What is the role of the Employee Relations Office?

The Employee Relations office deals with a variety of issues surrounding the work environment of employees on all campuses of the University.

Employee Relations services include, but are not limited to:

• providing independent counseling to employees and/or supervisors to resolve work-related problems that may relate to performance and/or discipline based issues
• mediating disputes and advising all sides involved on matters relating to employee relations and human resources policies
• coordinating Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
• administering the staff grievance process
• monitoring Employee Performance Management System (EPMS)
• counseling and reviewing reduction-in-force plans (RIF)
• administering the University's unemployment insurance program
• assisting with the exit interview process and maintaining exit interview data.

Issues or problems that arise in the workplace may be addressed with the immediate supervisor, the department chair or dean. Employees also can visit the Employee Relations office to receive advice, counseling, and suggestions on how to deal with any workplace issue, personal concern, or problems with co-workers and/or supervisors.

If you have questions or specific concerns about Employee Relations, feel free to call or e-mail the Employee Relations Office in the Division of Human Resources at 803-777-7550. The office is located at 803-C, 1600 Hampton Street.