2025 Voluntary Separation Incentive Program
As one of several cost-savings measures being considered, the university, in agreement with UAKU, is authorizing an accelerated retirement program for eligible faculty at KU Lawrence and Edwards. Beginning Oct. 30, 2025, the 2025 Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP) will be offered to faculty who meet specific retirement eligibility requirements. The VSIP is designed to provide eligible KU employees who voluntarily elect, and are approved, to separate employment (retire) from KU on May 22, 2026, with a separation benefit – an incentive payout. The VSIP not only provides qualifying faculty retirement incentives, but provides a mechanism to help the university plan and forecast its continued capacity to provide high-quality educational experiences and exceptional research on our Lawrence and Edwards campuses well into the future.
Tenured KU faculty at the associate professor level and above or at associate librarian or librarian who are active participants in the Kansas Board of Regents 403(b) mandatory retirement plan who will be at least 62 years old at time of retirement AND have worked at least 10 years in a benefits-eligible position with KU or State of Kansas agency at the time of separation will be able to apply for consideration in this incentive program unless otherwise ineligible.
The application – a completed online Notice of Interest Form – is due by 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. University administrators intend to approve as many applications as possible, but financial and academic programming constraints may apply. Each application will be considered individually, however, in all cases the decisions to approve or decline an application will prioritize the university’s financial and strategic needs. In agreement with UAKU negotiators, university administrators will meet to discuss the decision with applicants who are denied.
The 2025 VSIP program is an important step in guiding the university toward financial well-being, and other measures may be taken. These measures, if taken, will not affect the incentive payout of those approved to participate. This program is an opportunity for the university to address significant financial constraints while also enacting cost-savings measures that result in a more fiscally strong institution while allowing it to invest in scholarly strengths and areas of growth.
Employees on approved long-term disability, on a phased-retirement agreement, in positions funded entirely through grants or who are retirees who have been rehired are not eligible.
Review the complete VSIP Guidelines.