Labor Probation
The decision to place a student on Labor Probation is made by the Student Labor Relations Specialist in consultation with other professional staff of the Labor Program Office and is based on a review of all related circumstances. Normally probation occurs when a student within a primary position has:
- Failed over a term to work a minimum of 10 hours a week.
- Fallen significantly behind in hours during a term and warnings and attempts at counseling have not been successful.
- Falsified time/labor records. Additionally, in some cases the offense could be grounds for a judicial hearing.
- Failed to meet the requirements of an accountability agreement.
- Scored 59 or below on a Labor Evaluation for a primary position.
- Not meeting the expectations or needs of the department during a term. (Note: documentation from the supervisor would be required describing how the student is not meeting department expectations or needs.
Labor probation is centrally monitored and recorded, and has the potential to significantly impact a student’s participation in College activities. Students on probation:
- Will be denied participation in international travel experiences, internships, independent studies, College-sponsored summer off-campus internships, and off-campus short term exchange; a student who is found to be significantly deficient in meeting the required labor obligation at mid-term may be denied during the application process;
- Will not be eligible for a labor or course overload or leave of absence;
- Will not be permitted to hold level five or six labor positions, or certain unclassified labor positions (e.g., CAB Chair, Pinnacle Editor); incumbents who are placed on probation while serving may be released;
- May be ineligible for consideration for some Labor Day awards, scholarship and service awards and membership in honorary societies (e.g., Mortar Board);
- May be ineligible to apply for a residence hall staff position
- May be denied permission for off-campus labor, local access to motor vehicles, and off-campus living.
Labor probation is typically for one regular term but may be extended at the discretion of the Dean of Labor or Student Labor Relations Specialist depending on the circumstances.
Labor Probation—Immediate Suspension
The Student Labor Relations Specialist or the Labor Program Council in consultation with the Dean of Labor may elect to place a student on Labor Probation—Immediate Suspension. This “last chance” designation involves the development of an accountability agreement between the student and the Labor Program, violation of which results in a recommendation of immediate suspension by the Student Labor Relations Specialist.
Suspension within a Term
Non-performance as a student worker can lead to suspension within a term. In cases where a student has been placed on labor probation and continues a pattern of non-performance the Student Labor Relations Specialist or the Labor Program Council in consultation with the Dean of Labor may elect to develop an accountability agreement and place the student on Labor Probation- Immediate Suspension. Accountability agreements outline clear expectations that- if not met- are grounds for immediate suspension within the term by the Student Labor Relations Specialist.
Labor suspension is a serious matter. It appears on the student’s academic transcript for the duration of the suspension, and results in a designation of “not in good standing” which often prevents admission to another institution. At the end of the suspension period, the language is removed from the transcript and the student is once again in good standing. While the student may apply for readmission to Berea College, it is not guaranteed