Layoff Information for University Support Staff (USS)
FAQs
Shortage of either work or funds is the most common reason for a layoff. A reduction in workforce, caused by either program changes or as the result of reorganization, can be other reasons that could create a layoff situation.
Not necessarily. A reduction in the University Support Staff (USS) workforce can be managed in different ways by the University (i.e., furlough, transfer of the affected employee to an available vacancy) in order to save funds.
Any position in which an individual was hired on a limited term basis, or a position designated as contingent on funding, will not be subject to layoff provisions. To determine if your position has either of these designations, check your offer letter or annual salary notice.
Positions covered by labor unions are subject to any layoff provisions as specified under the applicable Memoranda of Agreement (MOA).
Layoff scores are used to determine the order in which employees are laid off in the event that a designated area’s layoff request includes multiple positions within the same job title.
Layoff scores shall be computed according to the formula: A x 2 x L, where A and L have the following values: (1) A = the average of the 4 most recent performance review ratings (if available) of the employee and L = the length of service, expressed in months for non-union covered positions and by years for 1290PE members. Length of service for a retired employee who has returned to work will be calculated on the same basis as a new hire. The average for the performance review (A) shall be based on the following point scale: 9 = exceptional; 6 = exceeds expectations; 3 = meets expectations; and 0 = unsatisfactory. Evaluations submitted after the layoff notice has been received by HR will not be included in determining this average.
Layoffs are applied only to a designated area or unit as determined by the CHRO, or designee. If there are several workers in the designated area who have been designated for layoff with the same job title, layoff scores are calculated for all, and the individual with the lowest score is the one that will be identified for layoff if there are no staff serving on initial probation.
Representatives from HR will work with you to identify vacant positions for which you meet the minimum qualifications. Alternatives to layoff may be available such as a transfer or demotion into a vacant USS position elsewhere within the University. If placement in a vacant position isn’t possible, then closer to the layoff effective date, HR may look at possibly terminating an employee who is serving on initial probation in a job title for which you qualify.
HR will first determine whether or not there are probationers in your same job title. In this case, it’s usually the last hired probationer that will be the first terminated. In some cases, if a position requires certain job skills, and you do not possess those skills, we will look at the next most recent hired probationary employee.
All individuals placed within a different unit/area will be placed on initial probationary status, regardless of previous years of service within the University.
HR will be in contact with the departmental supervisor no later than three months after placement to determine if the job is a good fit. At that time the supervisor or HR could request the probationary period to be lifted, continued to the end of the six months probationary period, or even extended beyond the initial six months depending upon the circumstances. In the event that a performance issue has been identified, an employee may be terminated at anytime while on initial probationary status.
In this case you will be laid off.
You may request to be laid off voluntarily.
If you are laid off because there is no position available or if the alternative position offered represents a significant decrease in pay, you generally should be eligible for unemployment benefits. However, if a comparable position is offered (your same shift or even a different shift) and refused, you may be ruled ineligible for unemployment compensation by the agency (Kansas Department of Labor) that makes those determinations. Also, before being laid off, you should contact the Benefits Office at benefits@ku.edu for information about how your benefits will be affected. Benefits can also provide information regarding COBRA coverage for continuation of health insurance benefits as necessary.
You have the option of declining the position and the layoff will proceed, but remember to do so may affect your eligibility for unemployment.
HR tries to consider your preference about job placement. However, job qualifications will be evaluated and feedback will be collected from the hiring department before making a placement assignment. The final placement decision will be made by the CHRO, or identified designee.
Contingent upon the availability of funds, the University will attempt to match your current rate, provided that it is within the salary band for the new job title. However, a lower salary may be offered.
Anyone laid off, either voluntarily or involuntarily, will be given strong consideration for rehire for USS positions for 6 months after the effective date of the layoff. This consideration applies only to jobs with the same title and for which all minimum qualifications have been met. It is important that you contact the HR Employment Office to let them know when you have made application for a position.
HR provides a variety of services to support employees who are facing a loss of job through the non-reappointment process. Please visit Resources for Employees Separating from KU for more information.