Probationary Period Guidelines - Information For Hiring Managers

For all new regular, non-union, type 1 staff members, the probationary period is the first 90 calendar days of their initial employment.  It is used to determine if performance meets the expectations of the position and if continued employment is warranted. This period may be extended in consultation with University Human Resources.  For information regarding probationary periods for staff employees in a union, refer to the appropriate labor agreement.

New staff members must be informed of the existence and length of the probationary period at the time of the offer of employment.  University Human Resources extends employment offers for aligned staff positions and will explain the probationary period.

Upon hire and/or within the first week of employment, the supervisor should:

• Provide the employee with a copy of his/her position description and establish performance expectations for which the staff member will be evaluated
• Meet with the employee to discuss the job responsibilities, practices, performance expectations, policies and procedures
• Ensure that the employee receives the appropriate orientation to the University, school/center/institute and department

Throughout the probationary period review process, the supervisor should:

• Meet with the employee regularly to discuss performance and provide constructive feedback as to whether s/he is meeting the expectations for the position, determine if employee needs additional training and, if necessary, provide employee with a plan for improvement
• Determine whether the employee meets the required performance expectations for continued employment

If performance expectations have not been met and progress has not been made within a reasonable period of time, the employee should be terminated before attaining the 90th day of employment.

If you have questions about the probationary period or how it should be applied, please contact your HR Consultant or your human resources representative in Camden or Newark or the Office of Labor Relations.

 

Resources To Help You
Camden Human Resources	856-225-6475
UHR Compensation	732-932-3020, ext. 4080
HR Consultants	732-932-3020, ext. 4040
Newark Human Resources	973-353-5500
Office of Labor Relations	732-932-3020, ext. 4040

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Last Updated: 03/14/2007