; otherwise, the next regularly scheduled pay date after the employee's date of resignation.
• A Personnel Action Form noting the action taken with attached supporting memoranda as needed.

2.3 Communications

1. When an employee is terminated by the University, the official communication will be determined jointly, by the Human Resources and Public Relations. Such information may be considered "Private-Confidential."
2. When an employee terminates the relationship of his/her own accord, the supervisor or University should only communicate that the employee left by choice unless the employee notes during the exit interview that he/she gives the supervisor or the University freedom to announce why the employee left or where the employee may be going.

2.4 Access

1. University email accounts, servers and computers are the property of the University; all information contained therein is considered University property. Consequently, an employee can have no expectation of privacy with respect to any information maintained on these devices. Whenever an employee terminates, Human Resources will notify the Information Technology Services department and employee access to University-owned email accounts, servers and computers will be discontinued no later than the close of business on the day of the employee’s departure.
2. Whenever an employee terminates, Human Resources will notify Security and the employee’s access to buildings controlled by electronic card will be discontinued no later than the close of business on the day of the employee’s departure.
3. Additional information may be obtained by reviewing the Information Technology Services policies regarding University technology access and usage

2.5 Authority

The Director of Human Resources has the authority to change, modify or approve exceptions to this policy at any time with or without notice and with the approval of the University President.  

3.0 ATTACHMENTS

Personnel Action Form

Compensation Philosophy Policy

Exit Interview/Full and Final Accounting

At Will Policy