What happens if an employee does not request a hearing within the designated timeframe?

The correct answer reflects that if an employee does not request a hearing within the designated timeframe, the board has the discretion to decide whether or not to conduct a hearing. This means that while the employee has the opportunity to contest their situation, failing to take advantage of that opportunity does not mandate a hearing. The board may still choose to proceed with a hearing if it deems it necessary or in the interest of fairness, but it is not obligated to do so. This allows the board flexibility in its processes and places the responsibility on the employee to initiate the hearing request in a timely manner.

Other options provide incorrect interpretations of the consequences of not requesting a hearing. One option suggests an automatic obligation on the part of the board to conduct a hearing, which is not true, while another claims the discharge will be considered valid without question, which overlooks the board’s discretion to decide on a hearing. Lastly, the notion that the employee will be permanently disqualified is an overly harsh consequence that does not align with standard procedures in such contexts. Thus, the chosen answer accurately captures the procedural nuance involved in these situations.