Trial Period Policy

Amended: 1/16/2024

Provided by: Department of Human Resources

Related Links and Resources

• Collective bargaining agreements 
• Postdoctoral Scholars Handbook 

This policy applies to all Tufts staff members, not otherwise hired under contract or bound by collective bargaining agreement, and who are considered at-will. 

The first three months of your employment is considered a trial period, during which regular meetings should be scheduled between you and your supervisor to receive feedback and guidance about your performance and to continue to measure progress in onboarding.  The conditions of this trial period are outlined in the policy, below.

During the trial period, you are entitled to paid time off only for University-observed holidays absent legal requirements.

The trial period normally runs for three (3) months from the date of hire, but a supervisor, in consultation with the Human Resources Department, may extend your trial period for up to an additional three (3) months. The total trial period should not exceed six (6) months.

If you are promoted or transferred to another position, a new trial period may commence.

Successful completion of the trial period does not negate your at-will status.

If you are terminated during your trial period, you may not contest your termination through the university’s internal conflict/problem resolution process.