Disciplinary Action and Termination

Working on-campus provides an opportunity for students to learn, gain valuable job experience, and earn wages while at Bowdoin. Because it is a privilege, the hiring and rehiring of student employees happens on a semester-by-semester basis.

Students are responsible to understand and uphold the requirements of their job position. If a student does not meet job performance expectations, then supervisors must document each incident of concern in writing (e.g. via email or paper file). The student and area supervisor need to receive a copy of this document.

If a supervisor needs to terminate a student’s employment, three (3) documented incidents must be filed. If the student’s performance is so egregious that a supervisor feels the need to immediately terminate a student’s employment, the supervisor must first consult with the Student Employment Office to determine a course of action. Disciplinary action taken by supervisors with student employees is subject to the same terms and conditions described by the HR Employee Handbook and, in some cases, the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs may also be brought in to review the incident.

Generally, documenting and discussing the incident with a student employee is all that is necessary to remedy the situation. If the student employee is at risk for termination, supervisors must hold a conversation with the student employee letting the individual know this outcome is approaching in advance of the termination.

The Student Employment Office can also offer mediation in difficult situations.