Progressive Discipline

A SUPERVISOR'S GUIDE TO MANAGING PERFORMANCE

This Supervisor's Guide is a Publication of:

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

Human Resources Employee Relations

August 1996

For Questions or Additional Information Please Contact: Human Resources

This guide describes the basic elements of a sound progressive disciplinary system. It is intended as a guide to assist supervisors in determining when disciplinary action is necessary, what level of discipline is appropriate, and how to administer discipline.

We recognize that most employees only need to be properly trained and be informed of the rules in order to be positive, productive employees. There are, however, times when the supervisor must use the discipline process in order to get the employee's attention and attain the desired result. Supervisors are encouraged to make sure that the employee has been properly trained and informed prior to resorting to the discipline process.

The principles of progressive discipline, equitable treatment, past practice, and just cause are set forth in this guide. This guide details how to evaluate a situation prior to taking any disciplinary action, including the investigation process. The guide also outlines the employee's right to appeal disciplinary action. A checklist of questions is provided to help guide the supervisor through the disciplinary process. We have included the form required for documenting disciplinary action as well as sample disciplinary letters, they can be used to supplement the disciplinary form.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This guide was modeled after a similar document prepared by Indiana University - Purdue University at Indianapolis. We, at Central Michigan University, appreciate their willingness to allow us to revise and modify it for use at Central Michigan University.

IntroductionThis guide describes the basic elements of a sound progressive disciplinary system including; purpose, progressive nature of discipline, establishing ground rules, importance of probationary period.View more
Steps of Progressive DisciplineThere are no formulas or set rules that will apply to all situations and give the "answer" to the proper disciplinary step to take. Each disciplinary action will depend upon the nature of the offense and the related circumstances.View more
Principles of DisciplineThis section addresses: Just Cause, Time Frames, Documenting the Discipline, Informing the Employee and Double Jeopardy.View more
Right to AppealMost employees have a grievance/appeal procedure through which the employee may appeal disciplinary actions.View more
Appendix A - Glossary of TermsAppendix A Glossary of TermsView more
Appendix B - University ProhibitionsAppendix B University ProhibitionsView more
Appendix C - ChecklistThis checklist should be helpful in analyzing an employee problem and determining what disciplinary action might be appropriate.View more
Appendix D - Progressive Discipline Form
Appendix E - Progressive Discipline Form Example
Appendix F - Verbal ReprimandProgressive Discipline - Appendix F Verbal ReprimandView more
Appendix G - Progressive Discipline Form Example
Appendix H - Example LetterProgressive Discipline - Appendix H Example LetterView more
Appendix I - Discipline Form Showing Suspension Progressive Discipline - Appendix I DISCIPLINE FORM SHOWING SUSPENSIONView more
Appendix J - Suspension without Pay MemoProgressive Discipline - Appendix J Suspension Without Pay MemoView more
Appendix K - Discipline Form Showing TerminationProgressive Discipline - Appendix K DISCIPLINE FORM SHOWING TERMINATIONView more
Appendix L - Termination LetterProgressive Discipline - Appendix L Termination LetterView more
Appendix M - Suspension Pending Investigation MemoProgressive Discipline - Appendix M Suspension Pending Investigation MemoView more
Appendix N - Disciplinary Investigation ChecklistProgressive Discipline - Appendix N Disciplinary Investigation ChecklistView more
Appendix O - Common Disciplinary Issues Progressive Discipline - Appendix O Supervisor Guide to Common Disciplinary IssuesView more