Employee update from WSU President John Bardo
Dear fellow employees,
There hasn't been any official change in the status of the state budget since my letter yesterday afternoon, but I wanted to update you with what we know, including answers below to 10 frequently asked questions from employees.
The Legislature continues to work toward a solution, but we don't expect it to come today. For that reason, we are continuing to follow state instructions to plan for furloughs, even though we hope they won't be implemented.
It's possible that we will issue notices to employees by noon on Friday, but then rescind those notices before they take effect on Sunday morning.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions. You'll find a more comprehensive list on the WSU Human Resources website at http://www.wichita.edu/HR.
What is a furlough?
A furlough is a mandatory leave without pay imposed for a specified time period to address temporary fiscal needs. The furlough that may occur beginning Sunday, June 7, is an emergency furlough and represents a shutdown of services. University offices will be closed except for essential functions that are being performed.
Why is a furlough being considered for June 7, 2015?
There is no budget in place for the fiscal year 2016. The payroll period beginning June 7 is considered part of the 2016 fiscal year. If the Legislature passes and the governor signs some form of legislation authorizing these expenditures prior to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, June 6, these furloughs will not be necessary.
Who will be placed on furlough?
The State of Kansas has directed state agencies to furlough all employees who are deemed "not-essential" to the critical operations of the university during the time period of the furlough. WSU believes all employees are essential. Generally, those being retained are performing timely functions, such as teaching summer courses, maintaining ongoing operations or are funded with non-state dollars.
How will my paycheck be affected?
Your pay will be reduced by the number of furlough hours that are applied during any given pay period.
Who determines whether an employee is considered "not-essential" for this furlough time period?
Divisional vice presidents provided a list of employees to be retained. The list will be revisited if the furlough goes beyond the first week or as clear needs arise.
Given the nature of this furlough, the designation of essential and not-essential staff may vary on a day-to-day basis.
How will employees be notified if they are being furloughed?
Divisional vice presidents or Human Resources will notify staff by noon Friday, June 5, which employees have been identified as essential or not essential for this furlough.
Employees should check the University Activity Line, 978-6633 and/or the State of Kansas website announcements at http://www.kansas.gov/employee/ on Sunday, June 7, to determine if the furlough has been implemented.
How will employees be notified to return to work?
Employees should check the University Activity Line at 978-6633 and/or the State of Kansas website, http://www.kansas.gov/employee/.
Can employees on furlough work or do work on a voluntary basis?
No, employees who are on furlough cannot perform any work, even on a voluntary basis. Supervisors may not require employees to work on their furlough days, nor should they permit employees to work voluntarily on a furlough day without specific advance authorization.
Will health insurance coverage continue?
The state of Kansas Division of Personnel Services has advised that employees who are furloughed will continue to have health insurance coverage for the duration of the furlough.
Can employees file for unemployment if furloughed?
In the event of furlough, all affected State of Kansas employees may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. Under Kansas law, any furloughed employee would be required to serve a waiting period of one week before benefits could be paid. In addition, benefits would be required to be repaid in the event employees receive back pay for the duration of any furlough. The state will file the initial claim on your behalf if the lawful conditions for payment are met. State employees are strongly encouraged to not attempt to file their own initial employment claim, as this will cause delays in processing. Further detailed messaging will be available at www.dol.ks.gov and KDOL's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KansasDOL.
We are being guided in all of these matters by state policy, so the single best source of information remains the state Department of Administration website. You can find answers here to frequently asked questions: http://www.wichita.edu/j/?3820
Please also look at the full list of FAQs here: http://www.wichita.edu/j/?3824. You may address additional questions to Frankie Kirkendoll, director of Human Resources, frankie.kirkendoll@wichita.edu.
We will continue to communicate with staff and faculty as more information becomes available.
Sincerely,
John Bardo
President