A small university pairs with local employers to assist college students in obtaining jobs upon graduation. A top student of the business school, who received several job offers upon graduation, contacts the assistant dean of the business school. The graduate relates an account of being dismissed after only one month from a position with a company found through the campus career center for failing a product knowledge test. The graduate was unaware during the hiring process that employment was contingent upon passing a product knowledge test, as that information was excluded from the written offer letter. There was no indication given during either two interviews or during a two-day orientation that continued employment with the company was dependent on achieving the minimum test scoring standard. The assistant dean recalls negative comments about the company and, as a result, reviews the employer’s files and press records that evening and the next day. A detailed investigation reveals previous reports of student concerns and several fines against the company for various ethical and billing issues. In addition, the assistant dean discovers that the company’s CEO sits on the board of trustees of the university.
Which is the assistant dean’s best course of action if the dismissal of the graduate was handled improperly?
a. Recommend an oversight agency to the graduate for action against the company.
b. Remove the company from the preferred employer list.
c. Inform university graduates of the issues surrounding the company.
d. Request that the company clarify the test policies in offer letters and employee handbooks.