Probation

Summary:

University employees appointed on a continuing or fixed term basis will normally serve an initial probationary period prior to having their appointment confirmed. A probationary period gives both the employee and the University the opportunity to consider the suitability of the employee to the role and also ensure any specific conditions associated with the appointment are met (eg completion of a specific qualification etc). During this period, either the employee or the University may terminate their employment at any time, provided the appropriate notice is given in accordance with the provisions and procedures contained within Termination of Employment.

Employees appointed on a continuing basis will serve a probationary period the intervals set out below. 

Employee Classification

Probationary Period

Professional employees

USQ Levels 1 to 5

3 months

USQ Levels 6 to 10

6 months

Foundation/Uniprep/English Language Teaching Employees

12 months

Academic Employees

up to 3 years

For fixed term appointments of 1 year or less, in any classification, a maximum probationary period of 3 months will apply. All other fixed term appointments extending beyond 1 year will be subject to a probationary period of normally one-third of the fixed term appointment.  Any second or subsequent fixed-term appointment in the same classification level and/or in the same function area will not contain an additional probationary peroid.

Further information on the performance review process can be found in HR policy and procedure Performance Planning and Review.  A range of documentation has been developed for use in the probation process.

Following the last probationary review the appropriate Delegate will make a written recommendation to the Executive Director, Human Resources confirming or terminating the appointment. The employee will be advised of the decision in writing. 

Related policy and procedure:

Probationary Appointments 

HR Contact:

HR Client Services Team  

Probationary Period Need to Knows ...

Employees can only serve one probationary period with the one employer ie. If an employee changes positions after they have already served a probation period with USQ, then they do not have to serve another probationary period in their new job.