Inside Iowa State

June 11, 2009

Hoffman discusses early retirement numbers, planned position cuts

by Erin Rosacker

Executive vice president and provost Elizabeth Hoffman told Professional and Scientific Council members June 4 that 90 applications for the early retirement incentive option have been approved so far.

"The majority of those are merit, the second largest group are P&S, a very small number are faculty," she said.

Since ISU Extension's announcement of its reorganization plan that eliminated all county and area director positions, Hoffman said about a dozen Extension employees have taken advantage of the retirement option. She also said many counties rehired their directors as county employees.

Hoffman said ISU will present a budget update to the state Board of Regents June 11. It includes more planned position cuts submitted by units as cost-saving measures. Layoff notices could be sent to some P&S employees later this month, but Hoffman said notices likely will not be sent out in a single batch.

"We do expect notices to go out in time for anyone who is still eligible for [the retirement incentive option] to apply to their supervisors," she said.

Carla Espinoza, associate vice president for human resource services, said her staff is organizing information sessions for managers and supervisors of employees who receive layoff notices. Five sessions will be offered -- not required -- beginning next week.

"These sessions will try to help managers and supervisors try to start the conversation, make it as humane as possible," Espinoza said.

Espinoza and employee relations manager Kristi Darr told council members that other resources also are available to affected employees, including the employee assistance program and outplacement counseling. The benefits, retirement and employment office staff also are available.

Policies considered

Council members approved (30-1-1) a draft policy outlining dispute resolution procedures for P&S employees. The draft policy is available for public input in the online policy library until June 12.

The policies and procedures committee also introduced a new motion to endorse a proposed change to the Dismissal, Reorganization or Financial Conditions policy for P&S employees. The change specifies procedures for employees who wish to appeal their dismissal. Council members will vote on the motion at their Aug. 13 meeting.

Ninety applications for early retirement have been approved so far. More budget-cutting measures, including position cuts, are planned.