The Board of Trustees will get its first look at a proposed faculty dismissal policy today. After a draft was approved by University Senate four weeks ago, the document was revised again. University Senate Chair David Cicci called the revised policy a compromise between the faculty and administration.
“The administration stepped up, and all in all, it was probably a good experience,” Cicci said. “We worked very well together and there was a lot of give and take. I think it’s something the faculty can live with and something the administration can live with.”
At the last University Senate meeting, senators passed an amendment to the draft which established a schedule for dismissed faculty to receive terminal salary.
After discussions between the Senate leadership and the administration, the policy now states that faculty members dismissed because of performance issues shall receive a terminal salary.
While an extensive schedule is not established, the policy states, “In no event shall the period of pay be less than three months nor exceed 12 months, and the actual amount shall be determined by the President upon recommendation of the Provost considering the totality of the circumstances.”
However, dismissed faculty members who fail to complete a previously agreed-upon development plan may not receive a terminal salary.
Also, the hearing panel can recommend a terminal salary to the president.
The Board is expected to review and discuss the policy today at its meeting.
