FAQ's for Salary Reduction and Chancellor’s Leave 2009-10
Is SOU implementing a salary reduction or an FTE reduction?
Beginning July 1, for 2009-10, unclassified administrators will have a temporary 4.6% annual salary reduction. This is not an FTE reduction. We must reduce expenses in anticipation of uncertain state revenue allocations.
Does the salary reduction apply to all SOU employees?
At this time, the reduction applies to full-time and part-time unclassified administrators. Students in unclassified positions and grant-funded employees are exempt.
Are unclassified administrators also being asked to take furlough days?
No. All unclassified employees whose salaries were reduced, regardless of funding source, will receive Chancellor's Leave benefits.
What is the Chancellor's Leave?
In consideration for the 4.6% salary reduction, unclassified employees are entitled to additional leave, designated as "Chancellor's Leave" in fiscal year 2009-10. Each full time unclassified employee will receive 96 hours (12 days) of Chancellor's leave to be taken between October 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 at the discretion of the University. Chancellor's Leave is more fully explained in the SOU Notice of Appointment Addendum for FY 2009-10 which each unclassified employee received and signed.
Is Chancellor's Leave paid or unpaid?
Chancellor's Leave is paid leave, substantially similar to the Governor's Day state employees have received in the past. Unlike vacation or sick leave, however, it does not accrue.
How do I schedule Chancellor's Leave?
In order to reduce utilities costs, SOU is considering a 2-week closure during the Winter break. By September 30, the President's Cabinet will determine if Chancellor's Leave is to be used during December to close the Ashland Campus, and which weeks we will close.
Should we not close the Campus for two weeks during the break, each department will prioritize work assignments to allow for employees to take advantage of this additional benefit. As with any workload or leave issue, scheduling Chancellor's Leave should be done with your supervisor.
Will Chancellor's Leave affect my vacation or sick leave accrual?
No. Vacation and sick leave continues to accrue at the same rate as during other years. However, you may find that you need to use less vacation time by taking Chancellor's Leave instead.
If I can't schedule enough leave to take full advantage of all the hours I have been given, may I take it next year or be reimbursed?
No. The benefit is provided for this fiscal year and must be used by June 30, 2010. Unused Chancellor's Leave balances do not accrue and are forfeited if not used by June 30, 2010.
How will the Chancellor's Leave be calculated for employees who are less than full-time?
The Chancellor's Leave is calculated based on your FTE. The SOU Notice of Appointment Addendum for FY 2009-10 which each unclassified employee received and signed, states the number of hours to which you are entitled. Questions about the calculations should be referred to Human Resource Services.
How should I report my Chancellor's Leave hours?
A category for Chancellor's Leave will be added to our time sheets. Record your Chancellor's Leave on your time sheet.
Do the salary reduction and Chancellor's Leave apply to employees who work on grant-funded projects?
Not at this time. OMB Circular A-21, Section J.10 states that compensation has to conform to established policies of the university and be consistently applied. After seeking input from several higher education administrators within Oregon and in other states, the situation is currently ambiguous. After weighing the pros and cons of reducing salaries for grant-funded employees, President Cullinan chose to exempt grant-funded employees pending further clarity in order to support the work of individuals funded by grants and other sources.
Will the negotiations with our unions have any bearing on the unclassified salary reduction?
No. We are still in negotiation with our classified union, SEIU, and our faculty union, APSOU. We cannot, at this time, predict what level of salary reduction will be negotiated for classified staff or faculty.
Will the 2009-2010 salary reduction and Chancellor's Leave programs continue past June 30, 2010?
These, and other cost-reduction programs, remain to be determined, based on revenue forecasts, appropriation, and other measures taken by the Governor, State Legislature, and/or the Oregon University System. This program is a necessary step to meet the budgetary challenges that we will face in the 2009-2010 biennium.
Will this affect my PERS?
Yes. PERS contribution is a percent of salary, and will be reduced by 4.6% as our salaries are reduced 4.6% in 2009-10.
Note: PERS retirement benefit calculations are based on the three calendar years in which you were paid the largest total salary by one or more PERS-participating employers, even if one of those years was less than a full calendar year.
To whom should we send our issues/concerns about taking or managing Chancellor's Leave?
Human Resource Services, 552-8553, should be contacted if you have further questions.
