Reduction in Force Information
This page offers information and resources for employees whose position has been impacted by a reduction in force. If you have any questions or would like to offer suggestions, please contact the Human Resources Office at hr@minotstateu.edu.
Policies and Procedures
NDUS Reduction in Force - Human Resource Policy
NDUS Appeal Procedures - Human Resource Policy
Employee Services and Resources
Employment Search Help - To the extent possible, MSU will assist employees who are impacted by the reduction-in-force with job search coaching, identifying employment opportunities and resume composition.
Continuing Education - To assist in retraining efforts and/or further professional development, employees may continue to utilize the MSU Tuition Waiver for two years with three classes per calendar year. Please submit the completed form to the Human Resources Office for approval and processing
Employee Assistance Program - The MSU Employee Assistance program is available for up to 90 days following your last day of work. The Village can provide individual, family and financial counseling. Call 800-627-8220 and state that you would like access EAP services. Visit The Village Business Institute.
Leave Consideration - If a reduction-in-force employee is hired within 2 years of reduction, the employee will be credited with:
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- Previous service for the purpose of determining annual leave accrual rates,
- Sick leave hours accumulated prior to the reduction, less the amount paid.
Medical Benefits
COBRA - Health, Dental, Vision Insurance - Insurance coverage through MSU will be in effect until the end of the month following the month of termination; e.g. if term on 4/15, coverage ends 5/31.
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- Employees are eligible to purchase health insurance through North Dakota Public Employer's Retirement System (NDPERS) under the 1985 COBRA Act which requires employers to offer the same health care coverage at the employee's expense. This option is available for up to 18 months from date of coverage loss.
- Separating employees also have the option, if enrolled as an active employee, to continue dental and/or vision insurance for up to 18 months from date of loss of coverage.
- A COBRA letter and application form are mailed to employee's home address from the Payroll Office. If the employee wishes to continue health, dental and/or vision coverage, s/he completes the COBRA application form and submits it directly to NDPERS. The monthly premium rates are included in the COBRA letter and are also available on the NDPERS member self-service website.
Flexible Spending Accounts - Participants in the Flexible Spending Accounts Plan can incur expenses through the last day of work; claims can be submitted up to 30 days from last day of work. Questions can be directed to Discovery Benefits, 701-451-3399 or https://www.discoverybenefits.com.
Retirement Planning
NDPERS Retirement Plan - plan members have three options in regards to the retirement plan: 1) Cash out account 2) Roll account over to another vendor 3) Leave account intact; account will earn interest until dispersed
There are two separate kits to review prior to making an election decision:
1) Refund/Rollover Information Kit Refund/Rollover Paperwork
2) Deferred Retirement Information Kit Deferred Retirement Paperwork
TIAA Retirement Plan - plan members have the following options in regards to the retirement plan: 1) Cash out account; the following criteria must be met to qualify for this option: a. Less than $20,000 total between TIAA and CREF. 2) Roll account over to another vendor; the same criteria that applies for a refund applies to a rollover. 3) Leave account intact; account will continue to participate in current funds until age 55.
Denise Bares, our TIAA Financial Consultant, is on campus every month to meet with individual employees and can be reached at 701-989-5984 or at denise.bares@tiaa.org
TIAA can be contacted at 1-800-842-2776 or https://www.TIAA.org.
Summary Plan Documents:
TIAA-CREF Summary Plan Document 401(a)
