Termination of Employment

Version: 0001
Renewal Date: 7/1/2026

Objective #

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) is an employment-at-will organization. Cause is not necessary to terminate employment. This policy exists to define types of termination.

Policy #

Termination from UTFI, for whatever reason, shall be officially documents in such a manner as to establish a clear record of the termination action. Unless a termination occurs while the employee is on leave of absence without pay, a termination is effective as of the end of the employee’s last working day.

Termination Categories #

1. Resignation is a voluntary action on the part of the employee. Non-exempt employees are expected to give a minimum of two (2) weeks’ advance written notice of resignation. Exempt employees are expected to give a minimum of four (4) weeks’ advance written notice of resignation.
2. Discharge is an action initiated by UTFI to terminate an employee. See TM0002 Disciplinary Action Policy. All discharges must be approved in advance by the CEO.
3. Reduction In Force (RIF) is a discharge action initiated by UTFI to terminate an employee because of temporary or permanent lack of work, lack of funds or reorganization.
4. Death.
5. Inability to perform duties or medical.
6. Retirement is a form of resignation.

Scope and Application #

This policy applies to all UTFI employees including full-time employees, part-time staff, student workers, student interns and temporary staff for the organization.

Policy Implementation #

The UTFI Office of Talent Management (UTFI TM) will create the necessary forms and procedures to implement this policy. For resignation and retirement, the employee will provide in writing their intent to end employment as documented below.

1. Resignations should be submitted to the employee’s immediate supervisor as outlined in Section 2.1 of this policy. The supervisor will acknowledge the resignation in writing and immediately forward all written resignations to UTFI TM. UTFI TM will contact the employee to ensure that the resignation is implemented.
2. An employee electing to retire should notify their immediate supervisor of the projected retirement date in writing as far in advance as possible. The supervisor will immediately forward the retirement notice to UTFI TM. UTFI TM will contact the employee and, in the case of employees leaded from the University, put the employee in touch with the appropriate University officials to initiate the needed documentation.

Penalties/Disciplinary Action for Non-Compliance #

Violations of the policy and any subsections herein may be cause for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Policy Administration #

The table below identifies the responsible senior official, contact information and administrative responsibilities of policy matters.

Subject Matter	Office Name/Position Title	Email/Web Address
Authority	UTFI Senior Official of Talent Management	[email protected]
Point of Contact	UTFI Executive Director of Talent Management	[email protected]
Policy Location	Public Listing
Policy Review Schedule	Annual Review

History of Revision #

Related Policies/Guidance Documents #

Policy

TM0002 Disciplinary Action