KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
LAYOFF PLAN
for
Classified Employees
PURPOSE
This plan provides general information, guidelines, and procedures to be following in the event
of a layoff of a permanent classified employee or employees at Kansas State University. The
existence of this plan does not signify a layoff is predicted. A specific layoff notice will be
issued in the event a layoff is announced. A layoff action should be considered only after all
other options have been exhausted.
DEFINITION OF A LAYOFF
A layoff is a reduction in work force usually necessitated by a shortage of work or funds,
reinstatement of an employee from leave, the abolition of a position or unit, or other material
change in duties or reorganization. A layoff can be designated university-wide, by
organizational unit, geographic area, by full-time or less than full-time positions, or by a
combination of any of the above as determined by the Assistant Vice President, Division of
Human Resources. Layoffs result in permanent loss of the positions held by laid off employees.
LAYOFF NOTIFICATION TO DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES
An organizational unit facing layoff issues should immediately contact the Assistant Vice
President, Division of Human Resources, followed by a letter outlining the employee or
employees to be laid off, the reason for the layoff, estimated annual savings, and the date
requested for the layoff.
ORGANIZATIONAL UNITS
Layoffs can be designated by organizational unit. Major organizational areas are identified
below. An organizational chart and a list of units reporting to major organizational areas are
identified in Attachments A and B.
1. Office of the President
2. Office of the Provost
3. Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance
4. Office of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement
5. College of Technology and Aviation
6. Division of Continuing Education
7. Libraries
8. Graduate School
9. College of Arts and Sciences
10. College of Business Administration
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11. College of Education
12. College of Architecture, Planning and Design
13. College of Engineering
14. College of Human Ecology
15. College of Veterinary Medicine
16. College of Agriculture (includes Agriculture Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension
Service)
GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
Layoffs can be designated statewide or by county. Kansas State University has offices and
branches in all 105 counties in Kansas where layoffs could occur.
BUMPING RIGHTS - Options for Employees
The right of one employee to "bump" another employee from a job is dependent upon several
factors, starting with a layoff score as described in the following section titled "Layoff Scores."
Additional criteria also apply.
Bumping will occur within the layoff group identified in the layoff notice or university wide if
no group is identified. A permanent employee, or an employee considered permanent only for
layoff purposes (such as an employee recently promoted to a new position and classification but
who holds permanent status in another classification) who is affected by a layoff may bump into
another position in the agency under certain conditions.
For an employee to be bumped, the employee must: 1) have a lower layoff score than the
employee exercising the bumping right; 2) not be scheduled for layoff, and 3) have the lowest
layoff score for anyone in that class not scheduled for layoff.
Class series: A class series is two or more job classes having similar job content but different
levels of skills, responsibility, difficulty and qualifications. For instance, Accountants at all
levels, I-IV, are considered to be in the same series. A complete list of class series is in
Attachment C.
Bumping is exercised as follows:
1. The employee may bump into a lower class in a class series OR
2. The employee may bump into a lower class in which the employee previously had
permanent status OR
3. The employee may bump into a position anywhere in the university filled by a
probationary employee if:
a) the permanent employee scheduled to be laid off is interested in the position;
b) the permanent employee scheduled to be laid off meets the minimum
qualifications of the class and is eligible for transfer or demotion to the
position; and
2
c) when the layoff is limited to full-time or less than full-time employees,
permanent employees may bump into positions filled by probationary
employees having the same full-time or less than full-time status.
New hires and rehires on probationary appointments will not be granted permanent status on or
after the date the Assistant Vice President, Division of Human Resources has issued a layoff
notice. However, any new hire or rehire on probation in a position for which no employee
subject to layoff meets the required selection criteria may be given permanent status. New hires
and rehires on probation shall have their probationary period extended until it is certain that no
permanent employee whose position is to be vacated by layoff or who otherwise would be laid
off through the exercise of bumping rights is claiming the probationary position. [K.A.R. 1-148(e)]
LAYOFF SCORES
Layoff scores are used to determine the order in which employees are laid off. The employee
with the lowest layoff score in the particular category identified in the layoff notice will be the
first person to be laid off. Layoff scores will be calculated for every employee potentially
affected by the layoff based on the class, classes or class series identified in the Layoff Notice.
Layoff scores are calculated using number of year's service multiplied by a point value derived
from averaging the five most recent employee evaluations. Evaluation ratings of consistently
exceeds expectations or exceeds expectations garner five points, meets expectations three points,
and below expectations zero points. Special evaluations given for a rating period ending within
90 days of a layoff notice will not be considered. The Assistant Vice President, Division of
Human Resources will designate the cutoff date for performance evaluations.
In the event of identical layoff scores, special circumstances will be implemented in accordance
with K.A.R. 1-14-8(d)(4). Preference will be give to veterans, surviving spouses of veterans, and
orphans of veterans.
Every employee for whom a layoff score has been calculated will have the right to review the
manner in which the score was obtained.
LAYOFF NOTICE TO EMPLOYEE
Written notice will be provided to each employee in a position identified for layoff, to each
employee who might be affected by the layoff and to each employee who may be laid off
through the exercise of bumping rights. This notice will be given at least 30 days before the
effective date of the proposed layoff. The letter will include the intent to layoff, the proposed
effective date, the reason for the layoff, the employee's layoff score and right to review and
general rights for reemployment. The letter will be hand delivered or delivered by certified mailrestricted delivery. (A sample letter is provided in Attachment D.)
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LAYOFF CONFERENCES
A representative of the Division of Human Resources will schedule and conduct individual
conferences for each employee affected by a layoff. These conferences will begin as soon as
possible after employees have received the notice of layoff. Conferences will be scheduled for
employees starting with those with the highest layoff scores. Each employee will be informed of
the options available, including bumping rights, transfer, placement assistance, and demotions.
REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS
Employees who were laid off or who were demoted or transferred in lieu of layoff will have
preferential rights for reemployment into Kansas Civil Service jobs. Each employee who is laid
off, demoted or transferred in lieu of layoff, will be placed in a reemployment pool unless the
employee requests in writing not to be placed in the pool. Each employee in the reemployment
pool shall be eligible to apply for any vacancy to be filled, including an internal vacancy, until
the employee is re-employed or for three years from the date of the layoff, whichever occurs
first. (K.A.R. 1-6-23)
KANSAS EMPLOYEE PREFERENCE PROGRAM
This program provides State of Kansas employees who have been laid off, or who have received
a formal notice of layoff, with preference for announced vacant positions for which they qualify
and which are at the same pay grade or lower pay grade than the position from which they are
laid off or scheduled to be laid off. Eligibility requires the employee to have received a
“satisfactory” or better on the last performance rating before being laid off and to not have been
suspended, involuntarily demoted or dismissed anytime during the 12 months before the layoff
occurred.
The essence of this program is to provide or continue employment in a benefits eligible position.
Employees who may have the option to bump are eligible for this preference until or unless they
exercise their right to bump, at which time they would continue their employment. While
employees eligible for this preference cannot use this preference to obtain a position in the
unclassified service, they will lose their eligibility for the preference if they apply and are
selected for an unclassified position that provides benefits, including an unclassified temporary
position.
Employees being laid off will be given a letter from the Appointing Authority indicating their
eligibility for preference. These employees are required to initiate action by making timely
contact with the recruiter for a given vacancy listed on the Notice of Vacancy Listing, and they
will be required to produce a copy of their letter from the Appointing Authority as evidence of
their eligibility for preference. [K.A.R. 1-6-23(b)(1)(2)(3)(4)]
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RECORDS
The Division of Human Resources will maintain records of layoff actions proposed or completed
for a minimum of three years from the effective date of the layoff. These records will include
information relating to all employment decisions and actions taken during the layoff. Documents
will include:
•
•
•
•
•
Layoff Information Plan, approvals and modifications
Layoff request submitted to the Director of Personnel Services along with approvals and
modifications
Layoff score worksheets
Layoff letters sent to employees
Letter of eligibility for Kansas Employee Preference
SUMMARY
Kansas State University recognizes the potentially devastating impact layoffs have on employees
and organizational units. If faced with a layoff, all affected employees will be assisted in
exercising their rights and options with a primary objective of maintaining their employment
with the state of Kansas.
Kansas Administrative Regulations (K.A.R.), Articles 1-6-23, and Article 1-14 in its entirety,
govern layoff and reemployment statues for the state of Kansas. These regulations are available
online at http://da.state.ks.us/ps/documents/regs/default.htm.
Attachments
A - Organizational Chart – available online at:
http://www.k-state.edu/academicservices/fhbook/fhxh.html
B - Organizational Units
C - Class Series List
D - Sample Letter to Employee
Dev. March 2002
Rev. February 2007, October 2008, December 2008
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KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
LAYOFF PLAN
CLASS SERIES
October 2008
ATTACHMENT C
SERIES NO.
CLASSIFICATIONS
SALARY GRADE
1.
Accounting Specialist
Accountant I
Accountant II
Accountant III
Accountant IV
19
24
25
27
30
2.
Administrative Officer
Public Service Administrator I
Program Consultant I
Public Service Administrator II
Program Consultant II
22
24
24
27
27
3.
Human Resource Professional I
Human Resource Professional II
24
27
4.
Storekeeper Specialist
Procurement Officer I
Procurement Officer II
Procurement Officer III
18
23
26
30
5.
Microbiologist I
Microbiologist II
Microbiologist III
25
27
30
6.
Chemist I
Chemist II
24
26
7.
Laboratory Educational Technician
Research Technologist
20
25
8.
Library Assistant I
Library Assistant II
Library Assistant III
Librarian I
16
18
20
22
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
LAYOFF INFORMATIONAL PLAN CLASS SERIES
Page 2
SERIES NO.
CLASSIFICATIONS
SALARY GRADE
9.
Health Care Technician I
Licensed Practical Nurse
Health Care Technician II
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Sr.
18
18
20
25
28
10.
Technology Support Consultant I
Technology Support Consultant II
25
27
11.
Network Service Technician I
Network Service Technician II
Network Service Technician III
Network Service Supervisor
23
26
28
31
12.
Applications Developer I
Applications Developer II
Applications Developer III
27
29
31
13.
Technology Support Technician I
Technology Support Technician II
21
23
14.
Computer Operator II
Computer Operations Supervisor
21
27
15.
Electronics Technician
Electronics Technician Senior
Electronics Technologist
22
24
27
16.
Engineering Technician
Engineering Technician Senior
Engineering Project Designer
19
23
26
17.
Laboratory Technician II
Laboratory Technician III
19
22
18.
Radiologic Technologist I
Radiologic Technologist II
25
27
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
LAYOFF INFORMATIONAL PLAN CLASS SERIES
Page 3
SERIES NO.
CLASSIFICATIONS
SALARY GRADE
19.
Laborer Supervisor
Grounds Maintenance Supervisor II
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
Physical Plant Supervisor
Physical Plant Supervisor Senior
Management Systems Analyst I
Management Systems Analyst II
Physical Plant Supervisor Specialist
15
20
22
24
26
26
29
29
20.
Environmental Technician II
Environmental Technician III
Fire Prevention Inspector
20
24
26
21.
Printer Senior
Printer Specialist
Printing Service Coordinator
Printing Process Supervisor
Print Shop Supervisor
16
20
20
21
23
22.
Welder
Machinist
19
20
23.
Carpenter
Painter
Carpenter Senior
Painter Senior
17
17
20
20
24.
Plumber
Plumber Senior
18
21
25.
Utility Worker
General Maintenance & Repair Technician
General Maintenance & Repair Technician Senior
Facilities Specialist
13
14
18
21
26.
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Service Technician
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Service Technician Sr.
Buildings System Technician
18
20
20
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
LAYOFF INFORMATIONAL PLAN CLASS SERIES
Page 4
SERIES NO.
CLASSIFICATIONS
SALARY GRADE
27.
Equipment Operator Trainee
Equipment Operator
Equipment Operator Senior
14
16
18
28.
Electronic Control Center Technician
Electronic Control Center Supervisor
21
24
29.
Mechanic’s Helper
Equipment Mechanic
Equipment Mechanic Senior
Equipment Mechanic Specialist
12
19
21
23
30.
Veterinary Technician I
Veterinary Technician II
Veterinary Anesthesia Technician
18
20
22
31.
*Agricultural Assistant
Plant Science Technician I
Animal Science Technician I
Agricultural Technician
Plant Science Technician II
Animal Science Technician II
13
16
16
17
18
18
*This classification is used in the plant science and in the animal science areas.
32.
Custodial Specialist
Custodial Supervisor Senior
Custodial Manager
13
18
22
33.
Food Service Worker
Cook Senior
Food Service Supervisor Senior
Dairy Foods Assistant
Food Service Manager
12
14
18
18
23
34.
Extension Nutritional Assistant I
Extension Nutritional Assistant II
11
13
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
LAYOFF INFORMATIONAL PLAN CLASS SERIES
Page 5
SERIES NO.
CLASSIFICATIONS
SALARY GRADE
35.
Safety & Security Officer I
Safety & Security Officer II
University Police Officer Trainee
University Police Officer
University Police Sergeant
University Detective
University Police Captain
15
17
19
21
25
25
30
36.
Administrative Assistant
Senior Administrative Assistant
Communications Specialist I
Administrative Specialist
Senior Administrative Specialist
Communications Specialist II
14
16
18
19
20
20
The following classifications are identified singly because there are no similar class series requiring the
same minimum qualifications, registration, certification, or licensure. The justification for the single
classification will be included in the layoff notification to the State Director of Personnel Services if
layoff would occur in one of these classifications.
Automotive Driver
Educational/Informational Representative I
Grain Mill Technician
Public Programming/Performance Technician
Electrician Senior
Lock Systems Specialist Senior
Certified Asbestos Worker Senior
Photographer Senior
Research Analyst II
Aviation Technician
Graphic Designer Specialist
Network Control Technician II
Landscape Architect II
Equipment Planning Technician I
Broadcast Engineer
13
18
18
18
21
21
22
23
23
25
27
27
28
29
30