Policy Number: 4.330
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
The administrative staff is given authority to employ contract, classified, part-time, and temporary employees. The use of objective search committees for full-time positions is institutional policy as defined by Board Policy 4.320. Full-time employment will be considered for ratification by the Board at its next regular meeting.
The purpose of this policy is to establish clear, consistent, and lawful standards for the employment and separation of College employees. The College is committed to consistent decision making when making employment or separation decisions regarding faculty and staff.
SCOPE
The probationary period for classified personnel is six months and for contracted employees is three years.
This policy applies to all College employees, including full-time and part-time staff, faculty, and temporary employees as well as student workers.
AUTHORITY
Employment is through the College search process in most cases and is espoused by the President under the authority of the Board of Trustees.
This policy is authorized by the NPC Board of Trustees and is implemented consistent with applicable federal and state laws. The Board of Trustees delegates the authority to administer and enforce this policy to the President of the College and his designees.
DEFINITIONS
All employees who have completed the probationary employment period will be afforded the right to due process as defined in Policy 4.340.
At-Will Employment: An employment relationship that may be ended by either the employee or the College at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable laws.
Employee: Any individual employed by the College, including full-time, part-time, temporary, or student workers.
Faculty: Employees whose primary responsibility is instruction.
Staff: Non-faculty employees of the College.
Separation: The end of an employment relationship between an employee and the College, regardless of reason.
Resignation: Employee initiated separation from employment with the College.
Reduction in Force (RIF): The elimination of positions or jobs due to budgetary constraints, reorganization, or other institutional needs.
Retirement: Employee initiated separation from employment as designated under Board Policy 4.420.
Termination: Involuntary end of an employee’s employment relationship intiatied by the College.
POLICY STATEMENT
Since employment with NPC is based on mutual consent, both the employee and NPC have the right to terminate employment at will, with or without cause, at any time.
National Park College is committed to maintaining an effective, ethical, and legally compliant workforce that supports its educational mission and stewardship of public resources. The College shall administer employment and separation practices in accordance with applicable federal law, the Arkansas Constitution and Arkansas Code, applicable guidance from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education and other state authorities, and the policies of the Board of Trustees of National Park College.
The College will approach employment and separation decisions in a manner that is fair, consistent, and non-discriminatory, that respect due process rights, and that supports institutional effectiveness, accountability, and public trust.
All employees of NPC are employed on at at-will basis, meaning employment may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, by either the employee or the College, subject to applicable laws and Board policies.