Who will make the final decision on whether I will be accepted for this program?

• Employee participation in this temporary incentive program is not an entitlement. Participation decisions for this temporary incentive program are at the sole discretion of the university’s president, provost and vice presidents.

If I take this incentive, can I ever come back to work for WSU?

• Participation in the VSIP program alone will not restrict you from future employment at Weber State. There are, however, limitations due to federal (ACA) and state (URS) regulations. Please contact Human Resources for more information if you are interested in coming back.

How do I apply for the Early Retirement Program?

• Information about the Early Retirement Program can be found in PPM 3-41. For specific questions and more information, including an application, please contact Bethany Rasmussen (bethanyrasmussen@weber.edu or 801-626-7230) or Raeanna Johnson (raeannajohnson@weber.edu or 801-626-6480). Early retirement approval is considered separately from the VSIP program. Employees taking advantage of both early retirement and VSIP must receive approval for early retirement prior to signing the VSIP separation agreement.

Where can I find the separation agreement?

• A link to the separation agreement was included in the announcement made on March 27, 2025 along with additional details of the program. You can also find the separation agreement at the following link: 
  • Separation Agreement

How will taking advantage of the VSIP and/or the Early Retirement Program impact my retirement with Utah Retirement Systems?

• Because every individual's circumstances will be different, we advise you to contact a URS retirement counselor at 801-366-7770 before applying for the program/s. They will help guide you in making your decision. This will assist you to understand how your retirement will be affected.

Will my VSIP separation payment be taxed?

• Yes, your VSIP separation payment will be subject to federal withholding taxes and other deductions the university is required by law to make from wage payments. 

What is the process for approval?

• Individuals will submit an application to be considered for approval by April 17, 2025 at 5 p.m.
• Vice Presidents and the Provost will review the applications with HR, directors, deans and/or department chairs, as applicable, to determine whether and how this would support the goals of the university related to changes required by HB 265.
• Individuals will be notified of their approval or denial by April 18, 2025 and will receive their VSIP Agreement. 
  • Individuals separating will discuss proposed date of separation to ensure it is mutually agreed upon.
  • Once employees are notified that their application has been approved, they will have seven days to sign the separation agreement.

When will I receive my separation incentive payment?

• The payment will be made with the last regular paycheck as an active employee following the separation date.

What if I have more questions?

• For questions, please reach out to Meagan Thunell (meaganthunell@weber.edu), Raeanna Johnson (raeannajohnson@weber.edu), Bethany Rasmussen (bethanyrasmussen@weber.edu), or hr@weber.edu.

Can I be forced to apply for this program?

• Applying for separation under this program is strictly a voluntary action on the part of an employee.

What if I apply and my proposed separation date later changes?

• Prior to sending you a VSIP agreement, the university will approve a separation date that is mutually agreed upon by both parties. Once you sign an agreement with that approved date, the agreement becomes binding to both you and the institution. If you were to separate from your position earlier than that date, it would be considered a breach of the agreement, and you would not receive your VSIP payment. If it were later determined that it was in the best interest of both you and the university to change the date, that would require amending the original signed agreement. Neither party would be obligated to do that.