faq's- frequently asked questions: Reduction in Force (RIF)
If you have a question that is not listed below email it to: hrweb@ohio.edu
Can you explain the classified displacement process?
Visit the following site for an overview of the Classified Displacement Process Resulting from a Reduction in Force: http://www.ohio.edu/hr/updates/displacement_process.cfm
Is there an appeal procedure if I disagree with the layoff?
Yes. Classified staff, as well as Administrative staff, have grievance procedures published in the University Policy and Procedure Manual, policies 41.011, "Grievance Procedure for Contract Employees" and 41.012, "Termination for Cause, Non-Renewal, Suspension, Demotion, or Dismissal of a Contract Administrator." Can administrative employees whose positions have been eliminated apply for other open positions?
Yes. Internal postings will be placed at https://www.ohiouniversityjobs.com and laid off administrators are encouraged to apply for positions in which they are, or may be, qualified, and may apply internally (universitywide posting) for one year beyond separation. Additionally, open positions will be reviewed with administrators who use Human Resources' outplacement services.
Could people who are laid off be called back?
Classified employees will have recall rights to their classification and/or classification series for one year. Administrators have reinstatement rights, to their previous positions only, up to two years.
Will affected employees be given preference in any way for jobs?
Some jobs will be posted internally only to university employees. In these cases, displaced employees won't be competing with outside applicants.
What happens to my pension plan if I am laid off?
Your Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) retirement or Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) account remains intact, but you will not accrue further service time or contributions.
What about my unused vacation?
Vacation payouts will be paid in a lump sum in the pay period immediately following the final regular pay. (Example: If your final regular pay is June 30, an administrator can expect vacation payout to be July 31.)
Will I be eligible to receive unemployment compensation?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements. For more information, visit http://www.ohio.edu/hr/outplacement/unemployment.cfm
Will I qualify for health insurance coverage under COBRA after my medical benefits expire?
Yes, if you are not re-employed with health benefits.
What are professional outplacement services?
Services to provide affected employees with the tools and skills to assist them with job searching.
If I am enrolled in a degree program, what happens to my educational benefits? What about my enrolled dependents?
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.
Are there any special benefits for employees who are let go for budgetary reasons?
Yes.
- Salary continuation based upon years of service at Ohio University.
- Medical, dental, and vision continuation
- Medical survivor benefits
- Life insurance continuation
- WellWorks membership for one year
- Professional outplacement services
- Educational benefits for employee and/or dependents, if currently enrolled
- Unemployment compensation
Separation Pay and Vacation Pay-out
Who is eligible to receive separation pay?
Regular classified and administrative employees who are involuntarily terminated due to job abolishment are eligible. Staff members who are terminated for performance or other appropriate reasons are not eligible for the Salary and Benefit Continuation Program.
How is my separation pay calculated?
Pay will be calculated based upon the individual's service to Ohio University and the final rate of pay. Your regular pay rate upon separation will continue: 1 month beyond separation if you have more than 1 but not more than 3 years of service; 2 months beyond separation if you have more than 3 years but not more than 10 years of service; 3 months beyond separation if you have 10 or more years of service.
Are there payment options for separation pay?
No. Payments will continue for the defined period of time. Pay checks or remittances will be mailed to home addresses.
When will I receive the separation pay? Vacation payout?
Separation pay will continue for a defined period of time (see 'How is my separation pay calculated') on the same pay schedule to which you are accustomed. Pay will begin in the pay period immediately following the final regular pay. So, if you are an administrator and the final regular pay is June 30, the first separation pay will be July 31.
Vacation payouts will be paid in a lump sum in the pay period immediately following the final regular pay. (Example: If your final regular pay is June 30, an administrator can expect vacation payout to be July 31.)
Will my supplemental retirement account (403B and/or 457) contributions continue on my separation pay? What about my Vacation payout?
No, contributions to 403B or 457 accounts can only be made on regular pay. Separation pay is not considered regular pay. However, you may place your vacation payout into a supplemental retirement account. This will help you to avoid possible tax penalties. Contact your supplemental retirement account provider http://www.ohio.edu/hr/benefits/retirement/sra_providers.cfm to discuss this process. If you do not have a supplemental retirement account, visit http://www.ohio.edu/hr/benefits/retirement/sra.cfm to learn more.
If I am scheduled to receive a longevity bonus during the benefits extension period, will I receive the bonus?
No. Classified employee longevity bonuses are awards for continuous service. After separation, the service to the university ceases.
Will OPERS, STRS and ARP retirement contributions be deducted from my pay for the separation pay?
Yes, retirement contributions will continue to be made to the appropriate retirement system throughout the severance period.
Services
If I need to move my residence, can I utilize the university's discount rates through contracted vendors?
Yes. The university has negotiated rates with United Van Lines and Pro Moving Systems. Contact information follows:
- Pro Moving Systems Ltd (an Atlas Van Line)
Matt Swintek
5389 Washington Rd, Albany, OH 45710
740-698-1005Parks Moving Companies (a United Van Line)
- Kirk Stoner
PO Box 1878, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066
800-877-6683 ext 3962
How can I get copies of records from my personnel file?
Classified personnel records are housed at University Human Resources and may be accessed by contacting the Records department at 593-2096.
Administrator personnel records are housed within the respective department or planning unit and may be accessed by contacting your supervisor.
Who can I contact regarding:
- Benefits questions
- Outplacement Assistance
- Separation pay and vacation payouts
- State service credit transfers
- Retirement
For any questions you have related to the layoff, you may contact one central Human Resources number at 593-1636.
Where can I access a computer?
You may access a computer with internet, a campus phone and a printer at University Human Resources. Please call 593-1636 or 593-1226 to make arrangements.
Is there someone who can help me with resume writing and interview skills?
Outplacement assistance will be available and can help with services such as resume and cover letter writing, job search techniques and skills, interview skills, industry research, etc. Please contact 593-1636 or 593-1226 for more information.
Will my email account remain active?
Yes, email accounts will remain active for one year beyond the termination date.
Will I continue to have parking privileges?
Regular parking privileges will end at the termination date; however, if you have meetings at University Human Resources or elsewhere on campus after the termination date, please contact 593-1636 for a temporary permit.
Will I be able to continue to take advantage of discounts currently afforded to employees?
Yes. The following discounts will apply with the specific time-frames indicated:
- WellWorks Membership – FREE for one year beginning at time of notice of position abolishment or at termination date
- Performing Arts Series – Coupons will be available for certain events
- Athletic season and single event tickets – employee pricing to continue for one athletic season
- Computer Purchase discounts through the Office of Information Technology – employee level discounts for one year beyond separation
- Relocation discounts available through United Van Lines and Pro Moving Systems
Unemployment Compensation
I am a classified employee whose position is being abolished and I have displacement rights. If I choose NOT to exercise those rights and elect to go on layoff status, does that affect eligibility for unemployment compensation?
No, that will not impact eligibility.
I am a classified employee on layoff status and get recalled to a lower classification within my classification series. If I decline the lower classification, but remain on a recall list for my (higher) classification, will that affect unemployment compensation benefits?
Yes, it could. Those situations will be reviewed by unemployment on a case-by-case basis with a review of job suitability to the position being recalled to.
Health, Life & Educational Benefits What options are there for making health insurance premium payments during the health benefits extension period?
Healthcare insurance premiums will be deducted from separation pay. After separation pay has ended, individuals must pay their premiums via check to University Human Resources, 169 W Union Street, Athens, OH 45701.
Will life insurance coverage continue during the benefits extension? Will the supplemental life insurance I have elected in the past also continue? If so, how do I pay my premiums?
The university life benefit of 2.5 times salary to a maximum of $50,000 will remain active for the length of the benefits extension period.
My son/daughter planned to enroll at Ohio University in the Fall. Do my dependents still qualify for tuition assistance?
No. Educational benefits will continue for those employees and qualifying dependents who are currently enrolled at time of notice. The benefit will be at the same level received at termination. Tuition assistance may continue 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.
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.
