2025 Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP)

Due to upcoming changes as a result of HB 265, the university is offering a tailored Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP) for employees in Academic Affairs. This program is being introduced to support planning efforts and give individuals a choice if they want to participate. Ultimately, difficult decisions will need to be made that impact people and programs, and our goal is to avoid as many involuntary layoffs as possible. Offering a voluntary separation package early provides an option for those interested and helps inform our HB 265 planning process.

If you opt not to participate in the VSIP program, and your program or position is cut, impacted employees will receive the following as of the date they are notified of their position being cut:

  • Tenured and tenure-track faculty will be provided with one additional year of employment with limited teach-out exceptions;
  • Instructors will be provided with one additional semester of employment with limited teach-out exceptions;
  • Staff will be provided with three additional months of employment or the option of a lump sum payment equal to three month's pay in lieu of working for three months.

This voluntary program is applicable to individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements, as described below. There will be separate processes in other divisions outside of Academic Affairs. Because of the three-year staged implementation of the HB 265 Strategic Reinvestment Plan, impacted employees can request a separation date between June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2027 approved at the discretion of the university. Faculty and instructor separation dates must align with the end of a semester.

Eligibility

  • All salaried WSU staff and faculty in Academic Affairs, including instructors, whose programs or departments might be eliminated or reduced as a result of HB 265 are eligible. Individuals impacted by the Moyes College of Education restructuring will also be eligible.
  • Faculty and staff in high-demand programs that are likely to receive reallocation funds will generally not be eligible for the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP). Exceptions may be considered in extraordinary circumstances, but approval is highly unlikely.
  • Individuals who apply must have been continuously employed in a salaried position by Weber State for two full years as of the chosen separation date.
  • The following are not eligible: probationary staff, temporary employees, hourly employees, employees with grant-funded positions, or those who have received notice of involuntary separation for other reasons permitted by policy.
  • Employees who submitted their resignation prior to the VSIP announcement on March 27, 2025 are not eligible for the VSIP, regardless of when their resignation is effective.

Review the composite dashboard and consult the established review criteria when considering whether to apply for the VSIP program. Departments and programs categorized as Q3 or Q4 in the default view of the composite dashboard (pdf) are more likely to face reductions or eliminations, but this is not absolute. You may also consult with your dean, Lisa Allen in the Provost’s Office, or Human Resources to inform your decision.

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, as determined at the discretion of the university. Application approval will be based on mutual interest of the individual and the institution.

Employees who are applying for this VSIP incentive and are contemplating full or early retirement or who are willing to voluntarily sever their employment relationship with the university may fall into one or more of the following categories:

CATEGORY 1: VSIP Incentive for Employees Eligible for Full Retirement (as defined by the Social Security Administration)

  • Employees separating under this VSIP program who are approved and are eligible for full retirement (as defined by the SSA) will be offered a one-time separation incentive equal to 50 percent of their FY26 annual base salary, but no less than $25,000 (pro-rated for employees who are less than full-time), not to exceed $80,000.

CATEGORY 2: VSIP Incentive for Employees Eligible for Early Retirement

  • Employees separating under this VSIP program who are approved and are also eligible for early retirement (see PPM 3-41) will be offered a one-time separation incentive equal to 33 percent of their FY26 annual base salary, but no less than $25,000 (pro-rated for employees who are less than full-time), not to exceed $80,000.
  • This category of 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. See PPM 3-41 for additional information and details.

CATEGORY 3: VSIP Incentive for Any Benefit-Eligible Employee

  • Employees separating under this VSIP program who are approved will be offered a one-time separation incentive equal to the lesser of:
    • 50 percent of their FY26 annual base salary; or
    • $8,000 for each full year of continuous service as of the approved separation date.
  • The VSIP amount will be no less than $16,000 (pro-rated for employees who are less than full-time), not to exceed $80,000.
  • Employees who are eligible for category 2 and category 3 may elect category 3 instead if it provides a greater benefit.

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 seven days to sign the separation agreement.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

VSIP Agreement (PDF)  VSIP FAQ  Apply for VSIP