Separation From the University

Faculty and staff can voluntarily or involuntarily terminate their employment with Carnegie Mellon. In either case, it's important that several processes take place to ensure a smooth transition from the incumbent to the new person who will be hired. Some good suggestions when a person separates from your employment include:

  1. Conduct an exit interview. Find out why the person is leaving or was not successful in the position. Get a better understanding of the challenges the person faced, as well as the support systems they appreciated.
  2. Process the termination. Be sure that the separation from the university is properly recorded in HREM. This will control such factors as when their benefits cease and when they receive their last paycheck.
  3. Document their duties. If the person is leaving on good terms, have them document what they do and how they do it. Be sure they include things such as passwords and usernames for generic accounts.
  4. Clean their desk and files. One of the hardest tasks for new employees is going through the previous staff member's files and making sense of what they find. Good files house institutional history and precedent, and make it clear how current projects are progressing. Either the manager or the departing employee should make sure the files and desk area are orderly.
  5. Collect university property. This includes their ID card (including bus pass - there are tax consequences for not returning a bus pass), keys, and any computer or office equipment they may have borrowed.
  6. Review the Employee Separation Checklist (.pdf) and Guide to Unemployment Compensation Liability When an Employee is Terminated (.pdf) for more information about what to

Involuntary termination of employment may be the final step in the Progressive Discipline Process, or an immediate consequence of very serious violations of university policy - such as workplace violence. Please note that probation, suspension or termination of employment should not be taken without first consulting your HR Representative. The LifeWorks Management Line can also provide assistance in assessing how to respond to a particular situation.

For more information: