VOLUNTARY SEPARATION PROGRAM

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First, submit Expression of Interest

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Apply to the Program

First, submit Expression of Interest
If eligible, attend HR Consultation
Complete the Application
If approved, submit Participation Form &
Irrevocable Letter of Resignation

START THE PROCESS

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Eligibility Requirements

To be able to participate in the program, interested faculty must meet the following eligibility requirements:

SBU tenured/tenure-track faculty with twenty three (23) or more years of full-time service, who are in a full-time status effective March 10, 2025, and who are New York State (“NYS”) retirement eligible as of March 10, 2025, are eligible to apply for the one-time, local, Stony Brook University (SBU) Voluntary Separation Program (“VSP”).

Eligible faculty who are currently in their tenured/tenure-track position and who have already completed their paperwork for retirement will be considered for the VSP payment.

Full-time faculty on an approved leave (e.g.: Sabbatical, FMLA, etc.) are considered full-time for the purposes of eligibility for this program.

Lump Sum Payment

Lump-sum payment of one year of base annual state salary, capped at $150,000.

This amount is based solely on the base state salary as of March 10, 2025, exclusive of any additional pay not added to base or contractual ATB or discretionary awards pending.

The VSP lump-sum distribution is taxable income from a non-state entity. Individuals will be issued 1099s, as the lump sum distribution will not flow through the New York State Payroll.

Deadline to Apply

Eligible tenure/tenure-track faculty interested in participating must submit the Application to Participate Form (“Application”) no later than April 18, 2025.

Separation Dates

Faculty whose applications are approved must select a departure date effective June 13, 2025, or December 31, 2025

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If you want to ask a specific question about the Voluntary Separation Program that is not answered in the FAQ section below, ask your question here.

FOR INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, NO COMMITMENT REQUIRED...

Submit the Expression of Interest Form

If you want more personalized information about the Voluntary Separation Program and the time allotted to ask questions related to your personal circumstance, submit the Expression of Interest Form. Once your eligibility is confirmed by HR, you will be given the access to schedule a one-on-one consultation with HR. If your eligibility is not confirmed by HR, you will not be able to make a VSP consultation appointment at this time.

ALREADY KNOW YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE?

How to Apply:

STEP 1: After submitting the Expression of Interest Form and your eligibility is confirmed by HR, you will be given the access to schedule a one-on-one consultation.

STEP 2: During the consultation, HR will inform you of your lump-sum payment and other important benefit information.

STEP 3: After the consultation, you will be given the Application to Participate Form, which must be signed and returned to Human Resources (HR) no later than April 18, 2025.

STEP 4: If your Application to Participate is approved, you will then need to submit the Participation Form, selecting either the June 13, 2025 or December 31, 2025 separation date, along with an Irrevocable Letter of Resignation to Human Resources (HR) no later than April 18, 2025.

SBU tenured/tenure-track faculty with twenty three (23) or more years of full-time service, who are in a full-time status effective March 10, 2025, and who are New York State (“NYS”) retirement eligible as of March 10, 2025, are eligible to apply for the one-time, local, Stony Brook University (SBU) Voluntary Separation Program (“VSP”).
Eligible faculty who are currently in their tenure-track position (not including those who have already transitioned to a Toll Professorship) and who have already completed their paperwork for retirement will be considered for the VSP payment. For those already in a Toll Professorship, see the next question for guidance.
Faculty approved for the VSP may also request emeritus status, and if granted, will receive the associated benefits of the program.For questions related to Emeritus, Toll Professorship or the rehiring of retirees, west campus employees can contact provost_vsp@stonybrook.edu and east campus employees can reach out to Karen.Wilk@stonybrookmedicine.edu, to receive information relevant to your particular situation.
Faculty approved for the VSP may also request a Toll Professorship. For questions related to Emeritus, Toll Professorship or the rehiring of retirees, west campus employees can contact provost_vsp@stonybrook.edu and east campus employees can reach out to Karen.Wilk@stonybrookmedicine.edu, to receive information relevant to your particular situation.
Faculty approved for the VSP may also request emeritus status, and if granted, will receive the associated benefits of the program.For questions related to Emeritus, Toll Professorship or the rehiring of retirees, west campus employees can contact provost_vsp@stonybrook.edu and east campus employees can reach out to Karen.Wilk@stonybrookmedicine.edu, to receive information relevant to your particular situation.
New York State Employees Retirement System (ERS): If you are eligible to retire from the New York State Employees Retirement System (ERS), you will need to complete a service retirement application. This application must be filed with ERS at least 30 days, but not more than 90 days, prior to your retirement date. Call (866) 805-0990 for more detailed information regarding the application process and/or your actual benefits.

New York State Teachers Retirement System (TRS) If you are eligible to retire from the New York State Teachers Retirement System (TRS), you should contact them directly at (800) 356-3128.

Optional Retirement Program If you are a vested member of the Optional Retirement Program (TIAA or one of the alternate funding vehicles, you should contact them directly.)

TIAA: Contact David Flynn- Email daveflynn@tiaa.org to schedule a meeting.

VOYA: Contact Anthony Amalfitano- Schedule a Meeting

Corebridge: Contact Michael Grofsick - Schedule a Meeting

Fidelity: Contact Courtney Mayes - Schedule a Meeting
This is a one-time opportunity for eligible faculty to receive a financial incentive of one year of salary, capped at $150,000, to separate from employment status. The amount is based solely upon base salary as of March 10, 2025, exclusive of any additional pay not added to base or contractual Across the Board (ATB) or discretionary awards pending. The VSP lump-sum distribution is taxable income from a non-state entity. Individuals will be issued 1099s, as the lump sum distribution will not flow through the New York State Payroll.

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VOLUNTARY SEPARATION PROGRAM

Have a Specific Question?

Schedule a Consult

Apply to the Program

HAVE A SPECIFIC QUESTION YOU WANT TO ASK?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Eligibility Requirements

Lump Sum Payment

Deadline to Apply

Separation Dates

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

TO SIMPLY ASK A QUESTION, NO COMMITMENT REQUIRED...

Ask a Question

FOR INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, NO COMMITMENT REQUIRED...

Submit the Expression of Interest Form

ALREADY KNOW YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE?

How to Apply:

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