CORNELL UNIVERSITY
POLICY LIBRARY
Separations, Voluntary and
Involuntary, Including
Layoff (Excluding Academic
and Bargaining Unit Staff)
Policy 6.12
Volume 6, Human Resources
Chapter 12, Separations
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1
P
OLICY
S
TATEMENT
Cornell University administers involuntary and voluntary separations from the
university as equitably, humanely, and consistently as possible.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
REASON FOR POLICY
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appropriate staffing is critical to the university’s mission of excellence in
teaching, research, and public service. In addition, the university recognizes that
there are situations where a staff member will separate from the university, due
to changes in the wishes or needs of the university or the individual.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ENTITIES AFFECTED BY THIS POLICY
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- All units of the university (excluding Weill Cornell Medicine)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WHO SHOULD READ THIS POLICY
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Deans, directors, and department heads
- College/unit human resources representatives
- Regular nonacademic, non-bargaining unit staff members
- Supervisors
- Unit administrators
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WEB ADDRESS FOR THIS POLICY
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
www.dfa.cornell.edu/policy/policies/separations-voluntary-and-
involuntary-including-layoff
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review:
May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary
(Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2
C
ONTENTS
Policy Statement .......................................................................................... 1
Reason For Policy ........................................................................................ 1
Entities Affected By This Policy ................................................................. 1
Who Should Read This Policy .................................................................... 1
Web Address For This Policy ..................................................................... 1
Related Documents ...................................................................................... 4
Contacts ........................................................................................................ 4
Definitions .................................................................................................... 5
Overview And Procedures For Removal From The
Payroll ........................................................................................................... 7
Introduction ........................................................................... 7
Voluntary Separations ........................................................... 7
Involuntary Separations ......................................................... 8
Procedures For Removal From The Payroll .......................... 8
Vacation ................................................................................ 8
Exit Procedures ..................................................................... 8
Layoff: Overview ......................................................................................... 9
Introduction ........................................................................... 9
Applicability .......................................................................... 9
Decision To Adjust Workforce ............................................. 9
Involuntary Change In Hours .............................................. 10
Elimination Of Position ....................................................... 10
Reassignment As An Alternative To Layoff ....................... 10
Layoff Package .................................................................... 11
Layoff Period....................................................................... 11
Responsibilities Of The Staff Member During the
Layoff Period....................................................................... 11
Case Manager ...................................................................... 11
Layoff: Procedures .................................................................................... 12
Criteria For Selecting An Individual ................................... 12
Selection And Approval Process ......................................... 12
Layoff Documentation ........................................................ 13
Notice Period ....................................................................... 14
Pay In Lieu Of The Notice Period ....................................... 15
Staff Members' Right To Grieve/Complain ........................ 15
Layoff Responsibilities .............................................................................. 16
Layoff Package ........................................................................................... 18
General Comments .............................................................. 18
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September
1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including
Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CONTENTS, CONTINUED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3
Severance Pay ..................................................................... 20
Benefits And Services ......................................................... 22
Short-Term Layoff .................................................................................... 24
Decision To Adjust Workforce ........................................... 24
Applicability ........................................................................ 24
Notice Period ....................................................................... 24
Benefits And Services ......................................................... 24
Holiday Pay ......................................................................... 25
Acceptance Of Temporary Employment During
Short-Term Layoff .............................................................. 26
Failure To Return ................................................................ 26
Forms And Tools ....................................................................................... 27
Index ........................................................................................................... 28
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September
1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including
Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4
R
ELATED
D
OCUMENTS
University Documents
University Policy 6.11.3, Employee Discipline (Excluding Academic and Bargaining Unit
Staff)
University Policy 6.6.1, Filling Vacancies (Excluding Academic and Bargaining Unit Staff)
University Policy 6.9, Time Away from Work (Excluding Academic and Bargaining Unit
Staff)
University Policy 6.4, Prohibited Bias, Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual and Related
Misconduct
Credited Service Information
Human Resources Policy 6.11.2, Probationary Period
Human Resources Policy 6.11.4, Staff Complaint and Grievance Procedure
C
ONTACTS
Direct any general questions about University Policy 6.12, Separations, Voluntary
and Involuntary (Including Layoff), to your college’s or unit's administrative or
human resource office. If you have questions about specific issues, call the following
offices:
Subject
Contact
E-mail/Web address
Telephone
Policy Clarification,
Exceptions, and
Interpretation
College/Unit Human
Resources
Representative
Division of Human
Resources, Workforce
Policy and Labor
Relations (WPLR)
hr.cornell.edu/find
-your-hr-
representative
equalopportunity@cornell.
edu
(607) 255
-4652
Benefits, Endowed
and Contract College
Division of Human
Resources, Benefit
Services
”Benefits according to job
status”
hr.cornell.edu/benefits
-
pay/benefits
-enrollment
(607) 255
-3936
Career Services
Consultations
Division of Human
Resources, Workforce
Recruitment and
Retention
(607) 254
-6400
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5
D
EFINITIONS
These definitions apply to these terms as they are used in this policy.
Career Services
A wide range of support systems available to assist in
maximizing reemployment
efforts of the staff member
selected for layoff. The services are available until the
staff member secures regular
full-time or part-time
employment inside the university, the outplacement
agreement ends, or
six months from the date of layoff
notification whichever comes first.
Case Manager
The person assigned to coordinate and assist with the
support provided the staff member selected for layoff.
This may be an internal university representative or an
outplacement agency.
Casual Appointment
An appointment to
a position of less than 20 hours per
week.
College/Unit Human
Resources Representative
The primary human resource administrator at the
college
or unit level.
Continuous Service
Uninterrup
ted time holding a regular appointment or a
benefits
-eligible temporary appointment.
Credited Service
See
Credited Service information on the Human
Resources website.
Effective Date of Layoff
The official date of separation from the university's
payroll due to layoff
.
Full-time Position
A position of at least 35 hours per week. May Apply to
a regular
or temporary appointment.
Indefinite Appointment
A regular
appointment without a specified ending
date.
Job Search Assistance
A wide range of support systems available to assist in
m
aximizing reemployment efforts of the staff member
selected for layoff. The services are available until the
staff member secures regular
full-time or part-time
employment inside the university
, the outplacement
agreement ends, or
six months from the date of layoff
notification whichever comes first.
Layoff
A status that results in an indefinite elimination of
employment or an indefinite increase or decrease in
hours of 25
percent or more that occurs over a period
of 12 months or less
, or a reduction below 20 hours
per workweek. Layoff results from lack of funds or lack
of work, reorganization,
or position redesign.
Layoff Package
Career services,
benefits, and/or severance pay,
provided to staff members who are qualified under the
terms of this policy.
Layoff Period
The layoff period for all eligible staff members,
including those on term appointments
, begins on the
effective date of layoff and ends one year from the
effective date of layoff, or when the individual is hired
into a regular position inside the university, whichever
is earlier.
Outplacement
External career services
that may be provided to
maximize reemployment
efforts.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including
Layoff)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DEFINITIONS, CONTINUED
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6
Part-time Position
A position of less than 35 hours per week. May apply
to a regular
or temporary appointment.
Regular Appointment
An appointment to a non
-temporary position of at least
20 hours per week with an expected duration of at
least six months.
Short-Term Layoff
A workforce adjustment of up to three months
resulting from changes in business needs, including,
but not limited to, the availability of funding or a
reduction in available work.
Sponsored Funds
Funds provided to the university th
at have limitations
or stipulations placed on their use by an external
party. These include contracts,
cooperative
agreements
, government grants/contracts, and non-
government gra
nts/contracts.
Temporary Appointment
An appointment to a position of at least 20 hours per
week with an expected duration of less than six
months.
Term Appointment
A regular
appointment with an ending date specified
at the time of the appointment.
Unit
A department,
college, school, program, division, or
other entity that is responsible for a
n individual's
employment.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7
O
VERVIEW AND
P
ROCEDURES FOR
R
EMOVAL
FROM THE
PAYROLL
Voluntary Separations
A voluntary separation is one that results when a staff member leaves a job on
his or her own initiative, through resignation, retirement, job abandonment, or
leave of absence. Voluntary resignations shall not be subject to the staff
complaint and grievance procedure.
Resignation
Nonexempt staff members who resign from their positions are normally expected
to provide written notification to their supervisors at least ten working days prior
to the date of separation. Exempt staff members who resign are expected to
provide written notification at least one month prior to the date of separation.
Retirement
A staff member who retires is considered to have voluntarily terminated
employment.
Leave of Absence
For more information on university leaves of absence, see
University Policy 6.9,
Time Away from Work (Excluding Academic and Bargaining Unit Staff).
Job Abandonment
A staff member shall have abandoned his or her job when the staff member
has failed to call in and directly notify the supervisor of the reason for
absence from work for three consecutive work days. Job abandonment will
also occur when a staff member fails to return to work or directly notify the
supervisor of the reason for absence within three consecutive working days
after any approved leave of absence, disciplinary suspension, or recall from
layoff status.
When a staff member has abandoned his or her job, that staff member shall
be immediately terminated from Cornell University employment.
Introduction
This document provides guidance and procedures for situations involving
separations of staff members from the university, including removal from the
payroll, layoff, and short-term layoff. Separations are voluntary or involuntary
terminations from the university.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OVERVIEW AND PROCEDURES FOR REMOVAL FROM THE
PAYROLL, CONTINUED
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8
Involuntary Separations
An involuntary separation is one initiated by the university, and may result for
a variety of reasons, including layoff and discharge.
Layoff
For information on layoff, see the “Layoff” sections of this document.
Short-term Layoff
For more information on short-term layoff, see the “Short-term Layoff” section of
this document.
Termination of Employment
A staff member's employment may be terminated for reasons that include but are
not limited to uncorrected performance deficiencies or serious misconduct.
Termination of employment is a serious action and requires consultation with the
college/unit human resources representative (or designee) and Workforce Policy
and Labor Relations prior to taking such action. All terminations must be
documented in accordance with University Policy 6.11.3, Employee Discipline
.
Procedures for Removal
from the Payroll
Upon the termination of a staff member, a transaction in the HR/Payroll system
must be processed immediately. As appropriate, either a copy of the resignation
letter or a copy of the termination letter must be retained by the unit as part of the
human resources record.
Vacation/Holidays
Refer to the Vacationand Holiday Time” sections of
University Policy 6.9,
Time Away from Work for information regarding endowed and contract
college holiday and vacation pay at the time of termination.
Exit Procedures
The Exit Procedure Checklist is a quick reference of potential items that
should be collected and/or destroyed. This procedure applies to all
nonacademic staff members who have terminated employment. It is suggested
that a copy of the completed checklist be retained in the unit files for at least
one year. This process ensures that staff terminations are processed effectively
and efficiently. A sample Exit Procedure Checklist can be found at
hr.cornell.edu/hr-professional-tools/layoff-early-terminations/exit-procedures
.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
9
L
AYOFF
:
O
VERVIEW
The three “Layoff” sections of this policy serve two purposes: to help ensure that
procedures for staff layoff are consistent throughout the university, and to provide
information and resources to staff members when layoff is imminent and during
the layoff period. The procedures are presented in three major sections. The first of
these, "Layoff: Overview," describes the university's policy on the administration
of layoffs in units. The second, " Layoff: Procedures," describes university and
staff procedures before and during layoff. The third, “Layoff Package," outlines
what benefits laid-off staff members are entitled to and what other resources and
services are available to them.
Applicability
The “Layoff” sections of this policy apply to the following:
Nonacademic, regular, full- and part-time staff members who have been
employed by the university for more than one continuous year
Nonacademic full- and part-time staff members on term appointments or
extended term appointments who:
1. Have completed at least one year of the appointment; and
2. Are not allowed to complete their agreed-upon term of employment
owing to the layoff (for information on calculating severance pay, see the
"Severance Pay" segment of this document).
Note: In certain cases, when the university transitions work to another
employer, employees affected by the transition who accept employment with
the new employer may be ineligible for coverage under the layoff and
severance pay provisions of this policy. Factors that will be assessed on a
case-by-case basis by the human resource (HR) representative in conjunction
with appropriate college/unit leadership include continuity of employment
after the transition, business circumstances underlying the transition, and
comparability (e.g., salary and benefits) of the successor positions.
Decision to Adjust
Workforce
Decisions to pursue a workforce adjustment(s) are the responsibility of the
head of the unit. All proposed workforce adjustments require the approval of
Workforce Policy and Labor Relations (WPLR), the Department of Inclusion
and Workforce Diversity and University Counsel. College/unit human
Introduction
When faced with changing economic and programmatic imperatives, Cornell
University may have to adjust its work force. In cases where immediate
retraining or reassignment is not possible, the university will administer layoff
actions in as equitable, humane and consistent manner as possible.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAYOFF OVERVIEW, CONTINUED
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10
resources representatives and/or WPLR should be consulted early in the
process to ensure that these decisions are made in an equitable, consistent, and
humane manner. Workforce adjustments may be due to changes in the
availability of funding, a reduction in available work, significant changes in
the duties for one or more positions, and/or a reorganization of the unit, which
results in involuntary changes in hours, or the elimination of positions.
Involuntary Change in
Hours
An increase or decrease of 25 percent or more of a staff member's regularly
scheduled hours that occurs over a period of 12 months or less, or a reduction
that results in a position of less than 20 hours per week, is subject to the
provisions in this policy. In such cases, the staff member may:
Continue in the regular position (20 hrs/wk or more) with changed hours and
not be subject to the provisions of this policy; or
Enter a layoff period and receive a layoff package in accordance with this
policy (see the "Layoff Package" sections of this document).
Note: A change in hours made at the request of a staff member is considered
voluntary and is not covered by the provisions of this policy.
Elimination of Position
If there is no longer sufficient work to perform for a position, if the work has
been shifted to other positions, or if the position can no longer be funded, then
the position may be eliminated. The staff member may be reassigned to
another position or laid off (see "Reassignment as an Alternative to Layoff"
segment of this document).
Reassignment as an
Alternative to Layoff
If the college or unit contains a vacant or new position and the unit head
determines the staff member identified for layoff is qualified for an available
position, the unit head, at his or her discretion, may reassign the staff member.
The staff member who is offered a reassignment will not be required to accept
a position with a lower job level or salary. In such instances, the staff member
will be placed on layoff status. However, absent such circumstances, the
reassignment may be made in lieu of layoff at the discretion of the unit head.
If the unit head wishes to reassign the staff member, he or she should discuss the
salary level with the college/unit human resources representative. The salary must
be at a level that reflects the following:
The staff member’s experience and qualifications
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAYOFF OVERVIEW, CONTINUED
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11
The requirements of the position
Internal equity
The unit’s financial capabilities
Layoff Package
Laid-off staff members will generally be provided with a layoff package
composed of three elements: job search assistance, severance pay, and benefits
(see the "Layoff Package" section of this document).
Layoff Period
The layoff period for all eligible staff members, including those on term
appointments, begins on the effective date of layoff and ends one year from
the effective date of layoff, or when the individual is hired into a regular
position inside the university, whichever is earlier. During the layoff period,
staff members are eligible for certain benefits according to the provisions of
this policy. Acceptance of temporary or casual employment, inside or outside
the university, will not affect the layoff period.
Responsibilities of the
Staff Member During the
Layoff Period
The staff member has the following responsibilities during the layoff period:
to actively seek a new position that is appropriate to skills and abilities
to keep the case manager advised of a current address and telephone
number
Caution: Failure to perform any of the above tasks may result in the termination
of the layoff period and all associated benefits.
Case Manager
A case manager is assigned to the staff member being laid off, by the
college/unit human resources representative in collaboration with the
supervisor. This individual, who may be the college/unit human resources
representative or designee, or an outplacement agency, will work with the staff
member for the six months following notice of layoff or for the duration of the
outplacement agreement. The case manager will contact the staff member who
has been officially identified for layoff and arrange an introductory meeting to
discuss the job search process and to provide information about benefits and
services available. (For more specific duties, see the "Job search assistance"
segment of this document).
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12
L
AYOFF
:
P
ROCEDURES
The ability of each staff member (in the same university job title and pay
band within that unit) to perform the work following the reduction in
staff, including past performance evaluations or documented employment
history
The ability of the principal investigator or project director, where a
sponsored program is affected, to meet the obligations to the sponsor in a
timely manner. The principal investigator and the department chair will
jointly review the impact on the sponsored program before submitting a
request for layoff to the dean or executive officer, as outlined in this
policy
2. If the staff members are found to possess equal abilities, (i.e., they are equally
able to perform the remaining work, and the sponsored program, if applicable,
is not negatively impacted), then the unit head should consider the following
criteria:
Affirmative Action: The supervisor, in consultation with the college/unit
human resources representative, should evaluate whether the layoff will
seriously reduce the proportion of women or minorities in the unit and
whether affirmative action goals have been established for the affected
position(s).
Note: When affirmative action goals are involved in the decision-making
process, staff members in the Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity
are available to discuss this action before submitting your proposal.
Length of Service: If all other factors are equal, length of service should
be strongly considered, to be evaluated based on the staff member's
credited service. The college/unit human resources representative can
assist in determining the credited service.
Selection and Approval Process Responsibility of College/Unit Human Resources Representative
In determining who will be laid off, the college/unit human resources
representative has the following responsibilities:
Criteria for Selecting an
Individual
1. If there is more than one staff member in the affected unit in the same
university job title and pay band as the position/s to be eliminated, to
determine who will be laid off, the unit head must first consider the
following:
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAYOFF: RESPONSIBILITIES, CONTINUED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13
Prepare the written layoff plan documentation in collaboration with unit
leadership and supervisor(s). (See Documentation section later in this policy)
Review the final layoff proposal with the unit head for their approval
Submit the agreed upon layoff proposal for required central review,
consideration and approval
Upon receiving central approval:
Retain the documentation on file for purposes of compliance or potential
grievance resolution
Prepare a formal written notice of layoff for review by unit head and
supervisor
Identify the case manager or outplacement arrangement, in collaboration with
the staff member's supervisor
Notify the case manager of the impending layoff
Obtain a layoff packet from Workforce Recruitment and Retention to provide
to the employee, along with formal written notice
Responsibility of Unit Head
The unit head has responsibility for determining which, if any, positions will be
affected by layoff. Throughout the proposal review process, the unit head must
consult with the affected employee's supervisor, the college/unit human resources
representative, and/or WPLR. In developing the proposal, the unit head must
consider the following:
Available funding
Required staffing levels
Proper distribution of workloads
The type and number of positions to be reduced or eliminated
The unit head should determine the specific knowledge, skills, competencies,
attributes, and performance standards necessary to support the unit's current
and prospective operational requirements
Layoff Documentation
The college/unit human resources representative must document the decision-making
process that was followed in the layoff determination.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAYOFF: RESPONSIBILITIES, CONTINUED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14
This document must contain the following:
The reason for layoff (e.g., reorganization, position redesign, lack of work
including indefinite change in hours, or lack of funds)
The title and pay band of the staff member(s) to be affected by the layoff plan
The name(s), length of service, and affirmative action status of staff members
within the unit, in position(s) having the same university job title(s) and pay
band(s) as the position(s) to be eliminated
The name(s) of staff members selected for layoff and the rationale for the
selection
Any plans for reassignments within the unit
The name of the assigned case manager
Notice Period
A staff member must receive a notice period of at least 30 calendar days for transition
to layoff status. During this period, the staff member will generally remain on the
unit's active payroll and continue to work until the effective layoff date.
Note: Once a decision is made regarding layoff, it is recommended that the
staff member be notified of the pending layoff as early as possible to allow the
staff member to begin a job search. A notification of 60 calendar days is
recommended; 30 calendar days is required. Refer to the "Sponsored Fund
Severance Pay" segment of this document for additional information on notice
period for positions funded by sponsored funds.
The unit head may delegate responsibility for the following steps to process the
layoff action and start the formal notice period to the staff member's supervisor
and/or the college/unit human resources representative:
Give the staff member a formal written notice of the pending layoff, at least 30
calendar days before the effective layoff date, and a copy of the layoff packet. This
written notice must include the reason for the layoff, the effective layoff date, and
the name of the case manager assigned to assist the staff member throughout the
layoff period. See the sample formal written notice of layoff
.
1. Send a copy of the formal written notice to the staff member’s supervisor, the
college/unit human resources representative, and the case manager.
2. Support the staff member's requests for time off for upgrading job skills and
job searches during the notice period.
3. Provide the staff member with a letter of reference if requested.
4. Help the case manager identify the staff member's areas of competence, and
career and job placement needs.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAYOFF: RESPONSIBILITIES, CONTINUED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15
5. With the staff member, establish a time by which all university property will be
returned and personal property removed.
6. Complete the process to effect the change in the staff member’s employment
status (change in hours, reassignment, or layoff) including the appropriate
reviews and approvals at the college and/or unit levels.
Pay In Lieu of the Notice
Period
In unusual circumstances, after consultation with the college/unit human resources
representative, the unit head may decide that the staff member will not remain on
the unit's active payroll during the required notice period. The unit is still
responsible for paying the staff member an amount equal to his or her regular salary
or wage through the end of what would have been the staff member's notice period.
This pay in lieu of the notice period does not affect the severance pay that the staff
member will receive.
Note: Units are required to honor the notice period in support of the university’s
commitment to consistent and humane treatment under this policy.
Tools to assist in this process are available at https://hr.cornell.edu/hr-professional-
tools/layoff-early-terminations.
Staff Members' Right To
Grieve/Complain
If a laid-off staff member has concerns about the layoff,
Human Resources Policy
6.11.4, Staff Complaint and Grievance Procedure is available to review the
department head's consideration of affirmative action, length of service, and the
staff member's ability to perform the remaining work. Grievances must be filed
within 10 working days from the date the staff member receives written
notification of the impending layoff.
The grievance procedure is not available to review other actions under the provisions
of this policy regarding layoff, including, but not limited to the unit head's
determination of the need for a layoff, the number of staff members to be laid off, the
reassignment decision, or the positions to be eliminated.
If the laid-off staff member believes that the layoff decision has resulted in some
form of discrimination, University Policy 6.4, Prohibited Bias, Discrimination,
Harassment, and Sexual and Related Misconduct, provides an internal university
procedure for complaints of prohibited discrimination.
For more information, contact the college/unit human resources representative, the
University Ombudsman, or WPLR, in the Division of Human Resources.
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Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
16
L
AYOFF
R
ESPONSIBILITIES
The major responsibilities each party has in connection with a layoff are as follows:
Benefit Services
Notify laid
-off staff members of their right to convert to an
individual health insurance
COBRA policy.
Benefits Resource
Specialist
Review
available benefits for laid-off staff members.
Ensure that the appropriate forms
are provided to the staff
member.
Case Manager
Work with supervisors
to identify a laid-off staff member's
area of competence.
When a staff member is on layoff status,
provide support and
assistanc
e in helping to a) obtain information about benefits
and services and b) identify career goals and job search
strategies (see the
"Case Manager" segment of this
document.
College/Unit Human
Resources
Representative
Review
and /or propose final layoff plans to the unit head.
May consult with a representat
ive of the Workforce Policy and
Labor Relations
section of the Division of Human Resources.
Submit agreed upon layoff proposal for required central
review, consideration, and approval.
Prepare and retain
written layoff plan documentation.
Identify and notify a case manager
for a laid-off staff member.
When appropriate, act as case manager
to laid-off staff
members.
Provide advice, guidance, an
d assistance throughout a staff
member's layoff period
.
Former Supervisor
Provide timely notification of layoff to affected staff members.
When appropriate, act as case manager
to laid-off staff
members.
Give an accurate reference on laid
-off applicants to
prospective employers.
Hiring Supervisor
Interview all laid
-off staff members who are qualified and
apply for open positions
.
Give appropriate
preference to laid-off staff members who
apply for positions
.
Staff Member
During the layoff period
, conduct regular job searches.
During the layoff period
, provide accurate and timely
information to
the case manager.
Unit Head
Responsible for determining which, if any, positions will be
affected by layoff, the number of staff members to be laid off,
and the positions to be eliminat
ed.
Notify an affected individual of a reduction in his or her hours
worked.
Consult with the staff member's supervisor,
the college/unit
human resource
s representative, and the case manager
throughout the layoff process.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAYOFF: RESPONSIBILITIES, CONTINUED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
17
Workforce Policy and
Labor Relations
(WPLR)
Consult with staff members and the
college/unit human
resource
s representatives regarding administration of this
policy.
When appropriate, act as case manager
to laid-off staff
members.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
18
L
AYOFF
P
ACKAGE
Role of the Laid-off Individual
Identify internal employment opportunities by reviewing the Jobs at Cornell
intranet site and other resources on a regular basis and apply as directed in the
job advertisement, in a timely manner, to positions for which the staff member
is qualified.
Identify external employment opportunities through local resources and apply
as directed in the job advertisement, in a timely manner, to positions for which
the staff member is qualified.
It may be desirable to discuss positions of interest with the case manager
before submitting application materials. This may assist in selecting positions
that best match the staff member's skills and abilities.
Request a letter of reference from the supervisor and/or unit head, which will
identify strengths and assist in the job search. For suggestions on how to
handle this request, contact the case manager or college/unit human resources
representative.
Review benefits. An appointment with a human resources services and
transitions counselor may be set up upon request.
Role of the Hiring Supervisor
In support of the university's efforts to reemploy laid-off staff, when a laid-off staff
member applies for an open position, the hiring supervisor will:
Offer an interview to all laid-off applicants who meet the qualifications for the
open position.
General Comments
Upon layoff, the staff member will receive a layoff package composed of three
elements: job search assistance, severance pay, and benefits/services. These
elements are described in the paragraphs that follow.
Job Search Assistance
When notified of layoff, the staff member will receive assistance in the search for
another position. These services may be provided internally or through an
outplacement agency, as determined by the college/unit human resources
representative and the case manager. The ability of the unit to pay for outplacement
services and the type of position held will be important considerations when
deciding the scope of these services. The section below outlines the responsibilities
of the laid-off individual, of the college/unit human resources representative, and
of the case manager.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAYOFF PACKAGE, CONTINUED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
19
Consider whether the conditions outlined in the "Probationary Period as a
Condition of Hiring" segment of this policy are appropriate.
Role of the College/Unit Human Resources Representative
The college/unit human resources representative may help with the following:
Identifying possible opportunities within the college/unit
Facilitating application process within the college/unit
Role of the Case Manager
The case manager will provide support and assistance in helping to obtain
information about benefits and services available, and identify career goals and job
search strategies. Generally, the case manager will begin working with the staff
member from receipt of layoff notice. This assistance will continue until the staff
member secures regular full-time or part-time employment inside the university,
the outplacement agreement ends, or six months from the date the services are
engaged, whichever comes first. The case manager will be determined by the
college/unit human resources representative and may be the college/unit human
resources representative or designee or an outplacement agency.
The case manager may help the staff member with the following:
Understanding the application process
Pursuing appropriate open positions within the university
Arranging for skills and/or career assessment
Identifying training opportunities
Reviewing cover letter and résumé
Improving interview skills
Note: Regardless of the expiration date of case management services, the layoff
period begins on the effective date of layoff and ends one year from the effective
date of layoff, or when the individual is hired into a regular position inside the
university, whichever is earlier.
Probationary Period as a Condition of Hiring
During the layoff period, a hiring supervisor may offer a laid-off individual an
exempt or nonexempt position with the stipulation that a probationary period be
served. The following conditions apply:
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
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Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAYOFF PACKAGE, CONTINUED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
20
The probationary period will be up to 90 calendar days, with possible 30-
calendar-day extension
The details of the probationary period (including the specific length) are stated
in the offer letter as a condition of the appointment, and thereby deemed
agreed to upon the individual’s acceptance of the position
Note: The provision of Human Resources Policy 6.11.2, Probationary Period
that states the length of the probationary period is 90 calendar days, may be
waived under University Policy 6.12, Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary
(Including Layoff), and a shorter probationary period may be imposed, as stated in
the accepted offer letter. The probationary review form should be used to formally
document the end of the probation.
Except in cases of misconduct, if the staff member does not pass probation, he/she
will be returned to layoff status to complete any time that remains in the layoff
period.
Recall from Layoff
If the former position (i.e., same university job title, pay band, duties, and
responsibilities and requiring the same qualifications) of the staff member(s) on
layoff is reinstated within the same unit during the individual's layoff period, the
recall decision will be based on the same criteria used for making layoff decisions
(see the “Criteria for Selecting an Individual” in the “Layoff Procedures” section
of this policy). If recalled, the individual(s) will return at least at the same salary
level as their former position and will be eligible to enroll in the benefit
program(s) available at the time of recall.
Note: The department reserves the right to consider prior performance when
determining if a laid off staff member will be recalled.
Severance Pay
The purpose of severance pay is to provide some financial assistance to staff
members to help them deal with the initial difficulties that may result from the loss
of employment. It is not intended to be recognition of years of service with the
university.
Therefore, staff members who accept a regular position at Cornell that will begin
within two weeks of their effective date of layoff are not eligible for severance
pay.
Note: In certain cases, when the university transitions work to another employer,
employees affected by the transition who accept employment with the new
employer may be ineligible for coverage under the layoff and severance pay
provisions of this policy. Factors that will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAYOFF PACKAGE, CONTINUED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
21
the human resource (HR) representative in conjunction with appropriate
college/unit leadership include continuity of employment after the transition,
business circumstances underlying the transition, and comparability (e.g., salary
and benefits) of the successor positions.
Staff members who are laid off under the provisions of the Layoff” sections of
this policy will receive severance pay at the rate of one week of pay per year of
continuous service, not to exceed 24 weeks. Severance pay is calculated at the rate
of the staff member’s regular base pay at the time of written notification, and is
issued as a lump sum payment.
Caution: Severance pay is a unit cost.
Note: If a staff member has been laid off previously and received severance
pay for prior service, and then rehired and subsequently laid off, he or she will not
receive severance pay for the same period of service.
Term Appointments Severance Pay
Staff members on term appointments who are eligible for layoff will receive
severance pay equal to their pay for the remainder of their term or based upon
their years of continuous service, whichever is less.
For example, if an employee has worked 4 1/2 years of a five-year term and will
be placed on layoff status, to determine their severance pay, consider the
remainder of their term, which is six months (pay would be equal to six months
salary) and their years of service, which is 4 1/2 years (pay would be equal to 4 1/2
weeks salary). In this case, the 4 1/2 weeks salary is less than the six months
salary, so the severance pay amount would be 4 1/2 weeks.
Note: When granting agencies allow compensation only for work performed,
staff members will be given extra notice up to 24 weeks, depending on their years
of continuous service, in lieu of severance pay. If they do not find other
employment at Cornell by the effective layoff date, any unearned portion of the
severance pay will be paid in a lump sum as of that date, calculated at the rate of
the staff member's regular base pay at the time of written notification.
Sponsored Fund Severance Pay
When a position is funded 50 percent or more by sponsored funds and is not a term
appointment, notice and severance pay may be handled in one of two ways:
1. Thirty calendar days formal notice plus one week of severance pay for every
year of continuous service, not to exceed 24 weeks, or
2. If the employee has
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAYOFF PACKAGE, CONTINUED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
22
Thirteen or fewer years of continuous service: 90 calendar days notice
period in lieu of severance pay is required;
More than 13 years of continuous service: 90 calendar days notice period
plus additional notice or severance pay of one week per year(s) of
continuous service over 13 years is required.
Maximum total notice or notice plus severance pay (including 90 calendar days) is
24 weeks.
Note: When granting agencies allow compensation only for work performed,
staff members will be given extra notice up to 24 weeks, depending on their years
of continuous service, in lieu of severance pay. If they do not find other
employment at Cornell by the effective layoff date, any unearned portion of the
severance pay will be paid in a lump sum as of that date, calculated at the rate of
the staff member's regular base pay at the time of written notification.
Benefits and Services
Staff members are entitled to a continuation of certain benefits. For information
on university contract college and endowed benefits, refer to "Benefits According
to Job Status" at hr.cornell.edu/benefits-pay/benefits-enrollment
, or contact
Benefit Services by e-mail or telephone (see the “Contacts” section of this
document). Refer to Table 1 below for other services available to staff on layoff
status.
Caution: Failure to make any required premium payments on any benefit will
result in the discontinuation of that benefit.
Table 1
Other Services, Layoff
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
(FSAP)
During the layoff period, staff members are eligible to use FSAP services.
Network Identification and Access
During the layoff period, network identification and access to Cornell's computer services remain
active, and the laid-off staff member is expected to abide by the terms of applicable university
policy. Upon acceptance of a position outside the university, or when the layoff period expires,
network identification will be deactivated.
Note: Each unit reserves the right to restrict or deactivate access to electronic local and
administrative systems as necessary.
Parking Permits/Transit Passes
The laid-off staff member is permitted to park, free of charge, in the "A" parking lot, during the
layoff period. Parking permits for other lots must be returned to Transportation Services, which
will issue an "A" lot permit. OmniRide transit passes may be used until the current pass expires
(June 30 or December 31). Out-of-county transit pass holders must pay the remaining balance due
for that six-month period. Transit passes may not be renewed upon expiration.
Health and Personal Leave
If the laid-off staff member is hired into a regular position during the layoff period, health and
personal leave accrued before the layoff will be restored.
Unemployment Insurance
The Department of Labor has established an automated system to apply for unemployment
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAYOFF PACKAGE, CONTINUED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
23
insurance. Call toll-free 1-888-209-8124 or go to http://www.labor.ny.gov/ to apply.
University Identification Card
The university ID card is retained throughout the layoff period, and entitles the laid-off staff
member to the privileges that the card confers, including the use of libraries. To retain access to
libraries, go to the Access Services' office in 101 Olin Library, where a library card will be issued.
Vacation
Unused, accrued vacation will be paid in a lump sum.
Wellness
The laid-off staff member is eligible to enroll in this program during the layoff period. Contact
program staff for cost and availability.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
24
S
HORT
-
TERM
L
AYOFF
Decision to Adjust
Workforce
Decisions to adjust the workforce are the responsibility of the head of the unit.
College/unit human resources representatives and/or consultants from the
Workforce Policy and Labor Relations office should be consulted early in the
process to ensure that these decisions are made in an equitable and consistent
manner. Short-term workforce adjustments of up to three months may result
due to changes in business needs, including, but not limited to, the availability
of funding or a reduction in available work.
Staff members impacted by such a workforce adjustment are
placed on short-term
layoff without
pay (for information regarding the use of vacation accruals during a
short-term layoff, see Table 2, below.)
Workforce adjustments that exceed three months are considered indefinite layoffs
and are subject to the provisions outlined in the “Layoff” sections of this policy.
Notice Period
A staff member should receive a written notice at least 30 calendar days prior to
the effective date of the short-term layoff. Such a notice should include the specific
period of temporary layoff, including anticipated return-to-work date for the staff
member. During the notice period, the staff member will generally remain on the
unit’s active payroll and continue to work until the effective short-term layoff date.
If extenuating circumstances prevent a 30-calendar day notice, written notice
should be provided to the staff member as soon as possible.
Note: Once a decision is made regarding short-term layoff, it is recommended
that the staff member be notified of the pending short-term layoff as early as
possible.
Benefits and Services
Staff members are entitled to a continuation of certain benefits while on short-
term layoff provided they met the eligibility requirements for each particular
benefit at the times of their layoffs. For information on university contract
college and endowed benefits contact Benefit Services by email or telephone
(see the “Contacts” section of this document). Refer to Table 1 below for
other services available to staff on short-term layoff.
Caution: Failure to make any required premium payments on any benefit will
result in the discontinuation of that benefit.
Applicability
This policy applies to nonacademic regular staff members who work full- or part-
time, including those on term appointments.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SHORT-TERM LAYOFF, CONTINUED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
25
Table 2
Other Services, Short-term Layoff
Network Identification and Access
During the short-term layoff period, network identification and access to Cornell's computer services
remain active, and the staff member is expected to abide by the terms of applicable university
policy.
Note: Each unit reserves the right to restrict or deactivate access to electronic local and
administrative systems as necessary.
Parking Permits/Transit Passes
The staff member is permitted to park, free of charge, in the "A" parking lot, during the short-term
layoff period. Parking permits for other lots must be returned to Transportation Services, which will
issue an "A" lot permit. OmniRide transit passes may be used until the current pass expires (June 30
or December 31). Out-of-county transit pass holders must pay the remaining balance due for that
six-month period. Transit passes may not be renewed upon expiration.
Health and Personal Leave
A staff member will not accrue and may not use accrued health and personal leave while on a short-
term layoff. Health and personal leave accrued prior to the short-term layoff will be restored upon
return to work.
Unemployment Insurance
The Department of Labor has established an automated system to apply for unemployment
insurance. Call toll-free 1-888-209-8124 to apply.
Note: Reporting to the local unemployment
office is no longer necessary. If your short-term layoff occurs between academic terms or semesters,
this may impact your eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits.
University Identification Card
The university ID card is retained throughout the short-term layoff period, and it entitles the staff
member to the privileges that the card confers, including the use of libraries. To retain access to
libraries, go to the Access Services' office in 101 Olin Library, where a library card will be issued.
Vacation
A staff member who is notified of an upcoming short-term layoff may request to use accrued
vacation, in accordance with University Policy 6.9, Time Away from Work: Vacation. The
supervisor must approve such arrangements. If approved, the effective date of short-term layoff will
be the first day after the use of vacation time ends. Any accrued vacation time not used will be
restored upon return to work. Vacation time will not accrue while a staff member is on short-term
layoff.
Wellness
The staff member is eligible to enroll in this program during the short-term layoff period. Contact
program staff for cost and availability.
1. The period of short-term layoff is less than thirty calendar days.
2. He or she is placed on short-term layoff within seven calendar days:
Of the upcoming university holiday, or
Immediately before the last day of final exams before the start of the
winter holiday
3. He or she is placed on, or recalled from, short-term layoff during the
university holiday.
4. He or she is recalled from short-term layoff within seven calendar days:
After the end of the university holiday, or
After the first day of regular classes following the winter holiday
Holiday Pay
A staff member on short-term layoff shall be eligible to receive holiday pay for
university holidays if the situation meets one of the following criteria:
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SHORT-TERM LAYOFF, CONTINUED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
26
Acceptance of Temporary
Employment During
Short-Term Layoff
Acceptance of temporary or casual employment, inside or outside of the university,
will not affect the short-term layoff period. For information about benefits during
temporary employment while on short-term layoff, contact the Benefit Services
office at 255-3936.
Failure to Return
A staff member's failure to return to his or her regular Cornell employment when
the short-term layoff ends will result in termination of employment. For
information applicable to your individual situation, contact your college/unit
human resources representative or designee. Contact the Benefit Services office for
information regarding benefits upon termination.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
27
F
ORMS AND
T
OOLS
Name
Description
Sample Layoff Letter Sample layoff letter for notifying employees of layoff status.
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
28
Absences ....................................................................... 7
Accruals ................................................................ 25, 26
Affirmative Action ..................................................... 13
Applicability ......................................................... 10, 25
Approval ............................................................... 14, 16
Bargaining unit ............................................... 1, 4, 7, 25
Bargaining unit staff ..................................................... 1
Benefit services .......................................................... 17
Benefits ................ 4, 5, 10, 12, 17, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27
Career services .................................................. 5, 12, 19
Career Services ....................................................... 5, 19
Case manager .......................5, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20
Casual employment .......................................... 5, 12, 27
COBRA ...................................................................... 17
College ................................................ 4, 5, 6, 11, 16, 20
College/unit human resources representative 1, 4, 5, 11,
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 25, 26
Complaint and Grievance Procedure, Employee ........ 16
Computer services ................................................ 23, 26
Contacts ........................................................................ 4
Cooperative agreement ................................................. 6
Credited service .................................... 4, 13, 22, 23, 25
Criteria ........................................................................ 13
Dean ........................................................................ 1, 13
Definitions .................................................................... 5
Department ................................. 1, 6, 13, 15, 16, 23, 26
Department Head .......................................................... 1
Division ........................................................................ 6
Division of Human Resources .................... 4, 13, 17, 25
Documentation ................ 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 21
Documents, related ....................................................... 4
Endowed ........................................................... 4, 23, 26
Exceptions .................................................................... 4
Exempt ................................................................ 7, 8, 21
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) ........... 23
Forms .......................................................................... 17
Full-time ................................................................. 5, 20
Government .................................................................. 6
Grants and contracts ..................................................... 6
Grievance .............................................................. 14, 16
Hiring supervisor ...................................... 17, 19, 20, 21
Holiday .............................................................. 8, 26, 27
Identification card ................................................. 24, 26
Indefinite appointment .................................................. 5
Insurance ............................................................... 17, 26
Job placement .............................................................. 16
Job search ........................................................ 15, 17, 20
Layoff package ............................................ 5, 10, 11, 12
Layoff period .... 5, 10, 11, 12, 15, 17, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27
Layoff status .................................. 11, 15, 17, 21, 22, 23
Length of service ............................................. 13, 15, 16
Library .................................................................. 24, 26
Minority ...................................................................... 13
Network identification .......................................... 23, 26
Nonacademic employees ......................................... 1, 10
Nonexempt staff .................................................. 7, 8, 21
Notice period ............................................. 15, 16, 23, 25
Offer letter ................................................................... 21
Ombudsman ................................................................ 17
OmniRide .............................................................. 24, 26
Organizational Development and Employment Services
................................................................................ 18
Outplacement ................................................................ 5
Parking permit ....................................................... 24, 26
Part-time ............................................................ 5, 10, 20
Pay band ................................................................ 13, 15
Payroll ................................................. 5, 7, 8, 15, 16, 25
Principal investigator .................................................. 13
Probationary period ........................................... 4, 20, 21
Program ....................................................... 6, 13, 24, 26
Project director ............................................................ 13
Property, university ..................................................... 16
Reassignment .............................................................. 11
Recall from layoff ....................................................... 21
Reemployment .............................................................. 5
Regular employment .. 1, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 16, 20, 22, 23,
24, 25, 27
Reorganization .................................................. 5, 11, 15
Responsibilities ......................................... 12, 14, 17, 21
su ........................................................................ 20
I
NDEX
Cornell Policy Library
Volume 6, Human Resources
Responsible Executive: Vice
President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Responsible Office: Workforce
Policy and Labor Relations
Originally Issued: September 1998
Reissued: October 8, 2007
Last Full Review: May 8, 2018
Last Updated: May 8, 2018
Policy 6.12
Separations, Voluntary and Involuntary (Including Layoff)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
INDEX, CONTINUED
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
29
Retirement .................................................................... 7
Retraining ................................................................... 10
Review ................................................ 13, 14, 16, 17, 21
School ........................................................................... 6
Severance package ...................................................... 12
Severance pay ......................5, 10, 12, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23
Sick leave.............................................................. 24, 26
Sponsored funds ............................................... 6, 15, 23
Standard hours .............................................................. 8
Statutory ............................................................. 4, 8, 25
Supervisor ........................ 1, 7, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 26
Temporary employment ......................... 5, 6, 12, 25, 27
Term appointment........................... 6, 10, 12, 22, 23, 25
Termination .............................................. 7, 8, 9, 12, 27
Training ...................................................................... 20
Transit pass ........................................................... 24, 26
Transportation Services ......................................... 24, 26
Unemployment insurance ..................................... 24, 26
Unit administrator ......................................................... 1
Unit head ............................................................... 17, 18
University leave ............................................................ 7
University Leave of Absence ........................................ 7
Vacation ...................................................... 8, 24, 25, 26
Waiver of search ......................................................... 20
Wellness ................................................................ 24, 26
Workforce Diversity and Inclusion ....................... 10, 13
Workforce Policy and Labor Relations (WPLR) ... 4, 10,
11, 14, 17, 25
Written notice .................................................. 14, 15, 25