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Labor Probation

The decision to place a student on probation is made by the Associate Dean, in consultation with other Work College Program staff, based on a review of the relevant circumstances. Probation typically occurs when a student in a primary position has:

  1. Failed, over the course of a term, to work a minimum of 10 hours a week.
  2. Fallen significantly behind in hours during a term, with unsuccessful attempts at warning or counseling.
  3. Falsified time or work records; in some cases, this may also be grounds for a judicial hearing.
  4. Failed to meet the requirements of an accountability agreement.
  5. Received a rating of "Does Not Meet Expectations" on one or more core questions of the Work-Learning Evaluation for their primary position
  6. Failed to meet the department's expectations or needs during a term. (Documentation from the supervisor describing how the student did not meet expectations is required in this case.)

Probation is centrally monitored and recorded and can significantly affect a student's participation in College activities. A student on probation:

  • Will be denied participation in international travel experiences, internships, independent studies, College-sponsored off-campus summer internships, and off-campus short-term exchanges; a student found significantly deficient in meeting their work obligation at mid-term may also be denied during the application process for these opportunities.
  • Will not be eligible for an overload, or a leave of absence.
  • Will not be permitted to hold a WLS Level 5 or 6 position, or certain unclassified positions (such as CAB Chair or Pinnacle Editor); a student already serving in one of these roles may be released if placed on probation.
  • May be ineligible for certain program awards, scholarship and service awards, and membership in honorary societies (such as Mortar Board).
  • May be ineligible to apply for a residence hall staff position.
  • May be denied permission for an off-campus position.

Probation typically lasts one regular term but may be extended at the discretion of the Associate Dean, in consultation with the Dean for the Work College Program, depending on the circumstances.

Labor Probation—Immediate Suspension

The Associate Dean in consultation with the Dean for the Work College Program may elect to place a student on Labor Probation—Immediate Suspension. This “last chance” designation involves the development of an accountability agreement between the student and the Work College Program, violation of which results in a recommendation of immediate suspension by the Associate Dean. 

Suspension within a Term

Non-performance as a student colleague can lead to suspension within a term. In cases where a student has been placed on labor probation and continues a pattern of non-performance the Associate Dean or the Labor Program Council in consultation with the Dean for the Work College Program may elect to develop an accountability agreement and place the student on Labor Probation- Immediate Suspension. Accountability agreements outline clear expectations that- if not met- are grounds for immediate suspension within the term.

Work College suspension is a serious matter. It appears on the student’s academic transcript for the duration of the suspension, and results in a designation of “not in good standing” which often prevents admission to another institution. At the end of the suspension period, the language is removed from the transcript and the student is once again in good standing. While the student may apply for readmission to Berea College, it is not guaranteed