Employment Concerns
Discipline
Our wish is that a student’s employment at Valparaiso University be a very rewarding experience. However, we know that discipline and reprimand are often unavoidable. When discipline becomes necessary, a fair and equitable procedure of progressive penalties for work infractions will be implemented.
The object of any discipline is to correct and restore the employee to productive employment. Discipline should be firm; it must not be delivered with hostility or anger. The student may express anger, frustration, and disappointment. The supervisor should keep a cool head, and privacy is of paramount importance. Nothing is more degrading or humiliating to a worker than to be disciplined in front of peers. A public reprimand can destroy even the most carefully cultivated and desirable rapport between employee and supervisor.
The initial action should begin in the department in the form of a counseling session between the employee and the supervisor with a brief report written by the supervisor.
If the situation is not resolved after the oral warning during the counseling session, written warning must be given to the student with a copy kept by the supervisor. This warning may include notification of a probationary period.
If the situation is still not resolved after the issuance of the written warning, the supervisor may terminate the student’s employment by notifying the student, Payroll Office, and the Office of Financial Aid in writing.
It is very important for you to keep accurate records of the situation in case a hearing is needed to resolve the problem.
Reporting an Accident
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911.
All accidents, no matter how minor, occurring on Valparaiso University property (or in the course of performing campus business) to employees, students or visitors, are to be reported. This also includes near-miss incidents (any event, condition or behavior that may result in an accident).
For non-emergency situations, use the following procedure:
Accidents to employees, including students who are injured while on the job:
- Report the accident to your supervisor immediately.
- If the accident occurs during the evening hours or on weekends (off-hours) when the supervisor is not present: -Notify your supervisor within 24 hours if the accident is not deemed an emergency. (In the Housekeeping and Physical Plant Services Department, notify the “on-call” supervisor.) – Call 911, if the accident requires urgent care. Then notify your supervisor within 24 hours.
Student Grievances
Should the student employee have a grievance or complaint concerning the status or condition of employment, the student will be accorded a full and fair hearing. It is the right of every student employee to use the prescribed grievance procedure without fear of reprisal.
The student employee should first meet with the immediate supervisor to discuss the problem at the earliest possible time. Every attempt should be made by both parties to resolve the problem at this initial level.
If the problem cannot be resolved at the first level, the student should then appeal to the administrative head of the department. At both levels, written documentation of the student’s complaint, and the discussions regarding it, should be kept by the supervisor for departmental records, with a copy sent to the Office of Financial Aid.
If the grievance cannot be resolved at the departmental level, a written statement should be submitted by the student to the Office of Financial Aid. A designated representative within the office will meet with the student employee and may also invite the supervisor and/or administrative head. The student may bring a representative if the supervisor and/or administrative head are in attendance.
The representative will evaluate, mediate, and attempt to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of all parties.