University of Wisconsin–Madison

Layoff or Non-Renewal

Definitions of Layoff

Layoff of University Staff is defined as the termination of service of a permanent employee based on a lack of funding, an organizational change, or a shortage of work. More information is available in Layoff of University Staff Policy UW-5077.

Layoff of Academic Staff is the termination of an academic staff member’s employment because of a funding loss or a budget or program decision (as defined in ASPP 1.03) either prior to the end of the appointment or when proper notice of nonrenewal under ASPP 3.05 cannot be given. If proper notice of nonrenewal has been given, the provisions of this chapter do not apply. Layoff is neither dismissal for cause (ASPP 6) nor nonretention of a probationary appointee (ASPP 4). Find details at Academic Staff Layoff Policy UW-705 (ASPP chap 5).

Faculty Policies and Procedures, Chap 10-Layoff or Termination Policy UW-810, defines layoff, for the purposes of this chapter, as the indefinite suspension or involuntary reduction in services and compensation of a faculty member’s employment by the University of Wisconsin System (Wis. Stat. 36.22(1)(a)).

Benefits at Layoff

If you reduce your hours; the following charts show the effect on your benefits.

Definition of Non-Renewal

Nonrenewal is the termination of an academic staff member’s employment at the end of the appointment because of funding loss, a budget or program decision, or unsatisfactory performance, when proper notice of nonrenewal under Academic Staff Policies and Procedures: Chapter 3.05 is given.

Benefits at Non-Renewal

Nonrenewals are treated as a termination and are not eligible for three additional months of health coverage at the employer rate. Refer to the Termination Page for more information.

Further Clarification for Academic Staff

For a nonrenewal, two criteria must be met:

  • correct amount of notice based on years of service must be given to the employee

AND

  • the termination date must be no earlier than the end of the current appointment

A layoff occurs if one of the following criteria are met (in each case proper layoff notice must be given):

  • the employee does not receive proper nonrenewal notice based on the years of service

OR

  • the termination date is earlier than the end of the current appointment

Did you find what you need?