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The north bridge across Cooper Street connects east and west campus Aug. 18 at UTA.\u00a0<\/p>\n
File photo \/ Samarie Goffney<\/a><\/p>\n The university has announced options and financial incentives for eligible employees \u201cwho may be considering retirement or other career transitions,\u201d according to the Office of Talent, Culture and Engagement website<\/a>. <\/p>\n In a Monday email, President Jennifer Cowley introduced a Voluntary Separation Program and a Phased Retirement Program, aiming to preserve funds amid \u201csignificant shifts in federal funding and policy.\u201d <\/p>\n Employees accepted into the Voluntary Separation Program will receive an immediate lump sum payment. The Phased Retirement Program \u2014 which is only available for tenured faculty or staff by invitation \u2014 will have employees work reduced hours for a limited period, with a payment split between two dates. <\/p>\n Employees accepted into the Voluntary Separation Program will voluntarily resign effective May 31. <\/p>\n Employees in the Phased Retirement Program will have the same resignation date and a blackout period from June 1 to Aug. 31 during which they cannot work for UTA. On Sept. 1, faculty will return to a nontenured adjunct position, working hours 50% full-time equivalent or less for up to two academic years. <\/p>\n Staff invited into the program will undergo the same process, but can only return to a staff position from Sept. 1, 2026, to Aug. 1, 2027 at a 25% or 50% full-time equivalent. <\/p>\n Those interested can fill out the expression of interest form<\/a>, and employees who received a notice of eligibility can attend an information session<\/a>. Employees can also find the program eligibility requirements on the website<\/a>. <\/p>\n @diegocllazo<\/p>\n