Leaving the UA

The University of Arizona is constantly evolving, and that means you and your colleagues will likely experience departmental reorganizations, leadership transitions, or new structures prompted by emerging partnerships and affiliations. Being professionally nimble and well prepared will position you to navigate these changes and make the most of the new opportunities they create. If you have concerns, we encourage you to raise them with your department's leadership and stay in contact with your supervisors regarding organizational plans.

It's easier to move through transitions with confidence when you are aware of your strengths and interests, in tune with employment trends and familiar with the resources available inside and outside the University. We hope you find the following tools and information helpful.

Preparing for Retirement

For comprehensive information about planning for, transitioning through, and thriving beyond University retirement, visit the Division of Human Resources' Road Ahead website.

Click here to link to UA retirement forms.

UA Retirement Advisors

For questions about retiring from the UA 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:

Ending Your Employment

The following Job Separation Checklist & FAQs will guide you through key steps to take, information to find out, and things to know if you are ending your employment with the University.

Job Separation Checklist & FAQs for Classified Staff

Job Separation Checklist & FAQs for Faculty/Appointed Personnel

Information on Layoffs & Nonrenewals

• Applying for University Positions: You are eligible to apply for University positions, including internal-only positions, online at uacareers.com/. If you are successful in obtaining another benefits-eligible position within the University prior to your layoff effective date, your layoff status will cease and you can be transferred to the new position immediately.
• Unemployment Insurance: You may be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits. Contact the Department of Economic Security Employment Security Administration offices in Tucson at 520-791-2722.
• Benefits Continuation: You are eligible to continue medical, dental, and vision group insurance coverage under COBRA. Life insurance conversion options are also available. An information and enrollment packet will be mailed to you at the current home address on record. Please confirm your address is up-to-date in UAccess. Loss of medical insurance also qualifies you to purchase insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, which may offer less expensive options than continuing your insurance under COBRA. Visit healthcare.gov or phone (800) 318-2596.

For details on benefits termination dates, conversion options, and COBRA, see How Job Change or Separation Affects Your Benefits.

• Retirement Plans: You may be able to withdraw your contributions or retire from the Arizona State Retirement System or the Optional Retirement Plan. For more information, visit the Retirement Plans page.
• Qualified Tuition Reduction: You, your spouse, and your eligible dependents may continue to be eligible for the Qualified Tuition Reduction if you meet the requirements under ABOR Policy 6-902.
• Vacation and Sick Leave: Employees will be paid for accumulated vacation/annual leave hours in a lump sum, not to exceed the amount earned in one year, in accordance with Classified Staff Policy 200.0 and University Handbook for Appointed Personnel Policy 8.01.01. When business needs dictate, your supervisor can require you to use some or all accumulated vacation prior to the layoff/termination effective date. Sick time is not paid upon layoff/termination.
• Other Privileges: Other privileges may be available in accordance with the policies of sponsoring departments (CatCard discounts, University e-mail account, etc.).

Outplacement Services

The University of Arizona 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 job seekers identify and land new employment. Examples include

• help with writing a resume and positioning yourself on social media
• refining job search strategies
• identifying needs and opportunities for professional skills development
• honing interviewing skills

In some cases a department may agree to pay for outplacement services when an employee is laid off or nonrenewed. Individual UA employees may also contact these vendors directly and pay out-of-pocket. If you identify yourself as a UA employee, you can receive the UA contracted rate.  

Professional Development Strategies (PDS)

http://pdscareers.com/
Contact: John Singer, jsinger@pdscareers.com
520-395-0574

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

http://www.right.com/wps/wcm/connect/right-us-en/home/
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.

Resources for Employees

Employee & Career Advising

Advisors offer phone and in-person consultations on a wide range of issues, including career guidance, layoff and nonrenewal advising, and employee relations. Targeted sessions are available for job separation advising, job search planning, résumé review, and mock interviewing. Please phone to set up an appointment.

• Main Campus: 520-621-3660
• HR at UAHS: 520-626-2600

Employee Assistance Counseling

UA Life & Work Connections offers free, voluntary, confidential services to help you address a range of personal and work-related concerns you may be experiencing, such as retirement planning, stress associated with change and transitions, and job and career difficulties. You can arrange an appointment for short-term counseling, referral to community resources, or information about assistance through your health benefit provider.

Phone: 520-621-2493

Career Search Resources

One-Stop Career Centers: Pima County has several one-stop career centers that provide reemployment services including job search assistance, career counseling and assessment, workshops on employability skills, resume and practice interviewing, retraining/upgrading current skills, unemployment insurance information, use of computers and other office equipment, library resources.
Phone 520-798-0500 for information.

Quick Links to Policies

Layoff/Reduction in Force (Classified staff)

3.4 Suspensions and Terminations of Faculty Appointments

4A.4 Suspensions and Terminations of Continuing Status and Continuing-Eligible Academic Professional Appointments

4B.4 Suspensions and Terminations of Academic Professional Appointments

4C.4 Suspensions and Terminations of Service Professional Appointments

5.4 Suspensions and Terminations of Administrative Appointments