A vice president or program director may suspend a classified employee without pay pending disposition of a charge for removal. The vice president or program director shall notify the classified employee in writing of the suspension and the reasons for it. Within 5 workdays after receiving a notice of suspension under this section, a classified employee may request in writing that the President conduct a preliminary hearing to determine whether the employee may continue to work with pay pending disposition of the charge. The President shall hold the preliminary hearing within 5 workdays after the President receives the request. A preliminary hearing under this subtitle is in addition to the hearing on the merits required by § 14-205 of this subtitle. The preliminary hearing is limited to the following issues: Whether suspension without pay is necessary to protect the interests of the University or of the classified employee pending final disposition of the charge; and Whether other employment and status alternatives for the classified employee should be considered. At the preliminary hearing, the classified employee may: Rebut the reasons given for the suspension; Assert mitigating circumstances; and Offer alternatives to the suspension, including: A return to the employee’s position with pay; A transfer to another position with pay; or A suspension with pay. Within 5 workdays after the preliminary hearing, the President shall issue a proposed decision in writing for approval by the Secretary of Budget and Management. The decision is conclusive only as to the issue of the suspension.