Separating from OHIO: Involuntary Reduction in Force

Involuntary Due to Reduction in Force= You are leaving because you are laid off, your appointment is not renewed or you lose your position due to a unit reorganization.  For more information, also refer to Policies 40.046, 41.012, 41.013,  and 41.015.

Salary Continuation

Salary continuation is designed to provide a financial bridge during a period of employment transition.  Beyond the termination date, eligible separated employees (41.015) will receive salary continuation based upon the employee's current hourly rate or salary and length of service to Ohio University as follows:

• 1 – 3 Years of Service:    1 month
• 3+ yrs - 10 yrs of Service:    2 months
• 10+ Years of Service:    3 months

Salary continuation and the continuation of health and life insurance will cease if the former employee begins full time employment with the university or another employer, receives disability benefits, or retires under OPERS or STRS.

Employment Opportunities

Eligible employees (41.015) may continue to apply for posted university positions as internal university candidates for one year after termination.

University Medical and Dental Plans

Eligible employees (41.015) will maintain continuing coverage six months beyond the termination date.  Separated employees will be charged for their portion of the premium based on the benefit rates at time of termination at the tier level of final salary.

At time of coverage period end, medical, including vision, and dental plans may be continued in accordance with COBRA, which provides for temporary continuation of coverage.  COBRA rates represent the full cost of the health and dental insurance costs.  Contact the Benefits Office at 593-1636 for information and to enroll.

Vacation & Sick Leave Payouts

If eligible, payment for accrued and unused vacation is paid out in accordance with policies 41.000 and 41.001 at time of termination, generally in the pay period following the termination date.  The vacation payout may be rolled into a tax-deferred annuity to reduce tax liability – contact your 403b or 457 provider to make such arrangements. 

Unless retiring from Ohio University, sick leave is not paid out at time of termination; however, sick leave will remain on record for 10 years and can be transferred to other state agencies by contacting the UHR Records Office at 593-1636.

Educational Benefits

Employees or covered family members who are enrolled at the time of the reduction in force notice will continue to receive tuition assistance for the needed years to graduate

• not to exceed three years at the undergraduate level or
• not to exceed one year at the graduate level. 
  

The benefit will be at the same level received at termination.  It is the separated employee's responsibility to provide the Educational Benefits Request Form (available at http://www.ohio.edu/hr/forms.cfm) to University Human Resources on a quarterly basis in order to maintain this benefit.

Retirement Plans

Each plan is different, but you may have options available to transfer or receive a refund of your balance.  Contact your ARP vendor, State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS-OH), or Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) directly for more information regarding your options. If retiring, contact your plan to arrange retirement date and payment options.

University and Departmental Resources

Make arrangements with your supervisor or department representative to return all university or departmental resources such as:

• Parking Pass
• Building, room, car keys
• University ID
• Purchasing Card
• Bobcat Cash – close account
• Bobcat Calling Card
• Electronic equipment such as computers, pagers, cell phones, etc.
• Library materials
• Department or University Tools

Unemployment Compensation

Unemployment Compensation is a state provided wage replacement benefit if you suffer a job loss.  You may be eligible for benefits.  You may apply as soon as you become unemployed.  For information on how to apply, go to http://unemployment.ohio.gov/