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VII. Workforce Reduction Targets

A. Business Justification for Program

The University of Virginia was directed by the Governor to reduce its General Fund appropriation for the 2002-2004 Budget Biennium by 16%, followed by another 12% in Fiscal Year 2003 and 14% in Fiscal Year 2004, for a total of $93.5 million as of December 1, 2002. Further, the Governor has warned state agencies that more cuts may be necessary, particularly for 2003-2004. As a result, the University is

investigating all means available to reduce operating expenses and meet budget targets, including faculty separations.

• 1. Each Vice President was required to develop a plan to meet projected reductions in his or her areas.


• 2. Budgetary units within each Vice President's reporting line underscored that their ability to meet reduced targets may depend on a reduction of personnel, especially at the faculty level.


• 3. The University strongly favors meeting reduction targets through the use of voluntary separations; however, the University reserves the right to pursue involuntary separations in accordance with University and Commonwealth policies in the event that sufficient savings cannot be obtained through this voluntary Separation Program.

B. Criteria

In the event that funding or other constraints limit the number of applicants who can participate in the Separation Incentive Program, a priority system has been established to choose among applicants. The criteria may include:

• 1. The impact of the loss of that employee on the University based on the University's strategic plan for the applicant's department;


• 2. For administrative faculty, the critical nature of administrative duties and the feasibility of other employees assuming those duties;


• 3. For instructional and research faculty,
  
  
  • a. Impact on education, including course load, excellence in teaching, and graduate advising load;
  
  
  • b. Impact on scholarship, including publication record, excellence in research, ability to obtain external funds, ability to be replaced on continuing research
  
  
  • c. Impact on University service, including service on University or departmental committees