640.000 - Resignation, Dismissal-for-Cause, Reduction-in-Force, Retirement

The College shall develop and implement rules and regulations related to resignation, dismissal for cause, reduction-in-force, retirement, and granting of tenure. Procedures adopted shall be administered by the College president or designee and shall comply with state and federal law and with applicable WAC rules, and negotiated agreements.

640.001 RESIGNATION OF FACULTY, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND EXEMPT PERSONNEL

A faculty, administrative, or exempt employee who must withdraw from his/her contract must notify the president of his/her resignation as soon as possible so that a suitable replacement may be found. A permanent employee has the right to withdraw his/her resignation provided that a signed written notice of the withdrawal is received by Human Resources within six (6) calendar days, excluding Sundays and holidays, after submitting the resignation.

An employee in these categories may be presumed to have resigned his/her position where there has been an absence without authorized leave from the job for a period of three consecutive working days. The president or designee will make a good-faith effort to contact the employee prior to the end of the three-day period. After three days, a notice acknowledging the presumption of resignation will be sent by certified mail to the last known address of the employee. Within seven days after the date of service of the notice, the employee may petition the president of the College for reinstatement upon proof that the absence was involuntary or unavoidable.

Revised Policy/Procedure Approved by Executive Cabinet
November 30, 2010

640.002 DISMISSAL-FOR-CAUSE OF TENURED FACULTY

The College may dismiss both probationary and tenured faculty members for sufficient cause, provided procedures are followed as outlined in WAC 132N-128-122 and the CC/AHE Agreement.

640.003 REDUCTION-IN-FORCE OF TENURED FACULTY

Refer to Chapter 28B.50 RCW and the CC/AHE Agreement.

640.004 DISMISSAL OF PART-TIME AND FULL-TIME TEMPORARY EXEMPT EMPLOYEES

If it becomes necessary to terminate a part-time or full-time temporary exempt employee (other than faculty) within current appointment status, the employee will be notified in writing by the vice president of human resources, upon recommendation by the appropriate administrator through the appropriate Executive Cabinet member or the president, that the College intends to terminate the employment. Notice will be given at least one day prior to the effective date of the action.

Revised Policy/Procedure Approved by Executive Cabinet
May 23, 2017

640.005 RETIREMENT

Employees contemplating retirement should contact Human Resources. Retirement and resignation notification for faculty is provided for in the CC/AHE Agreement. A permanent employee has the right to withdraw his/her retirement provided that a signed written notice of the withdrawal is received by human resources within six (6) calendar days, excluding Sundays and holidays, after submitting the retirement.

Revised Policy/Procedure Approved by Executive Cabinet
November 30, 2010

640.006 DISMISSAL OF CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES

Dismissal of classified employees will be accomplished under the provisions of applicable WAC rules and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

640.010 SEPARATING EMPLOYEES

All permanent and temporary faculty, staff, and administrative employees of the College who terminate employment or who have an approved leave of absence from the College must obtain clearance from Human Resources before receiving their final paycheck. Prior to receiving this check, employees participate in an exit conference to receive insurance and retirement information and to ensure the return of College property.

The final paychecks will be by check rather than direct deposit and will be retained by Payroll until clearance is given by Human Resources to release the check.  Exceptions may be made by approval of the associate vice president of human resources under extenuating circumstances and with the completion of all checkout procedures.  Notice of this procedure will be provided to the employee as soon as Human Resources has been notified of a termination, retirement, or the granting of a leave.

The checkout process will give the employee the opportunity to comment on their employment at the College. Human Resources will verify that College property is being returned (including books, keys, departmental equipment/materials, permanent parking permits, credit cards, etc.) as well as provide necessary insurance information. In the case of retirement, employees will be notified of various options.

On completion of the checkout form, the terminating employee will sign the form attesting to the return of College property and the receipt of insurance and retirement information. Human Resources will then authorize Payroll to release the final paycheck. The checkout form will become part of the employee's personnel file.

640.015 REDUCTION-IN-FORCE OF CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES

Reduction-in-force for classified employees is governed by applicable bargaining agreements for represented classified employees and Chapter 357-46 WAC for non-represented classified employees.