Corrective Action: Sequencing the Steps

Note that the steps in the corrective action process do not need to be followed sequentially. Depending on the situation, any step may be repeated, omitted, or taken out of sequence. In some cases, the performance issues may be so severe that you may go directly to suspension or even to discharge. Alternately, you may give an employee a verbal warning on more than one occasion and never proceed to the written warning step.

Steps are often repeated. Except for serious offenses, the corrective action process ordinarily should not be advanced if six (6) months or more have elapsed since the previous corrective action. The employee's prior disciplinary record is never expunged from his/her personnel file. However, when a corrective action occurs six months or more after a prior discipline, the last discipline step taken should be repeated. Employee/Labor Relations can assist you in determining how to proceed with the corrective action process.

Union vs. Non-Union Employees

The Corrective Action Process can be used for all University employees. However, when you go through the corrective action process with a union employee, it is best to start the process with a verbal warning and proceed through each step as needed, without skipping steps. If you are dealing with a situation that you think warrants skipping steps in the process, please consult with Employee/Labor Relations.