Office of Origin: Human Resources 
Responsibility: Executive Director, Human Resources
Original Date Adopted: 09-27-05 
Dates Reviewed: 07-12-18, 7-28-21, 1-8-24, 3-24-26
Last Date Board Approved: 3-24-26

To meet the operating needs of Lake Michigan College (the College), a reasonable period of advance notice is necessary to facilitate the replacement process for the voluntary separation of an employee by resignation or retirement.

All resignation or retirement notices must be submitted in writing to Human Resources (HR.) The Voluntary Resignation Form may be used for this purpose.

For employees who are part of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the provisions of the CBA will control where they differ from or conflict with this policy.

Resignation or Retirement In Good Standing

Although the College is an at-will employer and employees are not required to provide notice, an employee who fails to provide the requested notice will not be considered as resigning “in good standing.” An employee who does not resign/retire in good standing is ineligible for reemployment with the College. To resign/retire in good standing: 

1. Employees in positions below Director/Associate Dean level are expected to provide advance notice at least 2 weeks prior to the effective date of resignation or retirement.
2. Employees in positions at the Director/Associate Dean level and above are expected to submit advance notice of at least 4 weeks prior to the effective date of resignation or retirement. 
3. Paid time off may not be used during the notice period to shorten the requested 2 or 4 weeks, unless express permission to do so is given by the Executive Director, HR due to extraordinary circumstances.
4. Employees must continue to follow College policies and procedures, as well as meet performance and conduct expectations, through their notice period.
5. Employees must return all College property.

Former employees who resign/retire in good standing may normally apply for future job vacancies subject to normal recruitment and selection processes, the candidate’s qualifications, and their prior performance. Eligibility to apply for future vacancies does not obligate the College to rehire and all hiring decisions remain solely at the discretion of the College.

The College reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to shorten or waive the notice periods above. In such cases, the separation will be treated as a voluntary resignation unless otherwise communicated.

Use of Paid Time Off

Vacation, personal days, and/or sick leave (paid time off) may be used during a notice period that exceeds the requested number of work weeks, if at least the final 2 or 4 full, regularly scheduled work weeks (based upon position) are worked. Time off requests will remain subject to supervisory approval and departmental needs. 

Pay Out of Paid Time Off

All unused paid time off is forfeited upon any type of separation from employment and is not paid out to the employee.

Resignation without Notice

Any employee who is absent from work for 3 consecutive days without approval may, at the College’s discretion, be deemed to have resigned without notice, unless the employee can show that a request for approval was not possible due to circumstances beyond the employee’s control.

Rescinding a Resignation or Retirement

Supervisors must submit an employee’s request to rescind resignation or retirement to HR and the supervising Cabinet member for approval. Approval of an employee’s request to rescind a resignation or retirement is at the College’s sole discretion and is not guaranteed.

References: