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Introductory Status
All newly hired, non-faculty employees have an introductory period. The introductory period is defined as the first three months of continuous service from the beginning date of employment. The Introductory Status also applies to employees of the University who are transferred or promoted to a new position.
This time allows the employee the opportunity to become acquainted with a new position and evaluate the job. In addition, the employee’s supervisor will observe the performance of the employee to determine whether to continue employment following this introductory period.
By mutual agreement between the supervisor, director of Human Resources, and the vice president or president of the employee’s reporting line, the introductory period may be extended up to nine months to accommodate professional licensing and training.
Benefits available during the introductory period include sick, bereavement, civil duty, and military leaves, and medical, dental, vision, and all other voluntary insurance benefits. University grievance procedures are not applicable until the introductory period is successfully completed.
New Employee Orientation
The Director of Human Resources provides basic information about campus, pay and benefits, work schedules, and employment policies. During the fall semester, the Provost and the Director of Human Resources conduct an orientation for new employees where the following information is provided: purposes and origins of St. Mary’s University, educational opportunities, personnel policies, and benefits for campus employees in general.
The Human Resources Advisory Council in partnership with University Ministry and the Human Resources office provides an enhanced orientation session for all exempt and non-exempt new hire staff. The orientation provides an opportunity to learn about the campus and meet people that represent all levels of the University. A welcome packet and campus tour are provided to help orient the new hire team member to the campus facilities. New Hire booklets are available in the Human Resources office.
Supervisors may also consider including a more specific job related tour of department facilities, an explanation of the department’s activities and operations, a description of the department’s organizational chart and an introduction to co-workers. In addition, there should be a review of the work assignment, job description, and procedural manual of the department as well as arrangements for necessary training, key contacts for help, basis for evaluation, and plans for regular meetings.
Staff Development
Full-time employees with six months or more of service are eligible to enroll in credit courses in the undergraduate schools and the Graduate School of the University without payment of tuition charges. This benefit is more fully described in Section 7.0 under the Tuition Benefit.
Training and development opportunities are also available through each department. Should the activity require travel, approval must be documented using the University’s General Travel Expense Report form. The form and procedural requirements are available in the Accounts Payable Office. Travel for non-exempt staff must include funding for overtime if travel and training exceed 40 hours within the work week.