Frequently Asked Questions

 

Additional information in FAQ-format is available online at http://www.utmb.edu/president/postIKE/FAQS.asp

 

1. Why am I being terminated?
The process to develop the right plan for decreasing expenses and increasing revenue has resulted in the combination or elimination of positions.  Unfortunately, your job was one of those affected.

2. Was my performance used as criteria for termination?
Several criteria were considered including length of service, skills, competencies, and performance.

 

3. What will my personnel file reflect about my termination?
Your file will reflect that your separation was the result of a reduction in force.

 

4. My position is being terminated. Will I be considered for other jobs in the organization?

Opportunities at UTMB are expected to be extremely limited in the near-term given the institution-wide impact of this reduction, and the effort  made to keep the correct number of people necessary to meet business needs. However, UTMB is committed to helping employees affected by the reduction with their job search. See below…

 

5. What will UTMB do to help employees find other jobs?

UTMB is committed to helping employees affected by the reduction with their job search and is staffing two Employee Help Centers, one centrally located on the mainland and one on the island (http://www.utmb.edu/utmbemployeehelpcenter). Both centers are open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Human Resources is prepared to extend the hours of operation based on need. Services and resources include:

• One-on-one job search counseling
• Job fairs
• Training on interviewing and resume writing
• Employee benefit and retirement counseling
• Financial counseling and training
• Computer lab
• Employment verification
• Counseling for personal issues

 

Classified and Administrative & Professional employees will receive preference for open UTMB positions (including Correctional Managed Care) for one year from the date of notification. The UT System has also asked component institutions to give these employees priority consideration, and many have already transferred to other UT institutions. Other area employers have expressed interest in interviewing and considering UTMB employees for open positions, and all employers participating in job fairs have agreed to track and report hires of UTMB employees.

 

Recognizing that a reduction of force, especially one of this magnitude, will be difficult for the employees who remain, UTMB will also offer related sessions and counseling services.

6. Will I be eligible to be rehired?
Yes, employees affected by this reduction  will be welcome to reapply for future openings matching their skills and qualifications.

7. Will my manager/supervisor act as a reference and what will he/she say about me?
Human Resources Employee Records Department will verify job title and service dates.

 

8. How long will employees continue to receive salary and benefits?
Classified employees will receive 60 days’ notice with full salary and benefits, consistent with UTMB’s practice. Administrative and Professional employees will receive a minimum of 60 days’ notice with full salary and benefits. Non-tenured faculty will receive six months’ notice with full salary and benefits. Tenured and tenure-track faculty will receive full salary and benefits until August 31, 2009, which is the end of UTMB’s fiscal year.

 

9. What will happen during the next 60 days?
For the next 60 days, nothing will change about your employment status.  You will retain e-mail to assist you with your job search.

 

10. Will RIF’ed employees be expected to work after they receive notice?
The first priority for employees affected is to find another job, and UTMB will continue to provide access to a full range of job search resources through its two employee help centers. However, every area of the organization has different needs during this transition period and some supervisors may ask employees to work for some portion of time during the 60-day notice period. In those instances, supervisors will ensure that employees are not disadvantaged and have the flexibility to actively pursue other job options.

 

11. Am I eligible for unemployment and do I need to apply?
All employees impacted by the RIF are eligible for unemployment benefits.  UTMB is automatically uploading applications for all employees impacted. Please contact the Texas Workforce Commission to follow-up.  The Help Center Clear Lake can help you with this.

 

12. Is there anyone else I can talk with about my situation?
EAP counselors are available to assist with any personal issues.