Layoffs and Reemployment

If it is determined that the duties and responsibilities associated with a certain position are no longer required by the university and a permanent employee is presently filling that position, the person with the least seniority in that classification will be placed in a layoff status. Additional layoffs should be made in order of ascending seniority.

Whenever it becomes necessary to reemploy one or more employees in a classification, the employee last laid off by seniority shall be reemployed first, and further reemployments will be made in the order of seniority until the reemployment register for the classification is exhausted (Statute and Rules, 250.110.c). Departments are required to contact Civil Service Employment and Classification for consultation regarding procedures for handling abolished positions. It is required that a status employee receive a written notice at least 30 calendar days in advance of the effective date of the layoff when such layoff exceeds 30 consecutive work days. However, the effective date of the layoff may be extended up to 15 days without the requirement of further notice. The department is requested to give Civil Service Employment and Classification at least 6 weeks advance notice of any possible layoffs. A status employee who has been laid off will have reemployment rights when another opening occurs in the specific classification.

If an employee is going on layoff, prior to the last day of work he/she should arrange an appointment with Human Resources to discuss continuation of benefits. When an employee is returned from layoff status, the department should notify Human Resources by submitting a Change of Status form.

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services will offer laid-off employees continuation of health and dental insurance at the employees' own expense for up to 18 months.

Members of the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) on layoff status more than 120 days may apply for a refund of their retirement contributions. Upon acceptance of a refund, the employee forfeits all accrued rights and credits in the retirement system. Upon subsequent return to state university employment, an employee will be considered a new employee for retirement system purposes.