Employee Counseling Services

The University Human Resources provides prompt counseling services to each staff employee who is experiencing job-related difficulties and seeks counseling.

An employee may experience difficulties as a result of conflicts with coworkers or supervisors, inability to perform the duties of the job, disciplinary actions, or a perception of unfair treatment.

Any employee who experiences these difficulties is encouraged to call the Employee Relations Division of University Human Resources and discuss the difficulty or make an appointment for counseling. An attempt will be made to meet with each employee who comes in without an appointment; however, an appointment is suggested.

The Employee Relations representative will give the employee the necessary time to fully explain the situation and to present any facts relevant to the matter. The representative will endeavor to help solve the problem in a manner agreeable to the employee.

Many times the representative will suggest available alternatives. To resolve the problem, the representative may act as an intermediary with the supervisor or department head if the employee thinks doing so would be helpful.

In most instances, the difficulty can be resolved through these means. If not, the representative will advise the employee of his/her rights under the Grievance Procedure. All counseling sessions will be held in strict confidence and discussed with others only if permission to do so is granted by the employee. If at any time the employee feels it would be advantageous to discuss the matter of concern with an employee relations counselor outside the University, he/she may contact the State Department of Employee Relations Counselors in Richmond. Their toll free telephone number is (888) 232-3842.

Current July 1, 1999