* Note: Please be advised that there was an update to this Voluntary Separation Program information on November 8, 2023. Learn More.
September 19, 2023
Dear Faculty & Staff,
The strengths and achievements of SUNY Potsdam stem from the contributions of dedicated faculty and staff. The President of SUNY Potsdam and President’s Council are committed to seeking solutions to budget constraints that recognize the contributions of those who have helped develop and sustain our reputation for excellence. As such, the campus is offering a one-time, local, Potsdam Voluntary Separation Program (“VSP”) to all SUNY Potsdam full-time employees. It is important to note that this VSP is but one part of a larger program to “right-size” SUNY Potsdam’s operations.
SUNY Potsdam employees who are in a full-time status effective September 19, 2023, who are New York State (“NYS”) retirement eligible as of September 19, 2023, may participate based upon the following table:
| Years of Full-time Service | New York State Retirement Eligible | Lump-sum payment based on full years of full-time NYS service as of September 19, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| 10 < 25 | Yes | $1,000 for every eligible year of service (e.g., 17 full years of full-time service = $17,000 lump-sum payment) |
| 25 + | Yes | $25,000 lump-sum payment (max) |
Eligibility
- To participate in the program, interested employees must meet eligibility requirements.
- Full-time employees who are NYS retirement eligible, with at least 10 years full-time NYS service as of September 19, 2023, and in good standing at time of application may apply for the program.
- Eligible employees must complete the Application to Participate Form (“Application”) and hand-deliver said form to Human Resources (“HR”) by no later than December 1, 2023, 4:30 p.m. The form must be signed in black or blue ink.
- Interested employees must participate in a mandatory consultation with HR to receive additional information on the VSP (e.g.: lump-sum amount, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, sick leave calculation, etc.).
Pertinent Information
- All applications will be considered on a rolling basis as received, by the President (and/or their designee(s)) with final decisions communicated to the applicant no later than December 15, 2023.
- The President reserves the right to approve or deny any VSP applications.
- Only voluntary separations taking place between October 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 close of business will be considered. Specific schedules will be negotiated with individuals based on specific department needs and the overall “flow” of the separation impact on overall campus operations.
- Eligibility to participate does not guarantee approval nor does submission of an Application.
- Full-time employees, on an approved leave (e.g.: Sabbatical, FMLA, etc.), are considered full-time for the purposes of eligibility for this program.
- An employee who has received formal written notice of an involuntary separation from Potsdam is not eligible to participate.
- The date used to calculate years of State service will be September 19, 2023.
- Participation in the program is voluntary.
- Approved VSP participants should assume they will not be rehired by Potsdam in any capacity.
- Approval of applicants will be based on the needs of the College.
- The VSP lump-sum distribution is taxable income from a non-state entity.
- Employees who are interested in reviewing their options are encouraged to seek counsel from their tax advisors, retirement system representatives, financial planner, the Social Security Administration, before deciding to apply to participate. Employees represented by a union also have the right to consult with their union representative.
- To view additional frequently asked questions, click here.
| September 19, 2023 | VSP campus-wide announcement from President Smith/Melissa Proulx. |
| September 25, 2023 September 26, 2023 | VSP Informational sessions (led by HR) will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Click one of the links below to join an informational session. September 25, 2023 – 10-11am September 25, 2023 - 4-5pm September 26, 2023 – 12:30-1:30pm |
| September 19, 2023 – December 1, 2023 | Individuals are required to meet with HR for a consultation. HR will inform employees of their lump-sum payment and other important information. You must contact Maggie Mitchell in HR to make your mandatory consultation appointment at least 48 hours in advance of your desired date and time. |
| September 19, 2023 – December 1, 2023 | Employees must hand-deliver completed Applications to HR with signature in blue or black ink. Please note, employee must have completed HR consultation prior to submission of application. HR will forward the Application to the President who will approve or deny it. |
| December 15, 2023 | Employees will be notified no later than December 15, 2023 if their submitted Application for the VSP has been approved or denied. |
| No later than five (5) business days after confirmation the President has approved your application | Employees commit to participate in the VSP by providing an irrevocable letter of resignation to HR. Separation date must be on or before close of business on June 30, 2024. Employees may elect to separate from service prior to June 30, 2024. Participants must hand deliver the irrevocable letter of resignation signed in black or blue ink to Human Resources, within five (5) business days of receipt that your application was approved by the President. |
| June 30, 2024 | Final date of employment for approved VSP participants. Note, with approval, employees may retire earlier than June 30, 2024. |
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Melissa Proulx
Associate Vice President for Administration & Human Resources