Ending Employment

The University recognizes that varying circumstances may cause employees to voluntarily resign from employment. Because your employment with the University is on an “at-will” basis, you have a right to resign from the University at any time, with or without notice and with or without cause. In such cases, employees who intend to resign are encouraged to provide two weeks’ notice to their supervisor, preferably in writing, to facilitate a smooth transition from the University. The University reserves the right to determine the last day of employment as business needs warrant/dictate such action.

Employees who wish to retire are asked to notify their supervisor and department/office director. Preferably one month before the desired retirement date, it is recommended that retiring employees email retirementplan@usfca.edu.

After retiring from the University, faculty and staff may retain access to University email according to the following protocols:

  • Full-time faculty may retain their existing email address.
  • Full-time staff may retain their existing email address. It is recommended that staff set their email to auto-reply for the first month after retiring and include a message regarding a current point of contact at the University for work-related matters.
  • Staff who are also alumni of the University will automatically receive a new University email address from ITS.

For assistance or questions regarding the automatic assignment of a new University email address, please contact ITS. If you have questions about this policy, please contact Human Resources at (415) 422-6707.

Using the University's electronic communication systems is a revocable privilege. Users must adhere to applicable University policies and procedures for ITS and Human Resources at all times when accessing University email.

Using and/or accessing University email without proper authorization is prohibited. Retained and assigned email addresses are not to be shared. Each email address user is solely responsible for all functions performed. In appropriate circumstances, the University reserves the right to review and/or monitor emails sent or received through its network, at its sole discretion.

Employees who fail to report to work without notifying their supervisor for three consecutive workdays shall be considered to have abandoned their job without notice, effective at the end of their normal shift on the third day. Employees who separate from the University due to job abandonment are ineligible for rehire.

Because University employees are employed on an at-will basis, the University retains the right to terminate employees at any time, with or without notice and with or without cause.

Resignations

Employees who provide at least 72 hours of notice before resigning will receive their final paychecks via direct deposit or via paper check on their last day of work. Employees who provide less than 72 hours of notice will receive their final paycheck by mail to their mailing address on file or via direct deposit. For purposes of the 72-hour requirement, the mailing date is considered the payment date.

Terminations

Employees who are terminated involuntarily will receive their final paychecks in person or via direct deposit on their last day of work. Final paychecks will include all compensation earned through the date of termination, all accrued and unused vacation time, required taxes, and other mandatory deductions, according to state and federal guidelines.

Employees who separate from the University must return all University property to their supervisor or Human Resources at the time of separation. University property may include, but is not limited to, USF credit cards (purchase cards) uniforms, cell phones, company credit card, keys, PCs, laptops, computer equipment, cameras, files, and identification cards. Reimbursements are also due upon separation from the University. To resolve outstanding balances, please contact Accounting and Business Services at (415) 422-6521. If USF property is not returned or reimbursements not reconciled, additional action may be taken by the University to retrieve property or to collect monies owed.

The University sends an exit interview survey to departing employees through Workday. We highly recommend completing this survey as it offers a valuable opportunity to share your employment experience. Your feedback is crucial in helping us improve. If you have any questions about the survey, please do not hesitate to contact Human Resources at humanresources@usfca.edu.

The University offers full-time employees health insurance coverage as a benefit of employment. If employees are no longer eligible for coverage because they are no longer employed by the University, they may have the right to continue their health insurance coverage for up to 18 months through COBRA. Employees will be responsible for paying the cost of the coverage. For questions about continued coverage, please contact benefits@usfca.edu.

Most University employees are covered by the State Employment Security Law. Under the provisions of this law, employees who become totally or partially unemployed and who meet the eligibility requirements as set forth in the law may receive unemployment compensation. For more information, visit the Employment Development Department (EDD) website.