Definitions

Volunteers: Individuals who are formally recognized as Extension volunteers through issuance of a Volunteer Agreement Letter by an employee, program, or institute within Extension.

Scope

Extension Volunteers and all employees involved in making decisions about suspending or dismissing Volunteers are subject to this policy. 

Policy Detail

• Volunteers can be suspended or dismissed from service in Extension and its programs for any reason that falls outside of the protected bases identified by the University of Wisconsin-Madison or the Division of Extension for visitors and program participants. 
• Volunteers do not have rights to the same just cause steps afforded to select classifications of employees (e.g., faculty, academic staff, university staff) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison prior to a suspension or dismissal. 
• All dismissals must be approved by the Dean of Extension. Depending on the structure of the volunteer program, the volunteer manager’s direct supervisor (typically the Area Extension Director) and/or program manager is responsible for making the dismissal recommendation. 
• All suspensions and dismissals must be documented in writing via a communication to the individual who is being suspended or dismissed. 
• Volunteers do not have the right to appeal a suspension or dismissal for any reason other than a concern about discrimination on the protected bases identified by the University of Wisconsin-Madison or the Division of Extension for visitors and program participants. 
• UW-Madison reporting obligations applicable to the actions underlying suspensions and dismissals including, but not limited to, EO #54 Mandated Reporter, Title IX, and the Clery Act, must be satisfied. 
• Reinstatement requests for dismissed Volunteers will not be considered under any circumstances for a minimum of two years following the dismissal. Volunteers who are dismissed for engaging in violence against Extension staff, volunteers, or program participants; committing a crime against a youth during the course of volunteer service; or engaging in acts of discrimination during the course of volunteer service are not eligible for reinstatement as a volunteer in any Extension program. 

Related UW-Madison or Extension Policies 

• UW-146, UW-Madison Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence
• UW-301, Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect (Executive Order 54)
• UW-403, Institutional Clery Act Compliance Policy

Related UW-Madison or Extension Documents

• Managing and Coaching Extension Volunteers: Responding to Disruptive Behavior
  • Find the handbook, forms and templates on Volunteer Intervention Procedures
• Managing and Coaching Extension Volunteers: Reinstatement following Dismissal
  • Find the handbook, forms and templates on Volunteer Management - Volunteer Reinstatement Following Dismissal
• UW-Madison Protected Bases

External References

• UW System Administration Internal Policy HR-7, Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect Policy (Executive Order 54)

Policy Administration

Approval Authority

Dean and Director of Extension

Policy Manager

Associate Dean of Operations, Policy, and Engagement

Policy Contact(s)

Email volunteers@extension.wisc.edu 

Policy History

Effective Date

September 2021

Date Issued

November 8,2021

End Date

N/A

Next Review

September 2023

Revised Dates

Reviewed Dates