Corrective Action
Progressive corrective action is used for regular full-time and part-time employees who are not in their
introductory/probationary period, and may include verbal warning, written warning, suspension, and
ultimately discharge. It is expected that conversations occur before any warnings have been issued
outlining the basic expectations, job performance duties, and other guidelines that need to be followed.
Supervisors should refer to the Human Resources (HR) website for all policies
http://www.webster.edu/human-resources/policies/
.
The purpose of corrective action is to inform the employee of inadequacies in performance or instances
of improper behavior, clarify what constitutes satisfactory performance or behavior, instruct the
employee on what action must be taken to correct the performance or behavior problem, and notify the
employee of what action will be taken in the future if the expectations are not met. It is our goal to give
employees every opportunity to succeed.
There are several levels of corrective action, each progressively more serious, which may be used to
correct employee performance and behavior. However, Webster University reserves the right to skip
one or more steps depending upon the severity of the situation. In all cases, the department head and
Human Resources should be consulted prior to taking any corrective action. These steps include:
Verbal Warning - An employee may be issued a verbal warning for a performance or behavior problem.
Verbal warnings are typically issued during a private conference between the supervisor and the
employee where the supervisor explains the problem and what the employee must do to return to
satisfactory status. The supervisor should document the conversation by making notes on the attached
Verbal Warning template. The employee should be informed that the conference is being conducted for
the purpose of issuing a verbal warning. This ensures that the employee is aware that corrective action
is taking place. The verbal warning may also specify a review period, if appropriate, in which the
employee's behavior or performance will be reviewed. A verbal warning template is attached to this
policy.
Written Warning - Employees may be issued a written warning which contains the following
information: a description of the specific problem or offense, the most recent incident and when it
occurred, previous actions taken to correct the problem (if applicable), expectations and acceptable
standards of performance, and warning that further unsatisfactory behavior or performance may result
in further disciplinary action. Typically, the written warning is issued and discussed with the employee in
private conference with the supervisor. A copy of the written warning should be given to the employee
and a copy placed in the employee's official personnel record in Human Resources. The written warning
may also specify a review period, if appropriate, in which the employee's behavior or performance will
be reviewed. A written warning template is attached to this policy.
Final Written Warning - A final written warning notice should be issued to the employee who has
officially been advised repeatedly of the nature of their performance or behavior misconduct. This
warning will serve as a notification that any future violations may result in termination.
Suspension If warranted, employees may be suspended without pay for incidents that are serious
enough to warrant summary suspension, or after less severe disciplinary actions have been taken. This
suspension without pay will be in accordance with Federal, State, and local wage-and-hour laws. The
duration of the suspension should be commensurate with the offense (usually 1 to 3 days), and will be
determined jointly by the employee’s supervisor and Human Resources. Typically, the employee will be
informed of the suspension in private conference with their supervisor and Human Resources. The
employee is given a letter detailing the basis for the action which specifies: the length of the suspension
(beginning and ending dates); a description of the specific problem or offense; the most recent incident
and when it occurred; previous actions taken to correct the problem, if applicable; expectations and
acceptable standards of performance; and a warning that further unsatisfactory behavior or
performance may result in further corrective action, up to and including discharge. The suspension letter
may also specify a review period, if appropriate, in which the employee's behavior or performance will
be reviewed.
D
ischarge - Employees may be discharged for incidents that are serious enough to warrant summary
discharge, or after less severe disciplinary actions have been taken. It is advisable to discharge an
employee in private conference with their supervisor, Human Resources and other appropriate levels of
supervision. During this conference, the employee is usually given a letter or a memorandum clearly
stating the effective date of discharge.
W
hen allegations are serious enough to merit immediate discharge, it may be advisable to suspend an
employee, pending investigation. This suspension is for the purpose of investigating the problem and
conferring with appropriate officials regarding the decision to discharge, and should be so
communicated to the employee. If the investigation does not result in further action being taken, the
suspension will be with pay.
R
easons for immediate discharge include, but are not limited to:
Theft;
Intoxication on the job;
Violence or threat of violence;
Conviction of a felony;
Negligent, careless or intentional conduct that results in damage or the risk of damage to
property or individuals;
Falsifying time cards
Falsification of Employment Application or other necessary data requested during the
employment process
Falsification, alteration or improper handling of University-related records
Disclosure or misuse of confidential information, including government-mandated regulations
that outline the treatment of confidential information
Behavior/language of a threatening, abusive or inappropriate nature
Any other conduct that reflects poorly on Webster University and could result in severe negative
implications on the University's reputation, standing, rating, etc.
D
ate Revised: 3/7/18
VERBAL WARNING
EMPLOYEE NAME: _____________________________________________ DATE: _________________
DEPARTMENT: ________________________________________________
The purpose of this verbal warning is to memorialize our conversation regarding deficiencies in
your conduct and/or performance. The intent is to bring these issues to your attention and help you
to take remedial steps toward correcting them. Failure to do so may result in further corrective
action.
REASON FOR WARNING:
CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIRED:
Supervisor:_________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________
A copy of this document will be retained in your permanent file.
WRITTEN WARNING
EMPLOYEE NAME: _____________________________________________ DATE: _________________
DEPARTMENT:_________________________________________________
The purpose of this written warning is to bring your attention to ongoing deficiencies in your conduct or
performance. On _______________, you were counseled
regarding__________________________________________________. Unfortunately, you have not
made sufficient progress in addressing these issues, necessitating this written warning.
REASON FOR WARNING:
CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIRED:
My supervisor has discussed the above with me. I understand the contents and acknowledge and
understand the corrective action required. I also acknowledge and understand the potential
consequences of noncompliance.
Signatures:
Employee:___________________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________
Supervisor:_________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________
____
A copy of this document will be retained in your permanent file.
FINAL WRITTEN WARNING
EMPLOYEE NAME: _____________________________________________ DATE: _________________
DEPARTMENT: ________________________________________________
The purpose of this written warning is to once again bring to your attention ongoing deficiencies in
your conduct and/or performance. On __________________ and ________________, you were
counseled regarding________________________. Unfortunately, you have not made sufficient
progress in addressing these issues, necessitating this final written warning. Failure to make immediate
and sustained improvement will result in further corrective action, up to and including termination.
REASON FOR WARNING:
CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIRED:
My supervisor has discussed the above with me. I understand the contents and acknowledge and
understand the corrective action required. I also acknowledge and understand the potential
consequences of noncompliance.
Signatures:
Employee:___________________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________
Supervisor:_________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________
Division/Dept. Manager __________________________________________________ Date: ____________________
____
A copy of this document will be retained in your permanent file.
SUSPENSION/DISCHARGE
EMPLOYEE NAME: _____________________________________________ DATE: _________________
DEPARTMENT:_________________________________
The purpose of this written warning is to bring your attention to ongoing deficiencies in your conduct or
performance. On multiple occasions, you were counseled regarding
______________________________________ , but despite numerous opportunities to correct these
deficiencies, you have failed to do so. As a result, it has been determined that you will be:
Suspended ______Working Day(s) from ____________ Through ___________
Discharge effective ___________________
Remarks: Explain reasons for suspension or discharge, including specific details of incident or violation;
include prior warning(s).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
My supervisor has discussed the above with me. I understand the contents and acknowledge and
understand the corrective action required.
Signatures:
Employee:___________________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________
Supervisor:_________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________
Division/Dept. Manager __________________________________________________ Date: ____________________
A copy of this document will be retained in your permanent file.