Leaving the UA
If you are leaving the University of Arizona, there are some important things to know.
This page will help you navigate these changes and make the most of the new opportunities they create.
How Separation Affects Benefits
You may have questions about your health benefits, retirement plans, accrued sick and vacation leave, qualified tuition reduction, email accounts, and other benefits. Please visit the How Job Change Or Separation Affects Your Benefits webpage for full guidance.
Separation
(n.) the act of leaving your University position for any reason, including resignation, layoff, termination, or nonrenewal of contract.
Preparing for Retirement
For comprehensive information about planning for, transitioning through, and thriving beyond University retirement, download and view our guides. Choose the correct version based on your retirement plan.
Getting Ready to Retire Guide - ASRS (PDF) Getting Ready to Retire Guide - ORP (PDF)
For more information about retiring, visit the Division of Human Resources' Road Ahead website.
View all University of Arizona and state retirement forms.
UA Retirement Advisors
For questions about retiring from the University, or to schedule a one-on-one retirement advising session, contact the retirement advisor based on your location and the first letter of your last name below:
| Location | Advisor | Advisor's Email | Advisor's Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Campus & College of Applied Science and Technology | |||
| Last Names A–D | Souky Coneway | thammarath@email.arizona.edu | 520-626-1854 |
| Last Names E–K | Renee Aragon-Verdugo | aragonr@email.arizona.edu | 520-626-2986 |
| Last Names L–Q | Mike Krebbs | pkrebbs@email.arizona.edu | 520-621-3668 |
| Last Names R–Z (Retirement Only) | Diane Nelson | dianenelson@email.arizona.edu | 520-626-1750 |
| UA Health Sciences | Andres Gabaldon | andresg1@email.arizona.edu | 520-626-4650 |
| COM Phoenix | Michelle Wilson | wilson1@email.arizona.edu | 602-827-2624 |
Reduction in Force/Nonrenewal
If you have experienced a layoff or nonrenewal, please review these transitional support services to help you navigate this difficult period to find and land your next position.
Applying for Internal University Positions
University Staff who are laid off are still eligible to apply for internal-only University positions. If you obtain another benefits-eligible position within the University prior to your separation effective date, you can be transferred to the new position immediately.
Outplacement Services
The University has contracted with two outplacement firms, Professional Development Strategies and Right Management, to support employees affected by reductions in force, nonrenewals, or career transitions. Outplacement firms provide career transition services to help you identify and land new employment. Examples include:
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Help with writing a resume and positioning yourself on social media
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Refining job search strategies
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Identifying needs and opportunities for professional skills development
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Honing interviewing skills
In some cases, a department may agree to pay for outplacement services when an employee is laid off or nonrenewed. Individual University employees may also contact these vendors directly and pay out-of-pocket. If you identify yourself as a University employee, you can receive the University's contracted rate.
Professional Development Strategies (PDS)
Representative: John Singer
Phone: 520-395-0574
Email: jsinger@pdscareers.com
PDS is a local Tucson firm that specializes in one-on-one, personalized service and crafting a customized resume. They have global capability but their network is focused in Arizona, New Mexico, and eastern California. Service packages range from one-day workshops (groups only), to 30, 60, 90, or 180 days of weekly consultations with unlimited consultant access.
Right Management
Phone: 602-381-0011
Email: rightphoenix@right.com
Right Management is a global career and talent management firm, with offices worldwide. Clients can meet with consultants in-office or via various virtual environments. A sophisticated online client portal offers a wealth of information online. Service packages range from a half-day webinar to 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, or 12-month packages geared to different levels of professionals.
State and County Resources
State and county governments offer career support that you may be eligible for. Please review the following resources available to you.
Unemployment Insurance
You may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Contact the Department of Economic Security (DES) Employment Security Administration offices to learn more or apply.
Visit DES website
Or, if in Tucson, call: 520-791-2722
View the Arizona Unemployment Insurance Information PDF.
Career Search Resources
Pima County one-stop career centers provide reemployment services, including job search assistance, career counseling, skills workshops, resume and interview practice, unemployment insurance information, use of computers and other office equipment, and library resources.
Visit One-Stop Career Centers
Or call: 520-798-0500
Resources for Employees
It is normal for job changes to cause stress and anxiety. The University offers support options for employees to help navigate this period. Please reach out for more information.
Employee & Career Advising
Advisors offer phone and in-person consultations on a wide range of issues, including career guidance, employment separation advising, and employee relations. Targeted sessions are available for job separation advising, job search planning, résumé review, and mock interviewing. Please call to set up an appointment.
Main Campus:
520-621-3660
Health Sciences Tucson:
520-626-5593
Health Sciences Phoenix:
602-827-2600
Employee Assistance Counseling
Free, confidential short-term counseling is available to active benefits-eligible employees through Life & Work Connections. This service can provide you with emotional support in advance of your transition.
Visit Counseling Webpage
Or call: 520-621-2493