Dear Colleagues,
Given Covid’s impact on enrollment and budgets, we want to make sure that if you have been sent a non-renewal notice, that you understood what the letter means for you, and that you consider your options.
- Under Article 32 of the Contract, a part-time term adjunct must be given 45 calendar days-notice prior to the end of a part-time term appointment that their appointment is ending, and that they will not have a guaranteed appointment thereafter. Hopefully, once enrollment numbers are clearer many/most of you will be brought back.
- If you have been teaching within SUNY for ten years of benefits eligible service, and are age eligible to retire, you may be able to retire before the last date in the notice. By doing so, you will take your sick days into retirement with you, to be applied to your share of the health insurance premium, and also lifetime health insurance (if you meet the qualifications). In order to be eligible for this retirement benefit, you must have ten years of service, and be age 55 or older, and be currently receiving health insurance through UB. If you are non-renewed and do not retire, you lose that health insurance benefit. If you retire, you can still be hired back for the Fall, should UB need you to teach. You would be hired back as a re-hired retiree. New York Civil Service has specific information about benefits eligibility and options, or contact HR.
- If you are not eligible to retire, your health insurance will expire 28 days after your last day of employment. You can continue your insurance under COBRA at 100% of the full premium. You also may be eligible for unemployment insurance after May 30. Note that determinations regarding eligibility are made by DOL.
Given the extreme backlog with UI, we encourage you to explore how to apply – as NYS DOL unemployment benefits to assist the newly unemployed member in beginning the process. UUP also published a resource for part-time members regarding UI benefits. It is from October 2019.
If you have any questions, please contact the chapter office at 716.276.3377 or buffalocenter@uupmail.org
In Solidarity,
Ken Kern
Chapter President
UUP Buffalo Center