Chapter VI:  Academic Staff Personnel Policies and Procedures

6.9 Dismissal of Academic Staff for Cause: UWRF 9

6.9.1 Dismissal for Cause for Indefinite Academic Staff Appointments

A member of the academic staff holding an indefinite appointment may be dismissed only for just cause under sections UWS 11.01 through 11.10 or for reasons of budget or program under UWS 12.

6.9.1.1 Constitutional Rights and Professional Responsibilities

The rights of an academic staff member as a U.S. citizen and his or her responsibilities in accordance with appropriate professional codes of ethics shall be considered in determining whether or not just cause for dismissal exists.

6.9.1.2 Responsibility for Dismissals

1. Allegations concerning the conduct of an academic staff member holding an indefinite appointment which would be grounds for dismissal if verified should be brought to the attention of the Chancellor or designated appointment authority.
   
2. Upon receiving allegations of misconduct, the Chancellor or designee may direct an informal investigation of the allegations. The affected staff member shall be informed of allegations immediately, and every effort should be made to resolve the allegations formally within a period not to exceed three (3) weeks. During this period of informal investigation and discussion, the salary of the affected staff member shall not be reduced or discontinued, and duties of the affected staff member shall not be modified unless continuation represents substantial harm to the University.
   
3. If informal investigation and discussion do not resolve the matter and the allegations are supported by substantial evidence, the appointing authority shall prepare a statement of specific charges and notify the affected staff member immediately according to the procedures under UWS 11.02(2). Dismissal of an academic staff member with an indefinite term may not become effective until after the opportunity for hearing has been waived or the hearing process has been completed or otherwise terminated.