Note: The following termination letter was without warning and came as a complete shock. The letter gives no reason for the termination nor acknowledges the work the staff member had done to comply with SB 17. The letter does not acknowledge that they had been promised that they would not lose their jobs. The staff member received no due process prior to the received the letter and the notice does not describe the options for due process for the staff member such as an appeal or grievance. There is no severance package. There is no description of how to continue employment benefits after the determination date, for example extending the health insurance coverage using COBRA where the staff person pays the cost of the health insurance. For more information, please see “Mass Firings of UT Austin Staff, Faculty, and Administrators“.

After careful consideration, the University has decided to close the Department of Community and Campus Engagement and eliminate your position. As a result, I regret to inform you that your last day of employment with the University will be July 5, 2024. It is important that over the next 94 days, we continue to prioritize our students and their experiences. Effective immediately, your day-to-day responsibilities are implementing the orderly wind-down of your unit and previously assigned responsibilities. You will coordinate and provide information and advice to ensure an orderly reorganization process. Additionally, delivering services and information to students will remain the focus to ensure they receive all necessary support and services. We appreciate your work and dedication to our students, faculty, and staff. 

The University offers assistance to employees impacted by a layoff:

• You will be automatically enrolled in the Special Consideration Program. The Program allows a hiring department to hire with diminished administrative procedures and provides preference in hiring if the employee is deemed equally qualified as a non-Special Consideration applicant. Special Consideration ends 12 months after the separation date. You may opt out of the program by emailing hrs.sws@austin.utexas.edu or calling 512-475-7200.
• HR contracts with an outplacement service vendor called NextJob. Services include career coaching, resume writing support, assistance with interview strategies, and job search assistance. Please expect a call from NextJob’s team within a week of receiving this document to hear more about what is available to you. The services are offered to you at no cost, and you are free to accept or decline them.
• Healthpoint Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselors are available to discuss change and transition strategies with impacted employees. Appointments may be made via eap@austin.utexas.edu or call 512-471-3366.
• Affected employees can schedule individual appointments with HR Benefits HRS-LM@austin.utexas.edu to discuss benefits and leave issues. 

Please contact me if you have questions if I can be of assistance during this time.

Sincerely,

Roger Cude

Vice President of People and Talent

CC: Strategic Workforce Solutions hrs.sws@austin.utexas.edu

       Employee Personnel File