2024 Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP)

Due to anticipated budget cuts for next fiscal year, the University is once again offering its Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP). This voluntary program is applicable to both faculty and staff who meet certain eligibility requirements as described below. The program is not an entitlement, and approval of an employee's participation is not guaranteed. To be considered and approved, such voluntary separations must support the financial goals and/or create financially strategic opportunities for the University, division and department. Application approval will be based on mutual interest of the individual and the institution. Employees can request a separation date that is on or before June 30, 2025, approved at the discretion of the University. 

Eligibility

All salaried WSU staff and all tenured and tenure track faculty with two or more years of service as of August 20, 2024, are eligible to apply. This does not include probationary staff, instructors*, temporary employees, hourly employees, individuals with a year-to-year or other term contract, employees with grant-funded positions, or those who have received notice of involuntary separation for other reasons permitted by policy. 
*Instructors eligible for early retirement are eligible to participate in the program.

VSIP Incentive

→ for Employees NOT Eligible for Early Retirement

  • Employees separating under this VSIP program who meet the eligibility requirements above but are NOT eligible for early retirement (see PPM 3-41) are offered a one-time separation incentive equal to 50 percent of their FY25 annual base salary, but no less than $25,000 (pro-rated for employees who are less than full-time), not to exceed $80,000. 

→ for Employees Eligible for Early Retirement

  • Employees separating under this VSIP program who meet the eligibility requirements above and are also eligible for early retirement (see PPM 3-41) are offered a one-time separation incentive equal to 33 percent of their FY25 annual base salary, but no less than $25,000 (pro-rated for employees who are less than full-time).
  • Eligible individuals can take advantage of both early retirement and VSIP. They must submit a separate application for early retirement and receive separate approval in accordance with policy. 
  • The University reserves the right to accept or reject the employee's application for either or both of these programs.

General Eligibility for Early Retirement

Full-time salaried employees who will have 15 years of full-time service and are within ten years of the Full Retirement Age (FRA) on the date of the proposed retirement are eligible to apply for the early retirement program. See PPM 3-41 for additional information and details.

All Employees

Employees who are currently enrolled in health benefits will also be eligible for COBRA benefits upon separation as allowed by federal law.

Process

  • Employees who are approved to participate in this VSIP will be required to sign a voluntary separation agreement including a release of all claims with the University, which is available for review here. Once employees are notified that their application has been approved, they will have up to 7 additional days to consider the release.
  • Employees who are also taking advantage of the early retirement program will be required to receive separate approval for participation in that program prior to signing the voluntary separation agreement.
  • Approved participants will need to comply with any taxes or legal requirements regarding withholdings. Any conditions or terms specified under University policy regarding any termination benefits, such as vacation leave balance, will be paid according to current institutional policy/practice.

Application

  • To apply for the program, please complete an application 
  • 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.
  • Individuals have 45 days from today, August 20, 2024 to consider the program details and submit their application. They can also waive the 45-day review period, if desired. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on October 4, 2024.

VSIP Agreement (PDF)  VSIP FAQ  Apply for VSIP