VIP-2017 FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

 

A. General
B. Eligibility Criteria
C. The Effective Date of Separation
D. Starting Retirement Income Benefits
E. Payment for Vacation and Compensatory Time
F. Applying for VIP-2017
G. VIP-2017 Review Process
H. The Separation Agreement
I. Miscellaneous Questions

 

A. General

1. What are the goals of VIP-2017?

The goals of the VIP-2017 are to provide opportunities for units to reduce salaries/wages and associated benefit costs and to redirect positions to focus on higher priorities.

2. If I apply for the VIP-2017, am I guaranteed approval?

Participation in VIP-2017 does require University approvals. See the Review and Application Process for more information.

3. What are the VIP-2017 incentive benefits?

VIP-2017 participants will receive a one-time Income Replacement payment equal to 75% of annual salary or annualized hourly wage, to a maximum of $100,000.00 and payment for unused vacation, sick time and compensatory time, per law, CSU policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

B. Eligibility Criteria

1. Who is eligible?

Full-time, regular staff employees of Cleveland State University on a permanently funded salary line who by March 1, 2017 meet the following requirements:

• At least 15 years of full-time service with the University, and
• Meets all other retirement eligibility requirements of the pension plan in which the employee participants.

2. Who is not eligible?

The following employees and individuals are not eligible to apply for or to participate in the VIP-2017:

• Employees whose status is part-time, temporary or casual;
• Employees who are not on permanently funded salary lines;
• Employees who are rehired retirees; Employees who may be classified as a “key individual, i.e., vice president, Grade 11 associate/assistant vice presidents, etc.
• Employees who have started to receive OPERS, STRS, OPERS-LE, SERS, or ARP retirement benefits on or before March 1, 2017.
• Retirees who worked for an employer who participated in OPERS, STRS, OPERS-LE, SERS, or ARP retirement plans and who have been rehired by Cleveland State University.
• Employees who may be using vacation accruals to bridge to an already-specified separation date arranged prior to March 1, 2017.
• Employees who have already signed a formal separation agreement with Cleveland State University.
• Employees who have been given notice prior to March 1, 2017, of their involuntary termination from Cleveland State University

C. The Effective Date of Separation

1. What is the effective date of separation under the VIP-2017?

On or before June 30, 2017.

2. Can I leave earlier than the approved separation date?

Any decision to leave earlier than the approved separation date must be approved by the participant’s supervisor, subject to the educational and operational needs of the University.

3. Can I use up my vacation time before leaving?

With department head approval, employees may use vacation time before leaving the University up to the annual limits stated in the respective collective bargaining agreement, “CSU and You,” or the “Professional Staff Personnel Policies.”

4. If I take time off before my separation date, do I have to return to work on my last day?

The University policy that requires a person to be at work on his or her last day will be waived for the VIP-2017. With department head approval, employees separating under VIP-2017 may use a vacation on the day of separation. 

D. Starting Retirement Income Benefits

1. Will CSU make payments to my pension plan based on my Income Replacement Payment? 

The Income Replacement Payment is not considered compensation and contributions will not be made to any OPERS Retirement Plan or the Alternative Retirement Plan based upon it. 

2. Do I have to start drawing my Social Security benefits or my retirement plan income if I leave under VIP-2017?

Participants do not have to start drawing these benefits if they leave under VIP-2017. However if a Participant is 70 years old or older s/he may be subject to additional requirements for both Social Security and retirement plan benefits. Please, consult with Social Security, OPERS and/or your Alternative Retirement Plan provider.

3. Will I have enough time to apply for OPERS or Social Security benefits since both require up to 90 days or more to process?

Yes, the plan provides enough time to apply for OPERS or Social Security benefits during the necessary time frame.

4. Who do I contact if I have questions about my Social Security or OPERS benefits?

Social Security	Contact the local Social Security Administration Office
OPERS	1-800-222-PERS (7377)
Alternate Retirement Plan	Your Plan Provider
Retirement Services in The Department of Human Resources	Benefits@csuohio.edu or (216) 687-3636

5. Will CSU purchase service credit for me?

CSU will not purchase service credit for those who are approved for VIP-2017.

E. Payment for Vacation and Compensatory Time

1. What payment will I receive for my unused vacation time off when I separate?

VIP-2017 Participants will receive a lump-sum payment for accrued but unused vacation time as of their separation date, in accordance with normal University policies and the same as any other separating employee. More information about pay for unused time off can be found in the respective collective bargaining agreements, “CSU and YOU,” and the “Professional Staff Personnel Policies.”

2. Is pay for unused time off in addition to the VIP-2017 benefits or does it reduce my VIP-2017 benefits?

The amount of pay for unused time off is in addition to VIP-2017 and does not reduce VIP-2017 benefits.

F. Applying for VIP-2017

1. How do I apply for the VIP-2017?

• Applications for VIP-2017 are to be made on the available online application from April 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017 at https://www.csuohio.edu/hrd/2017-voluntary-incentive-plan-application-form

2. I don’t have a computer at home or work, how can I apply?

There are public access computers throughout the University which can be used to apply for VIP-2017 online.

3. I don’t know how to use a computer, is there a paper application?

Employees who need assistance completing the online application should go to the Human Resources Offices, located in the Parker Hannifin Administration Center, Room AC113.

4. I would like to withdraw my VIP application.  How do I do so?

• Applicants may withdraw their application anytime up to seven days after signing the Separation Agreement by:

1. Completing the online withdrawal form which may be found at https://www.csuohio.edu/hrd/2017-voluntary-incentive-plan-withdrawal-form, or
2. Sending a notice of revocation VIA CERTIFIED U.S. MAIL, addressed to:

Jesse S. Drucker
Assistant Vice President|Chief Human Resources Officer
Cleveland State University
2121 Euclid Avenue, AC 113
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

and post-marked no later than on the 8th day following the date of employee's execution of the agreement.

G. VIP-2017 Review Process           

1.  Is acceptance of my application automatic?

All staff members who meet the criteria described in Section B1 are eligible for the Plan. Who will review the applications?

The Department of Human Resources, as the first level, will first review the VIP-2017 application to confirm the employee’s eligibility to participate. The application will then be reviewed by the Vice President, Dean or Provost, depending on the division in which the employee resides, and Vice President, Business Affairs & Finance and the President’s Office.

3. When will I know if my application has been approved?

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning April 1, 2017.  Applicants will be notified no later than June 15, 2017 whether or not their application has been approved.

4. My application has been denied.  May I ask that it be reconsidered?

If the Initial Reviewer disapproves the VIP-2017 application, the employee may request reconsideration, or provide proof of length of service sufficient to meet the eligibility requirements.

H. The Separation Agreement

1.  What is the Separation Agreement and why do I have to sign it?

The Separation Agreement is a legal document whereby the employee voluntarily separates from the University; unconditionally releases the University from claims; and receives the benefits provided by the VIP-2017. It is necessary that both the employee and the University fully understand the terms of the agreement and signatures are necessary to confirm that understanding.

2. What happens if I do not sign the Separation Agreement?  Do I still get the VIP-2017 benefits?

If the Separation Agreement is not signed, then the VIP-2017 benefits will not be received.

3. How do I get a copy of the Separation Agreement and when do I sign it?

A copy of the Separation Agreement is included in the VIP-2017 Plan Document (PDF) which will be sent to all eligible employees.  After the application approval process has been completed, the Department of Human Resources will send the employee another copy of the Separation Agreement with instructions on signing and returning it. 

4. Should I seek legal advice before I sign the Separation Agreement?

You have the option and are encouraged to seek legal counsel as part of this process and the Separation Agreement requires the employee to acknowledge the opportunity to review the Agreement with an attorney before signing it.

5. I have changed my mind.  How do withdraw the signed Separation Agreement?

An employee has seven calendar days after signing the Separation Agreement to withdraw from the agreement by completing the online withdrawal or sending a notice VIA CERTIFIED U.S. MAIL, addressed to

Jesse S. Drucker
Associate Vice President|Chief Human Resources Officer
Cleveland State University
2121 Euclid Avenue, AC 113
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

and post-marked no later than on the 7th day following the date of the employee's execution of the agreement.

I. Miscellaneous Questions

1. I am currently on an FMLA covered leave of absence and I meet the requirements to participate in the Plan.  Am I eligible?

All employees, including those on any type of approved leave of absence, who meet the VIP-2017 requirements, are eligible to apply. 

2. I have previously told my department that I am going to retire.  Can I withdraw that notice and apply for VIP-2017?

A notice of separation previously given to the University need not be withdrawn.  The employee may apply for VIP-2017, if he or she meets the eligibility requirements.

3. What are my retirement options if my VIP-2017 application is denied?

An employee may separate from employment without retiring, or separate under the provisions of the existing retirement plans, if the VIP-2017 application is denied.

4. Can I come back to work for Cleveland State University?

Staff members may return to employment at CSU under very limited circumstances that would be subject to the approval of the Provost and the Vice President of Business Affairs & Finance.  Upon approval, individual staff members could be retained up to one year, based on the operational and educational needs of the University.  Such individuals would receive VIP benefits based upon his/her exit date and would receive payment within 60 days of separation.