Policy

Notice

Unclassified administrative staff (UAS) positions may be eliminated due to budget constraints (to include lack of funds or lack of work), reorganization, and reasons of efficiency or with the written approval of the appropriate vice president. Fulltime members of the UAS are entitled to at least two (2) months advance written notice of position elimination. Fulltime members of the UAS with five (5) or more years of continuous fulltime Miami service are entitled to five (5) months advance written notice of position elimination.

UAS employment terminates at the end of the notice period or at the end of the professional leave (see the section of this policy titled “Professional Leave”), whichever is later. The employee is expected to fulfill the duties and responsibilities to which he or she is assigned during the notice period. This policy does not apply to termination for cause (see the policy “Unclassified Administrative Staff Disciplinary Procedures”) or nonrenewal of an appointment.

Assistance with Finding Suitable Employment

The University provides outplacement assistance in the form of résumé writing assistance, interview training, and employment counseling.

Professional Leave

A fulltime UAS employee with at least five (5) years of continuous fulltime Miami service who has not secured other employment by the end of the notice period will receive one month of professional leave with pay and benefits. Professional leave under these circumstances is for the purpose of securing other employment. Upon request, the employee may be assigned clerical support to assist in this process. Professional leave is in addition to the notice period, and it is in addition to any other benefits due to the employee, such as pay for accumulated vacation. Employees on professional leave do not accrue vacation or sick leave.

If other employment has not been secured by the end of the professional leave, the University will provide severance pay to a fulltime UAS employee with at least five (5) years of continuous fulltime Miami service. The severance pay program is intended to provide financial assistance during a period of employment transition. Eligible employees receive one week of severance pay for each completed year of continuous Miami service beyond five (5) years. Should the eligible employee retire or secure other employment prior to or within the severance pay period, he or she shall receive one-fourth (1/4) of the unused severance pay in a lump sum. Employees who participate in a University Cash Bonus Retirement Incentive Program are not eligible for professional leave or severance pay.

Employees receiving professional leave or severance pay are required to notify the appropriate personnel office as soon as other employment is obtained.

Extension of Fee Waiver

The University will extend the fee waiver benefits provided in the policy “Fee Waivers” section “Reduction in Force Benefit” for eligible fulltime UAS employees and their eligible family members for a period of 365 days from the date of notice of position elimination.

Relocation of Employee

If deemed appropriate by the department and responsible vice president, the employee may be moved to another location on campus any time after the receipt of notice through the end date of employment.

Challenges

An employee who believes the selection for elimination of his or her position is in violation of a University policy, practice, or procedure may file a grievance under the “Grievance Procedures Available to Members of the Unclassified Administrative Staff” policy. An employee who believes the selection for elimination of his or her position is in violation of the Policy Prohibiting Harassment and Discrimination may file a complaint with the Office of Equal Employment and Opportunity (OEEO).

Exclusions

This policy does not apply to vice presidents and unclassified administrative staff positions held by tenured members of the faculty, part-time, intermittent or temporary employees, the athletic director, coaches, or persons hired with grant or external funds.

Related Form(s)

Not applicable.

Additional Resources and Procedures

Not applicable.

FAQ

Not applicable.

Policy Administration

Next Review Date

7/1/2023

Responsible Officers

• Associate Vice President for Human Resources Management

Legal Authority

Not Applicable.

Compliance Policy

No

Recent Revision History

Reference ID(s)

• MUPIM 13.8
• OAC 3339-13-8

Reviewing Bodies

Administrative