UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) – Penn State University is asking faculty of its Commonwealth Campuses to voluntarily depart from the university, launching a new "Voluntary Separation Incentive Program."
The university announced the program Wednesday, citing "challenges facing all of higher education," and declined enrollment.
Through the program, faculty who were considering retirement or would like to leave the university for other professional opportunities are given the ability to voluntarily terminate their employment for a lump sum payment equal to 12 months of their base salary and a subsidized health care plan for six months.
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We are currently working to identify every opportunity to strengthen our Commonwealth Campuses and achieve our budgetary objectives. This program allows us to make progress toward our organizational goals while also demonstrating the highest degree of respect and support for our employees who choose to partake in this program. As always, our teaching, research and service mission to the commonwealth remain at the very core of all decision making.
Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi
Information on eligibility is available through Penn State's Human Resources Department. The program's enrollment is open until May 31. Employees who choose to participate in the program will be prohibited from being employed by the university in any capacity, directly or indirectly, for a period of three years after their separation date, according to the university.
Penn State also said that involuntary layoffs and non-reappointments could occur in the future.
University officials said that there are no plans to implement the program at University Park, the law schools, or the College of Medicine.
