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New Guidance on Layoffs Released

January 15, 2009

In late December NACUBO released, Staff Layoffs and Reductions in Force--Managing the Risk, co-sponsored by the American Council on Education and United Educators, designed to help campus administrators and institutional managers develop strategies on adjusting staffing levels during the economic downturn.

Should layoffs become necessary campus administrators must be fully aware of employee rights as well the associated legal risks. The monograph, written by Martin Michaelson, an attorney at Hogan & Hartson, and Lawrence White, a higher education consultant, reviews the legal risks associated with staff layoffs and suggests practices institutions may use to effectively manage those risks.

In addition to discussing intelligent planning, well-designed procedures, and legally defensible operating standards, the paper also considers the effect layoffs may have on remaining employees.

The paper is not intended to provide legal advice; institutions should consult legal counsel who are experienced with the issues addressed.

Full Monograph: Staff Layoffs and Reductions in Force - Managing the Risks

NACUBO Contact: Tadu Yimam, policy analyst