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Separation of Employment

All separations of employees from full-time positions in the service of the College shall be designated as one of the following: reduction in force, resignation, contract non-renewal, disability, retirement, dismissal, or death.

Section 3.G.1 – Reduction in Force

The President may reduce personnel in the event of financial exigency or program change by eliminating any position(s) of the College and immediately sever the employment of any person(s) employed in such position(s). In the event a valid contract exists between the College and an employee whose employment is severed pursuant to this policy, the contract shall be immediately terminated and both the College and employee shall be relieved from further obligations under the contract except the College shall pay the employee for any services already rendered pursuant to the contract and any benefits provided pursuant to the College Clearance policy. Reduction may also include the transfer to a lower-paying position, reduction to parttime employment or reduction in pay or a combination of any of these.

Definitions used in this policy are as follows:

As used herein, “financial exigency” means any decline or reduction in federal, State or local funding to the College which prevents or inhibits the College’s ability to continue in existence the position for which an employee or class of employees was hired. The action or event causing a “financial exigency” may include, but is not limited to, a decrease in student enrollment, a cut or reversion in federal, State or local funding sources, and any other event requiring the immediate expenditure of the College’s financial resources

Section 3.G.3 – Resignation

All employees who resign from employment with this College are expected to give a minimum of 30 days written notice prior to the effective date of resignation. Employees should address their resignation letter to the president, stating their requested effective date of resignation. The resignation letter should be submitted directly to the employee’s direct supervisor, copying the dean where appropriate, vice president of their division and human resources.

Section 3.G.3 – Contract Non-Renewal

No employment contract of the College extends beyond one year and not beyond June 30 of any given fiscal year. The general statutes of North Carolina do not provide for tenure for faculty members of community colleges and technical colleges. Neither the North Carolina Community College System nor Vance-Granville Community College recognizes tenure. Therefore, no tenure or the expectation of continued employment is granted to employees beyond these stipulations. At least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the employee’s regular contract of employment, those employees who will not be tendered a new contract will be so notified by certified letter, mailed to his/her residence address on record at the College, or delivered in person. Contract non-renewal is non-grievable unless there is a contention that any such action was in violation of written College policies, procedures, regulations, or in violation of any applicable federal or state law. (An exception of this 30-day notification would occur in those situations where there is a discontinuation or reduction in a program because of a lack of adequate funding.)

Section 3.G.4 – Disability

This benefit is provided at no cost to the employee. After one year of full-time service in a budgeted position with the State of North Carolina, employees qualify for shortterm benefits. Five years of contributory membership in the retirement system are required to qualify employees for long-term benefits. The booklet, Your Retirement Benefits, provides explanation of these programs and may be obtained from the Human Resources Department.

Section 3.G.5 – Retirement

Every full-time employee in a budgeted position is required to belong to the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System of North Carolina. The State and employee share the system cost and the State of North Carolina rate is determined annually. The employee contribution rate is automatically deducted through monthly payroll. Should the employee request benefits upon separation from state service prior to retirement, only the amount contributed by the employee and nominal interest is repaid. The booklet, Your Retirement Benefits, outlines provisions of this system and is available in the Human Resources Department

Section 3.G.6 – Dismissal

The VGCC Board of Trustees authorizes the President to dismiss or suspend any employee of the College. Any employee dismissed from employment shall be provided due process as provided in the notice of dismissal. Any employee of the College maybe dismissed for cause and without prior notice and for infractions and violations of College policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Incompetent Service
  • Neglect of Duty
  • Conduct unbecoming an employee
  • Physical or mental inability to perform duties as a professional employee
  • Financial exigency or discontinuation of a program or position
  • Participation in or incitement of disruption in the College’s operations
  • Insubordination or unprofessional conduct
  • Violation of Vance-Granville Community College rules, regulations, policies and procedures
  • Conviction of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude
  • Work performance that fails to meet expectations
  • Failure to demonstrate progress in professional self- improvement within a reasonable time, if such progress has been stated in a contract of employment or as a condition for employment in a contract period.
  • Failure to cooperate with other members of the faculty and staff to the extent that, in the opinion of the President, dissension interrupts the orderly performance of duties.
  • Failure of an instructor to meet scheduled classes and appointments due to absenteeism.
  • Failure to comply with rules, regulations, and policies of the State Board of Community Colleges, the Board of Trustees, or lawful directions of the President.

(approved July 16, 2018)