If the Board declares that a state of financial exigency exists or is imminent or a program change has occurred or should seriously be considered, and termination of one or more faculty or staff may be a required as a consequence of either circumstance, it shall prepare a statement that identifies with reasonable particularity the state of financial exigency or other program change. The statement shall outline in terms as specific as the circumstances permit the options for response which might involve termination of employment. This statement shall be transmitted to the faculty and staff committee with a request for its action in accordance with this policy. This statement shall also be published and made available to all faculty and staff. Pending committee action, the Board shall undertake, through the President's Office, to obtain advice and recommendations with respect to the matters addressed in the statement.

In the event that a declaration of financial exigency is contemplated, the President shall consult with and seek advice from the faculty and staff committee at least (30) days before the Board takes any final action which might result in layoffs or termination. The President and the committee shall consider identifiable alternative methods of budget reductions; determine which colleges, schools, units or programs, faculty or staff positions should be eliminated; and prepare a report, with supportive documents, for submission to the Board. Such a report shall include both majority recommendations and minority reports. It shall be the responsibility of the committee to recommend criteria to be used by the President and the Board for academic program evaluations and priorities. A decision to curtail or discontinue an academic or administrative unit shall be made in the best interests of the students and the University's mission.

Once the Board has declared a state of financial exigency and has identified the particular departments or administrative units in which a reduction in staff is necessary, it shall be the primary responsibility of the President to recommend to the Board which individuals are to be terminated or laid off. Such a recommendation shall follow seniority, unless an exception is made to preserve the diversity of specializations with a department or unit, to preserve academic accreditation or when strict application of seniority would otherwise threaten a viable academic or administrative program or department or unit.

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