A voluntary program designed to honor long-serving faculty and professional staff, offering a dignified and meaningful transition into retirement status, while maintaining connections to Buffalo State and offering legacy-building contributions to the university.

Learn More

  • Connect with your supervisor, department chair/head, or vice president to further discuss the VSPP
  • Schedule a meeting with Human Resources Personnel Operations Manager Erika Grande 

(Please note: Employees are encouraged to consult with Human Resources prior to submission of application.)

Timeline

  1. Feb. 19, 2026: Voluntary Separation Pathway Program announced by Buffalo State University Interim President Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D.

    4 p.m. March 20, 2026: Application deadline | Application to Participate form

    April 3, 2026: Approval or denial notifications sent

    April 10, 2026: Deadline for irrevocable letter of resignation

    May 31, 2026: Final date of employment for approved participants

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo State’s new Voluntary Separation Pathway Program is a voluntary initiative designed to honor the extraordinary service of our long-serving faculty and professional staff. This program supports a meaningful transition into retirement status while maintaining connections to Buffalo State and offering legacy-building contributions to the university. The goal is to maintain meaningful, lifelong relationships with valued faculty and professional staff.

Verification of eligibility will be confirmed with Human Resource Management at the time of application.

Full-time UUP-represented and Management Confidential (MC-13) employees who are NYS retirement eligible, with at least 10 years of full-time NYS service as of Jan. 1, 2026, and in good standing at time of application may apply for the program.

Eligibility to participate or the submission of an application does not guarantee approval. The interim president reserves the right to approve or deny any VSPP request. Approval of applicants will be prioritized based on the needs of the university.

No. Participation is completely voluntary. The program is offered as a recognition of service and an opportunity to remain connected to the Buffalo State community.

Benefits include:

  • A one-time $25,000 Legacy Recognition payment, with options to bestow or retain
  • Lifetime membership to Campus House
  • Peterson Society membership and lunch invitations
  • Eligibility to support your legacy through department giving or the creation of an endowed scholarship 

Participants may choose to donate their incentive to a department fund or create an endowed scholarship in their own name.

Both options include membership in the Peterson Society and an invitation to the annual Peterson Society Luncheon.

The Legacy Giving opportunities are entirely optional but available for those who wish to create a lasting impact. There is also an option to retain the $25,000.

Apply online.

Applications close at 4 p.m. on March 20. 

May 31, 2026, is the final date of employment for approved participants.

Yes. Those interested in participating are encouraged to connect with their supervisor, department chair/head or vice president to further discuss the VSPP.

Jamie Warnes, assistant vice president for Human Resources, will be available to assist you as you consider whether the VSPP aligns with your future plans.

You can also schedule a meeting with Human Resources Personnel Operations Manager Erika Grande.

Employees who are interested in reviewing their options are encouraged to seek counsel from their tax advisors, retirement system representatives, financial planner, the Social Security Administration, and SUNY (campus) benefits manager before deciding to apply to participate. Employees represented by a union also have the right to consult with their union representative. 

This is a voluntary program.