Employee Discipline

Administrative Procedure 5.406

This Administrative Procedure does not apply to any employees serving an “introductory period” as outlined in Administrative Procedure 5.409. Such employees may be terminated at any time and for any lawful reason during an introductory period.  

Elgin Community College is committed to treating all of its employees fairly. Except in cases where immediate termination is warranted, the primary purpose of disciplinary action is to try to correct a problem, prevent it from happening again, and prepare the employee for satisfactory performance in the future.  

For example, reasons for disciplinary sanctions include but are not necessarily limited to, the conviction of a serious crime or offense, dishonesty or theft, willful damage to College property, immorality or indecent conduct, falsification of records, unsatisfactory attendance, unsatisfactory work performance, insubordination, failure to comply with prior Board or administrative directives, violation of Board Policy or Administrative Procedure, or any other act committed while a College employee, which is detrimental to the general welfare and best interests of the College, as determined by the College.  

Progressive discipline can include a wide range of disciplinary actions, depending on the circumstances, including some or all of the following:

1. Verbal warning.
2. Written warning.
3. Suspension with or without pay.
4. Termination of employment.

However, circumstances may dictate that one or more of these steps be bypassed or omitted, as determined by the College in its’ sole discretion.  

In addition, ECC reserves the right to take more severe action, including but not limited to immediate suspension (with or without pay) pending the outcome of an investigation or immediate termination of employment, if ECC determines, in its sole discretion, that such action is appropriate. ECC also retains any and all rights under any applicable written employment agreement between ECC and the employee.  

This Administrative Procedure will be administered consistent with the College’s collective bargaining obligations where applicable.

This policy was last reviewed on 05/17/2024.