Probationary Periods for University Support Staff and Unclassified Professional Staff, University Policy on

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DOCUMENT TYPE:

Policy

PURPOSE:

To outline the terms and conditions of the probationary employment for University Support Staff (USS) and Unclassified Professional Staff (UPS). Probationary periods only apply to regular employees. Temporary employees are at will.

APPLIES TO:

USS and UPS for all KU campuses.

CAMPUS:

Edwards, Lawrence, Juniper Gardens, Parsons, Salina, Topeka, Wichita, Yoder, Medical Center, Kansas City

POLICY STATEMENT:

Individuals who are hired or rehired into regular University Support Staff (USS) or University Professional Staff (UPS) positions are placed on probationary status and are employed at will during the probationary period. The initial probationary period for all regular USS and UPS employees at KU Lawrence campus (KUL) and all reporting units is in effect for six months from the start date of the position. For the KU Medical Center campus (KUMC) and all reporting units, USS employees have an initial probationary period of 12 months and UPS employees have an initial probationary period of six months from the start date of the position. KUMC and KUL employees are not eligible for any available merit increases during the first six months of the initial probationary period.

Supervisors may extend the probationary period for up to an additional 6 months with approval from KUL Human Resources (KUL HR) or KUMC Human Resources (KUMC HR), if it is in the best interests of the University. Notifications of extension of the probationary period shall be in writing and shall be issued to the employee as early as possible but no later than one business day prior to the end of the initial probationary period.

A subsequent probationary period may be assigned if the employee accepts a different position within the organization at any point after their original date of hire. If an employee accepts a different position while still serving a probationary period, the employee will be subject to the standard probationary period of the new position. Supervisors must request and receive approval from KUL HR/KUMC HR for any exception to the standard probationary period.

During the probationary period, if performance, conduct, or other issues arise that warrant termination, the unit head shall provide a written recommendation for termination to KUL HR/KUMC HR. KUL HR/KUMC HR will notify the employee in writing of the termination of the employee's appointment. No advance notice is required for termination during the probationary period.

Termination during the probationary period cannot be appealed. Employees whose appointments are terminated during the probationary period may be placed in a no-rehire status.

EXCLUSIONS OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

The probationary status provisions of the relevant Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be followed for staff covered by a MOA.

CONTACT:

Lawrence Campus and All Reporting Units:
Human Resources
103 Carruth-O’Leary Hall
1246 W. Campus Road
Lawrence, KS  66045
785-864-4946
hrdept@ku.edu

KU Medical Center and All Reporting Units:
Department of Human Resources
3901 Rainbow Boulevard, 1044 Delp
Kansas City, Kansas 66160
913-588-5080
hr-university@kumc.edu

APPROVED BY:

Chancellor

APPROVED ON:

2012-05-29

EFFECTIVE ON:

2012-07-01

REVIEW CYCLE:

Annual (As Needed)

RELATED STATUTES, REGULATIONS, AND/OR POLICIES:

KU Medical Center and All Reporting Units:

RELATED RESOURCES:

Lawrence Campus and All Reporting Units:

KU Medical Center and All Reporting Units:

DEFINITIONS:

“Rehire” means a return to employment after a break in service.

“At will” means that the employer may terminate an employee’s appointment without notice and without cause.

CHANGE HISTORY:

04/24/2025: Updated links. 
03/26/2025: Migration to TeamDynamix from Drupal.
07/15/2024: Revised to reflect current practices on both campuses.
06/03/2022: Removed reference to extended probationary period.
06/16/2020: Updated KUMC contact information.
07/11/2016: Updated to remove gendered pronouns.
06/11/2014: Technical edit. This policy supersedes the probationary period policy formerly in place for USS and institutes a probationary period for unclassified professional staff. May 29, 2012: Approved by Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little.

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