Disciplinary Matters

In order to provide an environment conducive to staff and student well-being and that the institution remains viable, the University needs to ensure that the institution is well governed, and that student, employee and employer rights are protected.  Discipline is one mechanism available to Rhodes as an employer to address situations where staff do not abide by acceptable rules of conduct and do not discharge their duties faithfully and diligently.

Discipline is not taken lightly by the University. Neither should it be taken lightly by the staff member. In these processes, you have a right to have a representative present with you in the meeting with the manager. Having such a representative affords you another “pair of eyes and ears”. This person can assist you in the process.

This webpage and others related to disciplinary matters (see drop-downs) seek to provide you with information about the disciplinary process and your rights. You are encouraged to read this material.

You can also ask your HR generalist for advice and assistance. The staff of the HR Division are not involved in presenting the evidence in the hearing, determining the guilt (or not) of the staff member and/or determining the penalty if the staff member is guilty.  Both of these decisions are the responsibility of HoD/manager who is the Chairperson of the process.

The role of HR in these processes is to:

1. Ensure that the staff member is treated fairly and consistently;

2. Be able to answer any queries that the staff member may they have about the process;

3. Ensure that HoDs/Managers conduct the process in a fair and effective manner;

4. Be able to answer any queries that the HOD/manager may about the process and outcome.