Progressive Discipline

Dismissal for cause is the most severe form of discipline. While certain types of faculty action may be serious enough to justify immediately proceeding with dismissal for cause, the College normally will follow a progressive discipline model, where opportunities to “remediate” the perceived deficiencies should be provided. Under this model, depending on the severity of the problem(s) and/or the number/frequency of violations of the criteria listed in above, disciplinary action may follow the progression below:

an oral reprimand
written reprimand
restitution (for instance, payment for damage due to individuals or to the institution)
loss of prospective benefits for a stated period (for instance, suspension of "regular" increase in salary or suspension of promotion eligibility)
reduction in salary for a stated period
suspension with or without pay
dismissal for cause (AAUP, 1971, Faculty Tenure, p. 75-77).

The goal of the progressive discipline model is to help the faculty member correct the problems at the earliest possible stage, benefiting both the faculty member and the College and eliminating the need to pursue a dismissal for cause. The decision on which of the progressive discipline options to pursue rests with the VPAA.