Tips for Probationary Employees

If you are a new, classified employee, you’ll be considered a probationary employee for your first 180 days of university employment. This 180-day timeframe allows managers to assess whether your skills, performance, and conduct fit your position and merit continuation of university employment.

Take the following steps to manage your performance during the probationary employment period:

  • Review the University’s policy on probationary employment during your departmental orientation or individually with your manager.
  • Review your position description and discuss expectations and standards of performance with your manager.
  • Familiarize yourself with work rules regarding the following:
    • Reporting to work in a regular and timely manner
    • Scheduled breaks or lunch periods
    • Reporting sick leave use and other absences
    • Dress codes/standards
    • Appropriate conduct
    • Conducting yourself in accordance with designated safety rules
    • Departmental work rules
  • Ask your manager for feedback about how you are doing. You should receive scheduled Probationary Performance Reviews.  Performance or conduct that falls below expectations may lead to termination that is effective the day of notification.
  • Determine the end date of your probationary period, by using use the following date calculator.  

Vacation and Separation

If this is your first state of Texas job or you worked for a state entity but for less than a consecutive 180 days, you will accrue vacation time off balances during your probationary period but you cannot use it until after day 180.  If you separate from the university during your probationary period, the vacation time off balance is not paid out.

If you have already worked 180 consecutive days at a state of Texas entity, you may use vacation time off during the probationary period with supervisory approval and you will receive payment for accrued hours if you separate during the probationary period.

Get Help Understanding Probationary Employment

You can take advantage of consultation designed to help you manage your performance, and understand the policies and procedures surrounding the probationary employment period by contacting your Strategic Workforce Solutions (SWS) consultant.