Q: What is Higher Education Restructuring?
A: The Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act in 2005 (Act) will provide a more reliable funding model and additional operating flexibility for the university. It will also enable the university to more effectively address the needs of the Commonwealth by providing more flexibility in its operations.
Q: If I am hired effective July 1, 2006, or after, what impact will Restructuring have on me?
A: All new salaried staff, non-faculty, hired on or after July 1, 2006 are hired as "University Staff" and will be covered under University HR policy.
Teaching and research faculty, along with administrative and professional faculty, are currently under the policies of the Board of Visitors, and will continue in that status. The current policies and procedures governing faculty may be found in the Faculty Handbook
Q: What impact will Restructuring have on me if I am a current classified employee?
A: All salaried, non-faculty employees hired prior to July 1, 2006, will remain state Classified Staff employees, and will participate in the Commonwealth retirement, worker's compensation and grievance systems. Once the new University HR system is in place, Classified Staff employees will be given the opportunity to convert to University Staff during the university's enrollment periods (at least once every two years). The initial enrollment period is scheduled for October 1, 2008—December 31, 2008.
Q: What impact will Restructuring have on me if I am a current classified employee but I'm applying for a different job at Virginia Tech?
A: Classified Staff who are promoted or hired into a new position will not be required to convert to University Staff status.
Q: What impact will Restructuring have on me if I am a current employee at another state agency but I'm applying for a staff job at Virginia Tech?
A: Any current state Classified Staff or covered university employee (University Staff) at another state agency who transfered or transfers to Virginia Tech on or after July 1, 2006 will be University Staff. The transferring agency will be responsible for paying out compensatory and sick leave if on the old sick leave plan (maximum up to $5,000) upon transfer. If on the new sick leave plan, family personal and sick leave will transfer. At Virginia Tech, the staff member will be enrolled in Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP).
Q: Can I remain a classified employee until I retire?
A: Yes.
Q: What impact will Restructuring have on me if I am a classified employee and leave Virginia Tech to transfer to another state agency?
A: Classified staff employees will remain classified employees upon transfer to another state agency, unless they transfer to a restructured university (UVA, William and Mary, or VCU).
Q: If I am a current Classified Staff employee, when will I be given the opportunity to become a University Staff employee?
A: The initial enrollment period is scheduled for October 1, 2008—December 31, 2008. After the initial enrollment period, enrollment periods will be offered to Classified Staff at least every two years.
Q: If I change from Classified Staff to University Staff, can I decide later to change back to Classified Staff?
A: No, once you have elected to become University staff, your election is permanent.
Q: Will Classified Staff and University Staff have different benefits and pay systems?
A: Initially, the benefits for both classifications will be the same. If the university develops a new HR system with different benefits, both classification of employees will be provided with this information and comparisons of the two systems. University employees, once approved, will participate in a merit pay program where there pay is linked to performance. More details of this program are available in the Performance Management and Compensation FAQ section.
Q: Can I remain a Classified Staff employee?
A: Yes, you may remain classified staff; however, you will be given the opportunity to change to University staff if you choose.
Q: What happens when the state changes its HR policies or benefits?
A: If you are a Classified Staff employee any changes the state makes to HR policies and benefits will affect you just as they have in the past.
Q: What happens when the university changes its HR policies or benefits?
A: If you are a University Staff employee, any changes the university makes to HR policies and benefits will affect you.
Q: Where can I go to get more detailed information about Restructuring?
A: Information regarding the Higher Education Restructuring Act can be found on the Virginia Tech Human Resources Restructuring website at www.restructuring.hr.vt.edu or contact the Human Resource Service Center at 231-9331
Q: Who can I contact if I have questions?
A: Please contact the Human Resources Service Center at 231-9331.