It was a really uncomfortable situation. It was a woman in her 60s that got hired here last semester as a Programmer. Straight away, it was pretty obvious that she wasn't as sharp as she should be. She was a pretty nice lady, I guess. I've helped her a few times when she first got hired.
After about a month or two working here, I started to hear chatter from the other guys about wondering how she got a programming job despite not knowing certain things. I just came back from Christmas Break today and they gave her the boot while I was in the IT Support office working alone.
They called me to come and lock her out of our system and to confiscate all of her gadgets and to nuke her HDDs, etc.
Well, I felt a little uncomfortable because she was still there when I came to get her stuff and she was VERY upset and it was kind of hard trying to get everything back from her......I mean, I was practically unplugging and packing up all her things as she was packing up her little box whilst crying and carrying on. They eventually had to put her out.
When I finally got out of there, I had to go on lunch because I was so stressed.
That was my first time experiencing something like that.
Sounds like you work in an academic environment. You don't have to say what institution but I'm curious are you a student worker or are you a university employee with benefits?
Most institutions have a standard probationary period. Could be 90 days. Could be six months. Do you know how long is the probationary period is at your institution?
The reason that I ask is that there is a difference between not making it off probation and getting fired. For example, at most institutions someone on probation can be dismissed without a specific reason.
In contrast, your institution's employee manual probably outlines a long and complex process for firing an employee. (Employee must be consoled. Employee has right to appeal. Employee must be evaluated. Employee can challenge evaluation...)
At any institution that I have worked at, you would not have been allowed to access her office while she was still there. (You could disable her password though...) Normally, the supervisor would be responsible for recovering any of the institution's gear... Just curious, did they have you make a forensic copy of her HD before you nuked it?
When I worked in the computer industry, all layoffs were on a Friday. All took place between 8 a.m. and noon. Employee would meet with supervisor and HR person. Sometimes a guard would escort employee back to office. Employee clears out desk and is gone by noon....
Situations like this always suck...
Best of luck,
Uno