Leaving UConn?

Separating from the University?

Regardless of the reason why you are leaving UConn, there are steps you should take which can make your transition a bit easier.

If you are voluntarily leaving your position at UConn, notify your supervisor, manager, or department head of your intent to resign as soon as possible.

For certain employee population, there are guidelines for how much time you must give to the University prior to you leaving.

Voluntary Resignation in Good Standing Notice Requirements

Faculty and staff are encouraged to provide as much notice as possible to ensure a smooth transition of work when they are resigning, transferring to another department or State Agency, or retiring. The notification should be in writing and indicate the following:

  • Last day of work
  • Reason for resignation
  • Forwarding address, if different from current address
  • Date
  • Signature
Employees Reference Resignation in Good Standing Requirement
Represented by Statewide Bargaining Units
Maintenance and Service (CEUI) (NP-2)
Administrative Clerical (AFSCME) (NP-3)
Police and Fire (NP-5)
Social and Human Services (AFSCME) (P-2)
Administrative and Residual (A&R) (P-5)
C.G.S. Sec. 5-243-1 2 weeks notice for non-supervisory employees, 4 weeks notice for supervisors
Represented by UConn Bargaining Units
UCPEA Contract Article 7.1 One month's notice, employees must work at least 10 workdays on the job prior to leaving or forfeit one day of paid vacation for each day less than ten days worked. This requirement may be waived by the appropriate Vice President, Director, or designee.
AAUP University By-Laws Article XIV.F Earliest possible opportunity

Please note that if you will be transitioning directly into retirement, you should provide at least one month notice to ensure the timely commencement of State of Connecticut retirement benefits.

Rescinding/Changing Your Resignation

Once you have submitted your written notice of resignation, you no longer have a guarantee of your job should you wish to rescind your resignation or extend your resignation date.

Employees in the statewide bargaining units have up to one year following their resignation date to rescind their resignation as outlined in General Letter No. 177. Under this General Letter, eligible individuals may be reinstated to classified job classes in which they attained permanent status.  Note:  the names of former employees who have rescinded their resignation will not appear on any reemployment/recall lists, and agencies are under no obligation to rehire a former employee who has resigned in good standing. The employee must apply and be selected for a classified position to be reinstated.

Items to Consider Prior to Your Last Day.

Review What Happens to Your Benefits

For Non-Retirement, Non Transfer

Medical & Dental

Contact: Human Resources, (860) 486-3034

Your medical and dental insurance ends on the last day of the month in which your employment terminates.

You will be extended the opportunity to continue your health benefits under the Federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Under COBRA, you may purchase group health insurance until coverage can be obtained under another group policy, or for up to thirty (30) months after termination of employment, whichever occurs first. You are eligible to take advantage of this opportunity within sixty (60) days from the date of loss of health insurance coverage or the date you receive your COBRA notice, whichever is later. You may continue your present medical/dental insurance(s) for yourself and only those dependents on your plan at the time of separation. If you elect continuation of coverage, you must pay the full group rate on a monthly basis plus a 2% administrative charge. For more information about COBRA, including the rates, please visit the HR-Benefits Health insurance website.

Please note: If you are an end date employee in an UCPEA position with one year or more of service and you are not renewed, you are eligible to continue medical benefits for up to four calendar months (which includes the month of non-renewal) by paying your portion of the premium each month. COBRA continuation would be available thereafter.

Life Insurance (Basic and Supplemental, Dearborn National)

Contact: Office of the State Comptroller, Group Life Division, (860) 702-3535

An employee who terminates active work for any reason should contact the Office of the State Comptroller to determine what arrangements, if any, can be made to continue the insurance in force or to exercise any rights under the group policy when insurance terminates. Conversion to an individual life insurance policy is available to employees who have had life insurance in force for at least five consecutive years. Contact the State Comptroller’s Office, Group Life Division for a conversion application.

Retirement

Alternate Retirement Program (ARP)
Contact: Empower (844) 505-7283

Your account with Empower (and TIAA-CREF if applicable) remains with you; however no new contributions are permitted. You continue to direct how the account is invested. For information about withdrawals and rollovers, contact Empower. Please note that the disability insurance that is provided to ARP participants at no cost ends at employment termination. For information on converting to an individual long term disability policy, email Human Resources or call (860) 486-3034.

State Employees Retirement System (SERS)
Contact: Human Resources, (860) 486-3034

The options available to you depend on which retirement plan you participate in and the number of years of vesting service or actual service you have at employment termination.

For Participants in Tier II or Tier IIa

The options available to you depend on the amount of years of vesting service or actual service you have at employment termination. You earn a permanent vested right to a retirement benefit if you have at least 5 years of actual state service or 10 years of vesting service at the time you leave.

  • Less than 5 years of actual service or 10 years of vesting service – you do not have a vested right to a retirement benefit. You may withdraw your retirement contributions. This withdrawal will include interest at 5% per year credited from July 1st coincident with or preceding the date you leave state service. If you do not withdraw your contributions and do not return to state service within five years, a refund application will be sent to you. If you do not apply for a refund within 10 years after your employment ends, your contributions will become part of the retirement fund.
  • At least 5 but less than 10 years of actual state service – you are vested in a retirement benefit, which you are eligible to begin collecting on the first of any month following your 65th birthday.
  • At least 10 years of actual or vesting service – you are vested in a retirement benefit, which you are eligible to begin collecting on the first of the month following age 55 (early retirement).

For Participants in Tier III

The options available to you depend on whether or not you are vested in retiree health benefits. You are vested in retiree health benefits if you have at least 10 years of actual or vesting service.

  • Less than 10 years of actual or vesting – you do not have a vested right to a retirement benefit. You may withdraw your retirement contributions. This withdrawal will include interest at 5% per year credited from July 1 coincident with or preceding the date you leave State service. If you do not withdraw your contributions and do not return to State service within 5 years, a refund application will be sent to you. If you do not apply for a refund within 10 years after your employment ends, your contributions will become part of the retirement fund.
  • At least 10 years of actual or vesting service – you are vested in retirement benefit, which you are eligible to collect on the first day of the month following age 58 (early retirement).

For Participants in the Hybrid Plan
Participants in the Hybrid Plan will have a choice of a monthly pension benefit, if vested, or “cash out”.

Please note, if you are eligible for a vested benefit when you leave state service you may not elect to withdraw your contributions in lieu of receiving a retirement benefit.

Retiree Health Insurance

Contact: Human Resources, (860) 486-3034

The options available to you depend on whether or not you are vested in retiree health benefits.

  • Less than 10 years of service (15 years for employees hired 7/1/2011 or later) – You are eligible for a refund of your Retiree Health Fund Contributions if you have not yet met the requirements to qualify for the benefit. To request a refund, complete State of CT Form CO-1301 and send it to Cheryl Berry in the UConn Payroll Department. Should you have questions regarding your Retiree Health Care service time and eligibility, contact Melody Williamson in the Department of Human Resources at 860-486-3034.
  • At least 10 years of actual service (15 years for employees hired 7/1/2011 or later) – you are vested in a retirement health benefit. The age at which you are eligible to begin collecting the benefit is subject to the rules outlined in Division Memorandum 2013-06.

Additional Benefits

Life Insurance

AETNA Group Universal Life Insurance (GUL)
Contact: Rob Minearo, College Benefits Group, (860) 429-9000, toll-free (800) 594-7310

You may continue your Universal Life Insurance through AETNA on a direct bill basis by contacting Rob Minearo.

VOYA Universal Life Insurance
Contact: VOYA Universal Life Insurance, 888- 909-4274

Retirement Savings Programs

403(b), 457
Your account with Empower remains with you; however no new contributions are permitted. You continue to direct how the account is invested. For information about withdrawals and rollovers, contact Empower (844) 505-7283.

Long-Term Disability

Contact Rob Minearo at College Benefits Group for information about continuing disability insurance after your employment ends. Rob Minearo, College Benefits Group, (860) 429-9000, toll-free (800) 594-7310.

Short-Term Disability

The Hartford, Rob Minearo, College Benefits Group, (860) 429-9000, toll-free (800) 594-7310

Colonial Life, (800) 884-0689
Lincoln National, (866) 858-1171

Contact the carrier or carrier representative directly for information about continuing disability insurance after your employment ends.

Dependent Care Assistance Program

Contact: Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) (888) 698-1429

The Dependent Care/Day Care Assistance Program (DCAP) benefits end at employment termination. You may request reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred prior to your termination date no later than 90 days following the end of the calendar year.

Medflex

Contact: Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) (888) 698-1429

MEDFLEX benefits end at employment termination. You may request reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred up to your date of termination no later than 90 days following the end of the calendar year. You may be eligible to continue MEDFLEX benefits under the Federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Eligibility requirements:

  • You must have a positive balance in your account on the date of termination (taking into account all claims submitted prior to your termination),
  • The maximum benefit available under the plan for the remainder of the calendar year is no more than the maximum benefit the plan could require as payment for the remainder of the year, and
  • Your employment termination was not due to gross misconduct.

You will have 60 days from receipt of the COBRA notice to enroll. The COBRA contribution will be one-twelfth (1/12th) of the elected amount, plus an additional 2% administrative fee, payable to TASC, FBO State of Connecticut MEDFLEX Program. All contributions must be paid on an after-tax basis and coverage will end no later than the end of the calendar year. Any amount remaining in the account will be subject to the Use-It-Or-Lose-It Rule.

Qualified Transportation Account

Contact: Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) (888) 698-1429

The Qualified Transportation Account ends when your employment terminates. Only expenses incurred up to your employment termination are eligible for reimbursement. The claim submission deadline is 180 days from the date of the expense. Any amount remaining in the account will subject to forfeiture.

Auto and Homeowner Insurance

Contacts:

MetLife, (800) 438-6381
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, (888) 257-4889
Travelers, (800) 842-5075

You may continue your auto and homeowner insurance on a direct bill basis. Contact your insurance company to request direct billing.

Long-Term Care

Contacts:

MetLife, (800) 582-2889
UNUM, serviced by MedAmerica, (877) 202-6043
TransAmerica, (800) 582-2889

You may continue this benefit on a direct bill basis by contacting the carrier directly.

Review What Happens to Your Accrued Leaves

Payout of Accruals at Employment Separation (Non-Transfers)

Vacation
Once you have submitted your written notice of resignation, you no longer have a guarantee of your job should you wish to rescind your resignation or extend your resignation date.

Employees Maximum (days)
UCPEA 60
Statewide Bargaining Units:
Maintenance and Service (CEUI) (NP-2)
Administrative Clerical (AFSCME) (NP-3)
Police and Fire (NP-5)
Social and Human Services (AFSCME) (P-2)
Administrative and Residual (A&R) (P-5)
Hired 7/1/1977 or later – 60
Hired prior to 7/1/1977 – 120
Management/Confidential 60

Holidays Worked/T-Time
Employees will be paid for any unexpired holidays worked/T-Time.

Personal Leave (PL Days)
There is no payout of PL days at employment separation.

Sick Leave
Sick leave that is accrued and unused is payable only:

  1. For time accrued or “banked” while in a statewide bargaining unit, and
  2. Upon retirement or death.

Sick leave is paid out at a rate of one-fourth of daily salary to a maximum of 60 days.
UCPEA, Management and Confidential employees are not in a statewide bargaining unit and as such do not receive a payout of sick time.

Compensatory Time
UCPEA employees receive a payout of compensatory time only if they are in a non-exempt UCPEA position at the time of employment separation.

Longevity
A prorated longevity payment is made only upon transition from active employment to retirement or upon death.

If you have questions about payout of accruals at employment separation, contact the Payroll Department at (860) 486-2423.

Review the Employee Separation Guidelines with your Supervisor

Employee Separation Guidelines for Supervisors

Supervisors: Use this separation process checklist when an employee is ending employment with the University.
 

 

Facilitate Completion of the Separation Checklist.
The supervisor of a departing employee is to facilitate the completion and return of a separation checklist, by the departing employee, within 2 weeks of the employee's separation.

Review the Completed Checklist.
The supervisor then reviews the completed checklist for acceptance, preferably within 1 business day of completion. Should any items of concern arise from the checklist, the supervisor should discuss/resolve these items with the departing employee immediately.

Forward and Electronic Copy to Appropriate Departments.
Once the checklist has been reviewed and accepted by the supervisor, the supervisor must then auto-forward an electronic copy of the checklist to departments who are also affected by the separation (eg. UITS, EH&S, HR, & FSLR).

Provide a Copy to the Departing Employee.
The Supervisor must also provide a copy of the accepted checklist to the departing employee. The departing employee should retain this copy for their personal records.

Please Note: In the case of involuntary termination, supervisors must complete the checklist for the employee and follow-up with Faculty & Staff Labor Relations should there be any items of concern.

On Your Last Day of Work.

My last day of work has arrived, what do I need to do to remain in good standing with the University?
Review the Departing Employee Last Day Checklist

Unemployment Information

Unemployment Benefits: Filing a Claim

Unemployment benefits are administered through the Connecticut Department of Labor. If you feel that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Department of Labor, you may file a claim within ReEmployCT.

When filing your claim please use the below information:

UConn Storrs and Regional Campuses
Employer Registration Number: 02-007-82

Payroll Address
State of Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller
165 Capital Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106-1621

Additional information on Unemployment Benefits.

For further assistance filing your claim, please contact the Department of Labor or ReEmployCT.

The HR Unemployment Administrator cannot counsel eligibility for Unemployment, they must reach out to the Department of Labor.

Connecticut Department of Labor
200 Folly Brook Boulevard
Wethersfield, CT 06109
(860) 263 – 6000
ReEmployCT
Available to users 24/7 except during maintenance & updates.

Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Closed Saturdays, Sundays, & CT State Holidays

(203) 941-6868
(860) 967-0493
(800) 956-3294

Schedule a call back.

Unemployment Resources

This handbook provides important information about Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits.
Claimant’s Guide to Unemployment Benefits

For questions on unemployment eligibility, categories, and claims,
Connecticut DOL Eligibility Questions

For questions or technical issues with ReEmployCT,
ReEmployCT Frequently Asked Questions

Unemployment Fraud

Widespread unemployment fraud has been taking place since the Summer of 2022. If Human Resources receive an unemployment claim in your name, Human Resources will reach out via Unemployment@uconn.edu to confirm whether you have filed an unemployment claim in the State of Connecticut.

Protect Your UI Account from Fraud
ID Theft Report Form

For further information on Unemployment Fraud

Information regarding unemployment fraud is provided on the Department of Labor’s website here.

Local articles have been published regarding the fraud as well, an example can be found here.