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This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Chapter 3359-22 | Contract Professionals

 
 
 
Rule
Rule 3359-22-01 | Professional staff information.
 

(A) Professional staff. Professional staff are full-time or part-time non-teaching professional personnel of the university. Any professional staff originally appointed prior to July 1, 1986 shall be designated as a member of the general faculty as long as the person continues in such position. Professional staff do not hold regular faculty rank (e.g., instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, professor.) The minimum requirement for this employment category is an exemption from the Fair Labor Standards Act.

(B) Appointments.

(1) Regular professional staff appointments do not include a specific end date. Professional staff are not eligible for indefinite tenure.

(2) Temporary professional staff have a specific end date at the time of appointment. Temporary professional staff shall have no expectation of employment beyond their end date. However, based on university business needs, the end date for temporary professional staff may be extended. Temporary professional staff may be separated at any time without notice based on university discretion, and paragraphs (C), (D), (E), (F), and (K) of this rule do not apply to temporary professional staff.

(3) Full-time appointments will be forty hours per week.

(4) Part-time appointments will be less than forty hours per week.

(C) Separation from employment without cause, other than for a reduction in workforce, for professional staff.

(1) A professional staff member, other than professional staff members in the department of athletics classified as coach, may be separated from employment without cause at any time upon the recommendation of the immediate supervisor and with approval of the appropriate dean or vice president and of the chief human resources officer (CHRO). Notice will be given:

(a) Three months prior to the date of separation during the professional staffs initial two years of continuous employment with the university of Akron, or

(b) Six months prior to the date of separation in the event the professional staff member has served more than two years of continuous employment with the university of Akron.

(2) A professional staff member in the department of athletics classified as coach may be separated from employment without cause at any time upon the recommendation of the immediate supervisor and approval of the director of athletics and the CHRO. The immediate supervisor shall notify said professional staff member in writing not later than three months prior to the date of separation. For the purposes of this rule, coach will include those professional staff members classified as a coach and professional staff positions that are directly related to an athletic team as determined by the director of athletics.

(3) Professional staff, including coaches, who have individual employment agreements are not affected by these provisions and shall be subject to the notice provisions of their individual employment agreement.

(D) Termination of appointment for cause. The appointment of a professional staff member may be terminated for cause at any time upon the recommendation of the supervisor and the appropriate vice president and with approval by the CHRO. The professional staff member shall be given thirty calendar days' written notice of the date of separation by the CHRO, or the CHROs designee(s), during which time a hearing on the reason for dismal will be conducted. The professional staff shall be notified of the date, time, and procedures for the hearing. In the case of conduct involving moral turpitude or public safety, the professional staff member shall be immediately placed on administrative leave with or without pay, pending the vice president's recommendation and action by the CHRO or the CHROs designee(s).

(E) Deprivation of a "liberty" or "property" interest. If, in cases other than a reduction in workforce, the professional staff member believes that the separation from employment constitutes a deprivation of a "property interest" or "liberty interest," protected by the due process clause of the United States Constitution, the professional staff may request a hearing before the CHRO or the CHRO's designee.

(1) Hearing procedure. The professional staff member shall request the hearing on the alleged deprivation in writing to the CHRO or the CHROs designee within ten calendar days following the date of notification of separation and shall provide the specific reasons why the professional staff member believes termination was a violation of either their "liberty or "property" interest. Upon request for such a hearing, the CHRO or the CHROs designee shall decide whether a hearing is necessary. If it is determined that a hearing is necessary, the professional staff member shall be notified of the date, time, and procedures for the hearing. In cases of an alleged deprivation of a liberty interest, the procedures for the hearing shall be determined by the university proportionate to any alleged reputational harm.

(2) The professional staff member shall have the right to be assisted by an advisor or attorney at their own cost, but such advisor or attorney shall not actively participate in the hearing, other than to privately counsel and advise the professional staff member.

(F) Reduction in workforce. Conditions may arise that necessitate the reduction of the university workforce. Reduction of two or more professional staff positions, including coaches, in this manner may occur for a variety of reasons including but not limited to, budgetary constraints, changing priorities, lack of work, reasons of economy, efficiency improvements, reorganization, or due to extraordinary or catastrophic circumstances or events beyond the university's control.

(1) Employees with less than five years of continuous employment with the university of Akron will be provided with at least thirty calendar days' written notice prior to the effective date of termination.

(2) Employees with five years or more of continuous employment with the university of Akron will be provided with at least forty-five calendar days written notice prior to the effective date of termination.

(3) Employees shall be entitled to paid leave at their current rate of pay with benefits during the first thirty days of the notice period, subject to the following conditions:

(a) The paid leave will start on a date to be determined by the employee's supervisor in consultation with human resources and may be immediate, or may be delayed, but will begin no later than fourteen calendar days after notice of the reduction in force is given.

(b) Employees with five or more years of continuous employment at the university of Akron may choose to utilize their accrued vacation leave to be paid for any days past the first thirty days of the notice period. Otherwise, this time shall be considered a leave of absence without pay.

(c) If an employee obtains a full-time position with the university or any other employer before the completion of the applicable notice period, the paid leave shall terminate on the date of the new employment.

(G) Resignation. A professional staff member who proposes to resign from the university of Akron should give sufficient notice to obviate serious difficulty to the university in filling the position. Once a resignation has been submitted and accepted by the employee's immediate supervisor, it may not be withdrawn without the specific approval of the immediate supervisor and the CHRO.

(H) More information regarding separation from employment of professional staff is outlined in rule 3359-26-05 of the Administrative Code.

(I) Vacation. Full-time professional staff with a twelve month appointment are entitled to one hundred seventy-six hours of vacation per year, as further detailed in rule 3359-11-03 of the Administrative Code.

(J) Leave of absence. Leaves of absence without compensation may be granted by the CHRO or the CHROs designee(s) upon recommendation of the appropriate vice president. Leaves of absence without compensation for the purpose of career development will be considered on an individual basis, considering the value of the experience to the employee and to the institution and the capabilities of the employee's department to manage the employee's responsibilities during the absence.

(K) Furloughs. Professional staff shall be subject to furloughs as provided in rule 3359-11-02.1 of the Administrative Code, "Furloughs for non-bargaining unit employees."

(L) Retirement. Any professional staff member who proposes to retire from the university of Akron should give notice early enough to avoid serious interruption to the university operation, the length of time necessarily varying from the circumstances of the professional staff members particular case.

Last updated May 1, 2023 at 8:38 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3359.01
Amplifies: 3359.01
Prior Effective Dates: 12/21/2001, 10/1/2012
Rule 3359-22-03 | Contract professional advisory committee.
 

(A) The professional staff advisory committee," PSAC," shall serve as an advisory body to the president on matters relating to employment and any other issues for professional staff and on matters relating to any other issues directed to the committee.

(B) The committee shall meet with the president annually and prepare an annual report in June of each year for submission to the office of the president. A copy of this report shall be made available to all professional staff.

(C) PSAC shall adopt procedures which shall govern its operations.

(D) Composition.

(1) The "PSAC" shall consist of eighteen full-time professional staff employed by the university of Akron. Eleven members shall be elected by the professional staff from the main campus. Three members shall be appointed by the president and three members shall be appointed by the seated "PSAC" committee. One member will be elected from the university of Akron's Wayne campus. The seated vice president of human resources/chief human resources officer shall maintain permanent ex-officio member status and offer regular advisory assistance. The office of general counsel shall provide assistance as appropriate.

(2) No member may be elected or appointed to serve more than two consecutive full terms.

(3) The president may appoint one or more ex officio members to the committee as appropriate for the committee's areas of concern.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:26 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3359.01
Amplifies: 3359.01
Prior Effective Dates: 2/12/2005
Rule 3359-22-04 | Contract professional grievance committee.
 

(A) Membership.

(1) Composition and eligibility.

(a) The professional staff grievance committee "PSGC" shall be comprised of seven professional staff who have current membership on the professional staff advisory committee ("PSAC") ref: rule 3359-22-03 of the Administrative Code. "PSGC" will retain the right to appoint one additional member from all campus full-time professional staff to hear the grievance. Such appointee will be given a vote on the findings and remove themselves from the committee once the findings have reached a decision. A minimum of five members of the grievance committee (including additional appointees) is required to hear a grievance.

(b) Every attempt should be made by "PSAC" to make membership on "PSGC" a cross-representation of campus academic and administrative units, avoiding significant representation from any given unit.

(c) No member may serve more than two consecutive full terms.

(2) Terms of office.

(a) Term of office shall be "PSAC" appointment for one year and run simultaneously with "PSAC" membership and the university of Akron fiscal year.

(3) Election/appointment.

(a) "PSGC" members (seven) are appointed from current "PSAC" membership at the annual meeting. The appointed members of "PSGC " shall meet following the annual meeting and elect a chair from its membership as soon as possible after the commencement of new terms. The chair shall serve for one year and may serve no more than two successive terms in this capacity.

(4) Vacancies.

(a) Should a vacancy occur, the "PSGC" shall immediately use the appropriate course of action to appoint or select a replacement from within the "PSAC" membership; should the vacancy occur within two months prior to the normal appointment process, the "PSGC" may choose to leave the post vacant for that period. The person appointed will serve out the remaining term.

(b) Removal from membership/office. Any member of the "PSGC" may be removed from membership/office for cause, (i.e., nonattendance at "PSGC" meetings, failure to carry out an assigned role in a grievance procedure before the "PSGC," indiscretion in the conduct of "PSGC" duties, or violation of confidentiality. Removal from membership/office shall occur upon vote by the "PSGC." Five votes are required to carry a removal. In the event of a removal from membership/office, a new member/officer shall then be elected by the "PSGC" to complete the term of office.

(B) Duties and responsibilities.

(1) Membership on the "PSGC" is a privilege and responsibility of members of the professional staff ("PSAC"). Every effort will be made in the members' organizational units to adjust schedules or otherwise flexibly accommodate any disruptions caused by that person's membership.

(2) No member of the "PSGC" shall discuss matters presently before the "PSGC", or matters which have been previously brought before the "PSGC", except as necessary in the discharge of the "PSGC" responsibilities and functions. No member of the "PSGC" shall speak for the committee nor release written material, except as provided by the grievance procedure.

(3) Members of the "PSGC" should exclude themselves from any participation in which a conflict of interest may exist or where unforeseen circumstances exist that may cause a significant conflict. If they do not exclude themselves, the "PSGC" at its discretion may exclude such members from participating, or void any actions taken by such members, on the basis of its findings of conflicts of interest.

(4) The chair shall preside over the "PSGC" and shall insure that it functions in accordance with the procedures and standards provided, ref: rule 3359-22-05 of the Administrative Code. In the absence of the chair, a vice chair may be appointed to serve. The chair shall cause records to be maintained of the findings and recommendations of the "PSGC." Retention and administration of such records are subject to review by the human resources department.

(5) The "PSGC" shall prepare an annual report each year and present it as a supplement along with PSAC's annual report to the president. This report shall be comprised of a digest of all grievances which came before the committee and any formal recommendations the "PSGC" wishes to make to the president with regard to the conduct of the committee.

(6) Meetings of the "PSGC" shall be confidential and closed to the public, except for those persons requested by the "PSGC" to participate in proceedings before the committee.

(C) Operating procedure.

(1) The "PSGC" may amend by simple majority vote of the full committee the grievance procedure or any of the provisions of rule 3359-22-04 of the Administrative Code, subject to the approval of the president, or the president's designee(s), and board of trustees. Any such amendments must be forwarded through legal and human resources departments.

(2) Robert's "Rules of Order" shall be the final authority in determining the process of conducting the affairs of the committee, except as otherwise stated herein.

(3) At all times, a simple majority of the full committee shall be required to carry a vote, except rules governing removal from membership/office.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:26 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3359
Amplifies: 3359
Prior Effective Dates: 1/31/2015
Rule 3359-22-05 | Contract professional grievance procedures.
 

(A) Preamble.

(1) The university of Akron seeks to employ the most capable personnel to work together in pursuit of the university's goals of teaching, research, and public service.

(2) As people work together to carry out their responsibilities, they may occasionally encounter misunderstanding and differences of opinion. It is important to the welfare of the university to keep such problems at a minimum and attempt to resolve differences expeditiously to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

(3) Professional staff are an integral part of the daily operation of the university. Due to the nature of their responsibilities, however, their concerns pertaining to rights, responsibilities, and well-being may sometimes differ from those of other members of the university community. The grievance procedures set forth in this rule for contract professionals is a system by which a complaint can be impartially reviewed by the professional staff grievance committee "PSGC." For purposes of this rule, a "complaint" shall not include any matter pertaining to a professional staffer's separation from employment "without cause" or termination from employment "for cause."

(B) Purpose. The purpose of this procedure is to establish a prompt and equitable method for reviewing professional staff grievances which have not otherwise been solved through normal departmental procedures, and recommending to the president of the university the resolution of such grievances.

(C) Operating procedure for the grievance process. The time limit governing the various parts of the grievance process may be extended for good cause at the discretion of the "PSGC."

(D) Jurisdiction.

(1) The "PSGC" shall have original jurisdiction to receive and act upon complaints filed by contract professionals in accordance with the procedures provided herein.

(2) The "PSGC" shall not substitute its judgment for the performance evaluation of the supervisor but may address itself to such charges as arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable action which violates the procedural or substantive rights of the complainant.

(3) Actions related to discrimination and/or sexual harassment may be referred to the office of equal employment opportunity.

(E) Complaint process.

(1) In an effort to encourage the prompt, fair, and amicable solution of differences at the main point of origin, the professional staff should first discuss the problem with the immediate supervisor or designee.

(2) If the problem cannot be resolved at this level, the complainant must submit a complaint in writing to the immediate supervisor or forego action on the complaint. This must be done within seven working days from the date that the complainant determines the problem to be unresolvable with the immediate supervisor or designee.

(3) The immediate supervisor or designee will respond within seven working days to the complaint. If at the end of that time period the problem cannot be resolved, the immediate supervisor must inform the complainant of the decision in writing and send a copy of the decision to the superior or designee in the normal administrative channels of that department or division. This process continues to the second level supervisor. If not resolved at this point and the complainant has not already reached this level, the complaint goes directly to the vice president or appropriate chief administrative officer.

(a) If no response is given from the immediate supervisor or if the complainant is not satisfied with the response, the complainant may within seven working days submit the complaint to the second level supervisor.

(b) The second level supervisor, within seven working days, shall respond to the complainant.

(c) If no response is given from the second level supervisor or if the complainant is not satisfied with the response, the complainant may, within seven working days, submit the complaint to the vice president, unless the vice president is the second level supervisor. If the vice president is the second level supervisor the complainant must submit the complaint to the "PSGC."

(d) The vice president or the "PSGC," within seven working days, shall respond to the complainant.

(4) Each decision shall be recorded in writing with copies to all parties involved.

(5) If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision at the vice president's level, or if the time period of thirty-five working days from the day the complainant first submits the written complaint to the immediate supervisor has elapsed with no decisions having been rendered, the complainant may then file a formal written grievance with the "PSGC" of the university of Akron.

(F) Filing of grievance. Within seven working days after a vice presidential decision has been made, the complainant may submit a formal written grievance to the chair of the "PSGC" with all pertinent documentation of previous discussions, including a summary of the issue, the remedy sought and timeline of previous steps.

(1) The complainant will receive notification of "PSGC's" decision within seven working days from the date that the grievance has been filed.

(2) While the grievance will not generally be rejected merely because the administrative sequence has not been followed, the "PSGC" shall inform human resources of all such delays and the concerns, if any, caused by such delays.

(3) The "PSGC" will inform human resources of the receipt of the grievance.

(G) Investigation of grievance.

(1) Within seven working days of receipt of the grievance, the "PSGC" shall review the grievance to determine if it is within the "PSGC's" purview and if the complainant process has been followed.

(2) If the grievance is outside the "PSGC's" purview, the grievance will be rejected. If the complaint process was not followed, the grievance may be rejected.

(3) If accepted the "PSGC" has seven working days during which the chair shall appoint one or more committee members to meet privately with the complainant and one or more other committee members to meet privately with the party or parties with whom the grievance has been lodged.

(a) "PSGC" conducts interviews with complainant and parties involved.

(b) "PSGC" meets to review findings of the interviews and votes to continue the investigation of the grievance or reject the grievance.

(c) The appointed committee members shall have authority to review copies of any records, documents, or other pertinent information or materials which are relevant to the grievance.

(d) The "PSGC" may call upon any member of the university community to appear before the "PSGC" and it shall be incumbent upon any person to cooperate fully with the committees. The complainant and the immediate supervisor shall not be permitted to participate in the committee's deliberations, but they shall be invited before the committee to raise and answer questions regarding the grievance.

(e) Within ten working days following their appointment, committee members shall complete their interviews and report their findings in writing to a full "PSGC" meeting.

(H) Disposition. The recommendations of findings and supporting rationale shall be transmitted in writing to the parties, the respective vice president, the president and the executive director of human resources. The president or designee shall inform the complainant and "PSGC" of any further action in the matter.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:26 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3359.01
Amplifies: 3359.01
Prior Effective Dates: 1/31/2015