Chapter Four

Faculty Personnel Policies

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Article 4.5 Termination of Service

Sec. 4.5.1. Termination of Appointment by a Faculty Member

A faculty member may terminate an appointment effective at the end of a contract year, provided that notice is given to the dean in writing at the earliest possible opportunity, and in no event less than thirty daysbefore the end of the current contract year. The faculty member may properly request from the dean a waiver of the requirement of notice in the case of hardship.

Sec. 4.5.2 Probationary Academic Appointments

When a decision not to renew an appointment has been reached, the faculty member involved will be informed of that decision in writing by the dean and, if he/she so requests, will be advised orally of circumstances that contributed to that decision. If the faculty member so requests, the professional, academic, budgetary, management, planning, or other factors given in explanation of the nonrenewal will be confirmed in writing. The faculty member may request a review under provisions of the grievance procedure as stipulated in Article 4.4. Written notice that a probationary appointment is not to be renewed shall be given to a faculty member in advance of the expiration of the appointment, according to the following minimum periods of notice.

A. First Year of Probationary Service
In the first year of probationary service at the University of Louisville, not less than ninety days before the expiration of the contract.

B. Second Year of Service
Not later than six months before the end of the second contract year at the University of Louisville.

C. Service of More Than Two Years
After two or more years of service at the University of Louisville, notice of termination shall be given at least twelve months before the expiration of the appointment.

Sec. 4.5.3 Termination of Academic Employment Before the End of a Specified Term or for Persons with Tenure - For Cause

A. Causes

Termination of an appointment with tenure, or of a special or probationary appointment or before the end of the specified term, may be effected by the institution for any of the following causes only if the cause substantially impairs effectiveness as a faculty member:

  1. Incompetence,
  2. Neglect of or refusal to perform one's duty,
  3. Immoral conduct,
  4. Failure to meet the University performance and productivity requirements, as may be evidenced in performance reviews [effective July 1, 2026].

B. Procedures

The procedures for termination pursuant to this section are specified in an Appendix: Termination Procedures to this Article.

Sec. 4.5.4 Action by the Board of Trustees

If dismissal or other penalty is to be recommended by the President, the President will, on request of the faculty member submitted ten (10) calendar days prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees, transmit the record of the case to the Board of Trustees. The Board's review will be based on the record of the hearings and findings of the University Faculty Grievance Committee and it will provide opportunity for argument, oral or written or both, by the faculty member and the University or by their representatives. The Board of Trustees will then exercise its final authority and take appropriate action.

Sec. 4.5.5 Suspensions

Until the decision upon termination of an appointment has been reached, the faculty member may be suspended or assigned to other duties by the dean of the unit with the approval of the President. Suspension is appropriate only pending a hearing, and if harm to the faculty member or to others is threatened by continuance in the appointment. Salary will continue during the period of suspension.

Section 4.5.6. Termination of Faculty Appointment Based on Bona Fide Financial Reasons

A. Causes

Termination of an appointment with tenure, or of a special or probationary appointment or
before the end of a specified term for bona fide financial reasons may only be effected upon
recommendation by the President and approval by the Board of Trustees. A bona fide financial
reason includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Financial Exigency,
  2. Low enrollment in a particular program or major, or
  3. Misalignment of revenue and costs in a particular college, department, program, or major.

B. Procedures for Termination

  1. A bona fide financial reason(s) shall first be determined in accordance with the
    University’s Policy on Removal of Faculty for Bona Fide Financial Reasons.
  2. The procedures for termination pursuant to this section are specified in the
    University’s Policy on Removal of Faculty for Bona Fide Financial Reasons.
  3. No faculty member shall be suspended or removed under this section until after one hundred twenty (120) days’ notice, when practicable, but in no event upon less than thirty (30) days’ notice. Such notice shall be in writing (1) stating the reason for removal, (2) citing the data, measures, and criteria principally relied upon when making the decision, and (3) providing for an opportunity for the faculty member to respond before the Board of Trustees by counsel or otherwise. The faculty member, by counsel or otherwise, may introduce testimony which shall be heard and determined by the Board of Trustees.