State-owned universities offering enhanced retirement program

More than 200 faculty members across Pennsylvania’s 14 state-owned universities have signed on to a retirement incentive program, meeting the threshold required for the plan to go into effect, according to university officials.

The incentive was laid out in January as a way to pare the number of employees at the state schools, which have seen a continued decline in enrollment in recent years. The deal hinged on an enhanced sick-leave payout, according to a statement from the State System of Higher Education.

The previous maximum payout for full-time employees was 50 unused sick days. The incentive increases that to a max payout of 125 unused sick days.

At least 200 faculty members had to agree to retire by Aug. 14 in order for the offer to stand, according to system officials. They hit that threshold as they came up against the deadline Monday night.

The 200 threshold was set because it “reflects a goal that is higher than what we annually see in terms of retirements,” PASSHE spokesman David Pidgeon told PennLive in January. “The number often comes in at about 120 or 130, and as high as 175.”

“We wanted to create a program that respected their service, and we’re grateful APSCUF partnered with us on this,” State System Chancellor Daniel Greenstein said. “This collaboration created both a meaningful retirement incentive and a practical solution to some of the challenges the State System faces when it comes to keeping college affordable for students.”

Kenneth Mash, president of the union representing State System faculty, said the situation as a whole hurts the students.

“I think it’s unfortunate that the financial circumstances of our universities have forced a situation that will deprive students the opportunity to learn from some extraordinarily talented people,” he said. “I hope our policymakers see fit to properly fund our universities.”