Voluntary Resignation Program

A One-Time Opportunity for Eligible FIU Faculty and Staff

As part of FIU’s commitment to responsible stewardship of university resources and consistent with its strategic priorities, Florida International University has established a one-time Voluntary Resignation Program.

The Program provides eligible faculty, administrators, and staff with an opportunity to voluntarily resign from the university and receive financial benefits in accordance with the Program guidelines.

Participation is voluntary, and all applications are subject to eligibility requirements, operational needs, and final approval.

Program at a Glance

Information Window August 17 – September 4, 2026
Application Period August 31 – September 30, 2026
Application Review October 1 – November 20, 2026
Bonus Payment December 11, 2026
Separation Date December 17, 2026

What Are the Program Benefits

Employees whose applications are approved may receive the following benefits, subject to the terms of the Program.

1. Notice of Resignation Pay

A one-time payment of 8 to 12 weeks of pay, based on years of service:

  • 1 year of service: 4 weeks of pay
  • Each additional year of service: 2 additional weeks of pay
  • Minimum: 8 weeks of pay
  • Maximum: 12 weeks of pay

2. Service Appreciation Bonus

Eligible participants may also receive a one-time bonus based on their years of service.

Years of Service Bonus (% of Base Salary) Min/Max Bonus
3 – 4.99 years Not applicable Not applicable
5 – 9.99 years 5% $1,500 – $7,500
10 – 19.99 years 10% $3,000 – $15,000
20 – 29.99 years 15% $5,000 – $20,000
30+ years 20% $7,000 – $25,000

 

3. Human Resources Support

Human Resources will provide guidance throughout the application and separation process.

Who is Eligible

Employees may apply if they meet all applicable eligibility requirements, including:

  • At least three (3) years of active, continuous service in a benefits-eligible faculty, administrative, or staff position.
  • The required service must be completed as of August 31, 2026.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The Program is not available to employees who:

  • Have already submitted a notice of resignation.
  • Are subject to an active disciplinary action.
  • Are on a performance improvement plan.
  • Have received a non-renewal or termination notice.
  • Are the subject of a pending investigation.
  • Are serving in a temporary, visiting, or other time-limited appointment.

Program Timeline

August 17 – September 4, 2026
Information Window
Review the Program guidelines, eligibility requirements, benefits, and application information.

August 31 – September 30, 2026
Application Period
Eligible employees may submit a Voluntary Resignation Request through PantherSoft HR.

October 1 – November 20, 2026
Application, Review, Status Confirmation, and Notification
Human Resources will review applications in consultation with the employee’s Business Unit Head.

December 11, 2026
Service Appreciation Bonus Payment
Approved participants will receive the applicable Service Appreciation Bonus.

December 17, 2026
Separation Date
Approved participants will separate from FIU on this date.

How Do I Apply

Eligible employees interested in participating must submit a Voluntary Resignation Request during the application period.

Application Period:
August 31 – September 30, 2026

The application form will be available through the PantherSoft HR system; Employee Dashboard > Voluntary Resignation Program tile.

What Happens After I Apply?

  1. Submit your application through PantherSoft HR.
  2. Human Resources reviews your application in consultation with your Business Unit Head.
  3. Final approval is determined by the appropriate Vice President, Senior Vice President, or the Provost.
  4. Approved employees complete the required documentation with Human Resources.
  5. Employees coordinate transition activities with their respective units.
  6. Approved participants separate from FIU on December 17, 2026.

Important Considerations

Application Does Not Guarantee Approval
Submitting an application does not guarantee participation in the Program. Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility requirements and university operational needs. Final approval will consider factors including operational requirements, continuity of services, DROP participation or previous notice of retirement, approved transition plans, and available funding.

Participation Is Final
Once Human Resources has acknowledged an employee’s application into the Program, the decision to participate is final and may not be withdrawn.

Taxes
Participants are responsible for any applicable taxes associated with Program payments.

Reemployment
Under University policy, reemployment at FIU following participation in the Program is generally restricted for three years.

Accrued Leave
Payment for accrued leave will be made in accordance with applicable University policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply?
The application period is August 31 through September 30, 2026.

Where do I submit my application?
The Voluntary Resignation Request will be available through the PantherSoft HR system; Employee Dashboard > Voluntary Resignation Program tile.

If I submit an application, am I automatically approved?
No. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Each application will be reviewed based on Program requirements and university operational needs.

When will I know whether my application is approved?
Applications will be reviewed and status confirmed between October 1 and November 20, 2026.

When is the Service Appreciation Bonus paid?
The Service Appreciation Bonus is scheduled to be paid on December 11, 2026.

When will participants separate from FIU?
The separation date for approved participants is December 17, 2026.

Can I change my mind after my application is acknowledged by Human Resources?
No. Once Human Resources has acknowledged an employee’s application into the Program, the decision to participate is final and may not be withdrawn.

Will I be able to work at FIU again after participating?
Under University policy, reemployment at FIU following participation in the Program is generally restricted for three years.

What happens to my accrued leave?
Payment for accrued leave will be handled in accordance with applicable University policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Estimated Payout Calculation

DISCLAIMER: This calculator provides an estimate for informational purposes only. Actual payments are subject to Program eligibility, approval, and applicable University policies and may differ from the estimated amount.

Voluntary Resignation Program Estimator

Where to Find the Information for the Estimated Payout Calculator

To use the Estimated Payout Calculator, you will need three pieces of information: your annual base salary, hire date and leave balances.

Step 1: Log in to PantherSoft Employee Self Service using your FIU credentials.

Step 2: Click on Employee Dashboard

Step 3: Select “Time” tile > “Leave/Comp Time” tile for leave balances

Step 4: Select “Payroll” tile > “Compensation History” tile for annual base salary and hire date. For purposes of the Estimated Payout Calculator, use the date you entered a benefits-eligible position at FIU, rather than your original hire date, if those dates are different.

Need More Information?

Employees with questions may contact the Human Resources Service Center at 305-348-2181

Complete Program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application materials will be available during the Information Window.