Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP)
The purpose of the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP) is to implement a one-time separation incentive for eligible UW-Parkside employees, as authorized by the Chancellor, in order to achieve specific institutional objectives. These objectives include:
A. Reducing salary, wage, and benefit costs in alignment with the fiscal recovery plan while recognizing the invaluable contributions of its employees,
B. Prioritizing the allocation and appointment of positions to ensure the fulfillment of the University’s mission into the future,
C. To the extent possible, and in the context of the long-term fulfillment of the University’s mission, minimizing the scope and/or number of involuntary terminations due to budget or program constraints.
While all employees who meet the eligibility requirements may apply, not every individual application may be approved. The Chancellor retains sole discretion over the eligibility and approval of any given VSIP offering and/or application. Nothing in this program shall be construed as creating an employee right or entitlement of any kind. Participation in the program by any eligible employee is strictly voluntary on the part of the employee. No employee may be pressured by any other UW-Parkside or UW System employee to participate in the program.
Eligibility Criteria
Employees meeting the following criteria are eligible to participate in the VSIP:
1. Currently employed as a faculty member, academic staff member or university staff member at UW-Parkside;
2. At least fifty-five (55) years of age as of September 15, 2023, vested with the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), and are eligible to receive an annuity under WRS;
3. Able to schedule the date and officially retire from UW-Parkside no later than May 19, 2024 for Faculty and academic-year staff and no later than April 1, 2024 for calendar-year staff*; and
4. Willing not to seek reemployment at UW-Parkside for a period of at least two (2) years from the date of retirement.
* exceptions may be granted by the Chancellor for good cause upon recommendation by the Provost and applicable college dean or department supervisor of the individual
Employees Not Eligible
The following individuals are not eligible for participation even if they meet the criteria listed above (1-4):
1. Employees who have given written notice of their intent to retire or resign or have been given layoff notice; and/or
2. Student employees, ad hoc and LTE employees, rehired annuitants, and members of the Chancellor’s senior team.
There is no expectation that all VSIP applications will be approved.
How will decisions be made?
All eligible employees occupying a position within the university will be invited to participate in the Retirement Incentive Options program by the Human Resources Office. The university reserves the authority to cap participants based on available funding and strategic program decisions.
1. Following notification, eligible employees must opt into the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program by submitting written confirmation of acceptance of the terms to the Human Resources Office, via email to hr@uwp.edu or in person to the HR Office at Tallent Hall, 280, no later than December 10, 2023, at 8:00 AM.
2. Employees opting into the Program will be advanced to the Chancellor for final action and process.
3. Notification of acceptance will be communicated to eligible employees no later than December 15, 2023.
What is being offered to those who participate?
A one-time separation payment at the time of retirement calculated by the employees September 1st, 2023 base salary and the sliding scale percentage identified below. Base salary is defined as an employee’s permanent salary (prorated based of FTE) and excludes payment such as overload, overtime, weekend/shift/night differential, standby pay, interim and summer payments, increases due to an interim assignment or any other temporary payment above permanent base salary.
Incentive Structure
Approved applicants who make $50,000 or less will receive a one-time incentive payment equal to thirty-three percent (33%) of the individual’s base salary.
Approved applicants who make between $50,001 and $66,000 will receive a one-time incentive payment of $16,500.
Approved applicants who make $66,001 or higher will receive a one-time incentive payment equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the individual’s base salary.
Enhanced Incentive for Tenured Faculty
In recognition of the valuable rights bestowed with tenure, the time and commitment invested in achieving tenure, and recognizing that the VSIP requires a faculty member with tenure to surrender these rights, UW-Parkside will offer an enhanced incentive to any tenured faculty who is eligible, applies and is approved under the VSIP. Those tenured faculty who apply and are approved pursuant to the VSIP will be paid an additional one-time, lump sum incentive of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
Conditions
Not every individual application is guaranteed to be approved. The Chancellor has sole discretion over the determination of eligibility and approval of any individual application to the VSIP in order to achieve specific institutional objectives. Nothing in this program shall be construed to create a right or entitlement to any employee.
Approved participants in the VSIP shall be restricted from being rehired by UW-Parkside for two years from the date of separation, unless authorized by the Chancellor because of exigent circumstances, although all accepted applicants must adhere to the WRS valid termination requirements under Wisconsin Administrative Code §ETF 10.08 and break-in-service regulations pursuant to Wisconsin Statute §40.26(5).
Each approved applicant’s date of separation will be determined by the Chancellor upon recommendation from the Provost, Deans and Division leaders in consideration of the needs of the University. Separations must occur no later than April 1, 2024 or May 19, 2024 as described under Eligibility Criteria #3 unless an exigent need is determined by the Provost, Deans and division leaders as approved by the Chancellor.
The Chief Human Resources Officer, or their designees, shall review the final VSIP plan and the proposed approved applicant group to ensure that the plan does not adversely impact underrepresented groups that are in the employment of UW-Parkside and will provide a recommendation for approval, modification or rejection to the Chancellor prior to the final approval of applicants. The Chancellor retains sole discretion in approving or denying applicants.
In consideration for participation in the VSIP and the payment of incentives described herein, accepted applicants must voluntarily accept and sign a separation agreement that contains a release of all continuing employment rights and any and all claims against UW-Parkside, UW System, and/or the Board of Regents, including but limited to any claim against their officers, employees, agents, attorneys, insurers, and/or their assignees.
Important Dates and Timelines
November 15
Eligible VSIP employees notified and provided an application to participate
Eligible employees must submit completed application for consideration no later than December 8, 2023.
November 27
Town Hall Meetings to answer questions for eligible VSIP employees.
UWS Benefit Specialist and ETF will host informational sessions to answer any questions that employees may have about years of service, benefits, etc. More information to come.
December 8
Close of VSIP application period and VSIP application for consideration due.
UWS Benefit Specialist and ETF will host informational sessions to answer any questions that employees may have about years of service, benefits, etc. More information to come.
December 11
Deans/Division Leaders/Cabinet evaluate applications received in relation to the objectives of VSIP, criticality of operations and separation date, and make recommendations to the Chancellor for final approval
Review of VSIP applications
December 13
Chancellor makes final VSIP application approvals
December 15
Communication to applicants with approved VSIP separation date and request to complete and submit VSIP separation agreement
HR to notify approved VSIP applicants
December 15
Begin evaluating list of potential positions to be laid off
Dec. 15, 2023-Jan. 29, 2024
Period of time VSIP applicants may submit signed separation agreement (45 calendar days)
April 1, 2024
Separation date period VSIP Non-instructional
HR communicates with Dean/Division Leader final separation agreement received
May 19, 2024
Separation date period VSIP Faculty and Instructional
HR communicates with Dean/Division Leader final separation agreement received
Resources and Important Information
- Employee Benefits at Retirement
- Roadmap to Retirement Planning
- Other UW System Retirement Resources and Information