Disciplinary probation

Not to be confused with academic probation which is the initial probationary period in the employment of an academic, or scholastic probation which is the result of a student having low grade point averages.

Disciplinary probation is a disciplinary status that can apply to students at a higher educational institution[1] or to employees in the workplace.[2] For employees, it can result from both poor performance at work or from misconduct.[2] For students, it results from misconduct alone, with poor academic performance instead resulting in scholastic probation.[1]

For a student, disciplinary probation means that the student is on formal notice, and subject to special rules and regulations.[1][3] The violation of these rules may lead to more severe forms of discipline, such as suspension, dismissal, and expulsion.[3]

For employees, disciplinary probation is one common step in a scheme of progressive discipline. It is a common replacement, in non-unionized workplaces, for the progressive disciplinary step of suspension without pay. A usual period for such probation is 90 days.[4] Some companies may place permanent employees on probationary status, particularly if their performance is below a set standard or for disciplinary reasons. In this instance, the employee is usually given a period of time to either improve their performance or modify their behavior before more severe measures are taken.

See also

• Probation (workplace)

References

1. Asa Smallidge Knowles (1977). "disciplinary probation". International encyclopedia of higher education. Vol. 1. Jossey-Bass. ISBN 978-0-87589-324-2.
2. Arthur R. Pell (2003). "Putting Employees on Probation". The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing People. Complete Idiot's Guides (3rd ed.). Alpha Books. pp. 350. ISBN 978-1-59257-145-1. ISBN 159257145X.
3. Thomas Allan Brady and L. F. Snoxell (1965). Student discipline in higher education. Student personnel series. Vol. 5. American Personnel and Guidance Association. p. 6.
4. Richard C. Grote (2006). Discipline without punishment (2nd ed.). AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn. pp. 5–8. ISBN 978-0-8144-7330-6.

Further reading

• board of regents of the University of Washington (1972). "WAC 478-120-040: Disciplinary sanctions". Washington Administrative Code. Washington State Legislature. — an example of university regulations governing disciplinary probation
• Harvey Randall (2010-06-21). "Disciplinary probation". New York Public Personnel Law. Public Employment Law Press. ISSN 1937-4895. — analysis of some New York State case law regarding disciplinary probation
• Yosie Saint-Cyr (April 2005). "Disciplinary Probation". HRM Guide. First Reference. — disciplinary probation in Canadian employment law
• Paula A Barran (2008-02-29). "Commentary: Probation can be a dicey proposition". Daily Journal of Commerce. Portland, OR. — Barran's advice to employers for the terms to set for disciplinary probation