St. Edward's University believes that an academic institution like ours can achieve excellence only when both parties - the university and the employee - are satisfied with the employment relationship. If either becomes dissatisfied with the relationship at any time for any reason, that party is free to terminate the relationship at will.

Final paychecks are issued within six calendar days following termination initiated by the university; otherwise, the final paycheck (including any eligible accrued, unused annual leave up to a full-time maximum of 120 hours, or pro-rated based on percent time of the most recent appointment), will be issued on what would have been the employee's next pay date. Checks may be picked up in the Business Office or mailed, providing the employee gives Payroll a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Release of final paychecks is contingent upon the employee's returning all university property including, but not limited to such items as keys, files, uniforms, equipment, records, papers, supplies, etc. The last paycheck may include offsets for any pay advances, unreturned university property, etc.

An employee voluntarily separating service at the end of a less than 12 month appointment but who is being paid over 12 months, will continue to be paid through the 12 month period. Eligible benefits will continue through the end of the month in which the employee receives pay. An employee providing 10 working days' notice will be paid for accrued, unused annual leave up to a full-time maximum of 120 hours, or pro-rated based on percent time of the most recent appointment, in the final paycheck. No additional leave hours will be accrued during those months the employee is not scheduled to work (see Annual Leave and Sick Leave policies).

Resignation
To provide for a smooth transition and continuity of service, SEU needs all employees voluntarily separating service to provide ten working days' notice, in writing, of their intent. Employees providing such notice who have at least six months of regular employment generally will terminate employment on the last day worked and will be paid for any accrued, unused annual leave up to a maximum of three weeks. At the university's option, employees giving the required notice may be given pay in lieu of time.

Layoff
Occasionally a position will be eliminated because of a reorganization or a lack of funding. Affected employees will be notified in writing as soon as practical, but with no less notice than two weeks (time or salary, at the university's discretion). Employees with at least six months of regular service will be paid for any accrued, unused annual leave. Employees whose current positions are eliminated and who are offered other comparable positions and who decline to accept these positions will be deemed to have resigned.

Discharge
Although the university may, at its sole discretion, terminate any staff, as a matter of practice a manager/supervisor will generally attempt to counsel an employee regarding performance, attitude, conduct, or any other behaviors that may need improvement. All discharges require consultation with the Director of Human Resources and prior approval of the appropriate Administrative Officer. Employees discharged may not receive payment for accrued, unused annual leave.

Retirement
Employees eligible for retirement who voluntarily separate service must provide ten working days notice in writing of their intent. Employees providing such notice will be paid for any accrued, unused annual leave up to a full-time maximum of 120 hours or pro-rated based on percent time of the most recent appointment.

Reference Checking
In the absence of a written release from the former employee and a written request from the prospective employer, the Office of Human Resources will provide only dates of employment and job title. Supervisors and others contacted as references must refer all such calls to Human Resources. Failure to abide by this policy could result in substantial problems for the university and the person providing the information, even when the information provided is positive.