Handbook for Staff and Academic and Administrative Professionals

If you are an employee who is not working in a position covered by a written employment agreement that specifically states otherwise, you are considered an “at will” employee, meaning that you or the University can terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason not prohibited by law, with or without cause or notice. If you are covered by a written agreement providing that your employment is not at will, refer to the terms of your agreement regarding termination.

Layoffs

The University recognizes that at certain times layoffs are necessary to meet the needs of the organization. Decisions about layoffs and recalls are made in compliance with University policies on layoffs, Equal Employment Opportunity, and applicable laws.

Reasons for layoffs may include shortage of funds, shortage of work, the elimination of one or more positions, or other material changes in duties within a position or in the organizational structure of any part of the University.

Notice of Resignation

If you plan to leave employment with the University, you are expected to give adequate written notice to your supervisor. The University requests that employees who are paid monthly give at least a one-month notice. Employees paid biweekly should give at least two weeks notice.

Return of University Property

On or before a departing employee’s final day of work, he or she must return all University property to the appropriate supervisor and satisfy all financial obligations. Some examples include but are not limited to:

 

•     GOCard, other ID and access cards, keys, vehicles, and equipment;
•     Beepers, pagers, cellular telephones, communication equipment;
•     Policy manuals and other confidential items;
•     Books and other materials owned by the University, library books,  computers, software; documentation, supplies, and other computer-related materials;
•     Uniforms and tools issued by the University;
•     Credit, telephone, and other cards;
•     Current tuition grants, outstanding advances, library fines, and parking fines.

Transfer of Computer Files or Permission to Access Files

Departing employees should transfer their computer files to their supervisors or otherwise provide means for the files to be accessed after they leave the University. An employee’s access to University information systems will be discontinued upon departure.

Pay for Unused Leave

Departing employees are paid for unused, accumulated paid leave. Hours paid cannot exceed the maximum leave accrual for that employee’s position. No payment will be made for unused sick leave.

Re-employment

The University will consider eligible, qualified former employees for re-employment. Former employees with at least two years of prior continuous employment as a regular, senior-level executive, senior-level professional, or term employee, who are rehired within one year of leaving employment at the University will be given credit for past University service. All other former employees will be treated as new employees upon rehire. For information regarding benefits upon return to the University, visit http://benefits.georgetown.edu. Please note that each benefit plan has distinct rules regarding bridges in service.

• Benefits
• IDEAA
• Employee Relations