Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP)

SUNY Oswego is committed to recognizing the contributions of its outstanding faculty while responsibly stewarding the university's resources to ensure long-term financial stability. As part of that commitment, the university is offering a one-time Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP) for eligible full-time faculty members considering retirement.

The program provides approved participants with a one-time financial incentive in exchange for voluntary separation from the university.

Deciding whether to participate is a personal decision that should be made only after careful consideration and consultation with family members and professional advisors. Meeting eligibility requirements or submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Participation is subject to university approval, based on available funding and institutional needs.

The information on this page outlines the program, eligibility requirements, financial incentive, application process, and key deadlines.

Eligibility and Important Information

The Voluntary Separation Incentive Program is available to eligible full-time faculty at SUNY Oswego.

To be eligible, faculty must:

• Be a full-time SUNY Oswego faculty member.
• Be eligible for retirement under the New York State Retirement System.
• Have completed at least 15 years of full-time New York State service as of September 13, 2026.
• Be in good standing at the time of application.

The following additional information is important for those considering participation:

• Employees on approved leave, including sabbatical or Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), remain eligible for the program.
• Employees who have received formal notice of involuntary separation are not eligible to participate.
• Retirees who have been rehired are not eligible to participate.
• Participation in the program is entirely voluntary.
• Meeting the eligibility requirements or submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
• The President or the President's designee retains final authority to approve or deny applications.
• If the number of applications exceeds available funding, approvals will be based on the university's operational needs and funding availability.
• Approved participants should assume they will not be rehired by SUNY Oswego.
• The university will decide whether to replace vacated positions based on institutional needs and available resources.

Faculty members must meet with Human Resources before applying to discuss eligibility, retirement benefits, health insurance, and other considerations. Participants are also encouraged to consult the New York State Retirement System, the Social Security Administration, as well as their financial, tax, and retirement advisors before making a final decision.

Financial Benefit

Approved participants will receive a one-time lump-sum payment funded by a one-time investment from the Oswego University Foundation.

The incentive is calculated as:

The payment is taxable income and will be reported on IRS Form 1099.

How to Apply

Participation includes the following steps:

1. Schedule and complete a confidential consultation with Human Resources.
2. Review your eligibility, estimated incentive payment, retirement benefits, and other important information.
3. Submit a completed application to Human Resources by the published deadline.
4. Applications will be reviewed by the President or the President's designee.
5. Applicants will be notified in writing whether their application is approved or denied.
6. Approved participants must submit an irrevocable resignation by the specified deadline.

VSIP Application Form

Important Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional information about eligibility, benefits, the financial incentive, the application process and employment after retirement is available in the VSIP Frequently Asked Questions.

VSIP Frequently Asked Questions