UNM senior administrators don't have to do anything right or wrong to lose their jobs.
They can be let go if the position is not the right fit or if the president of the University wants someone else in the position, said Susan Carkeek, vice president of Human Resources.
Administrators fall into two categories at UNM. The first category is senior administration such as vice presidents and department chairpersons. They have one-year discretionary contracts.
Regular staff administrators such as associate directors and managers fall into the second category.
Carkeek said for the second group of administrators, employment at the University is like tenure.
"They're entitled, and they expect to continue unless they don't perform," she said.
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When the second group begins a position, they go through a six-month probationary period.
"They are testing us out, and we are testing them out," she said.
Carkeek said the University has to demonstrate proper cause to dismiss people in the second group once the probationary period is complete.
Proper cause includes assault or battery on another person, falsification, illegal use of drugs and alcohol, misappropriation, incompetence, inefficiency, insubordination, misconduct, negligence, sexual harassment, theft and others as included in UNM's policy and procedures manual.
The University uses progressive discipline for employees in both categories when job requirements are not met.
Carkeek said this gives people a chance to correct any mistakes they've been making.
Progressive discipline actions include oral or written warnings, suspensions and discharge.
UNM employees are hired according to tiers. Tier I employees include the second group of administrators. Tier II employees are contract employees with titles above directors.
Human Resources is responsible for recruiting, interviewing and screening Tier I employees. The minimum recruitment period is five days.
For Tier II hires, a department hiring officer appoints a search committee. The committee must have a female member and a member from an underrepresented group, but both cannot be the same person.
The committee does a national search for senior administration. The position is usually advertised for a minimum of 30 days.
