In an effort to address the budget deficit facing the University as a result of the State of California budget crisis and other budget reductions, UC is offering a new Staff and Academic Reduction in Time (START) program. As in the past, START is one way to help UC cope with budget cuts in an attempt to minimize the need for layoffs.

START is a temporary, voluntary program in which eligible employees may, with the approval of their department, reduce their working hours and corresponding pay between 10 and 50 percent. START participants, who must remain on pay status at least 50 percent of full-time each month while on START, continue to accrue vacation, sick leave and UC Retirement Plan service credit at their pre-START accrual rate.

More than 3,000 employees took advantage of the START program from June, 2003 through July, 2006, resulting in $41.9 million in salary savings for UC locations.

The START program begins July 1, 2008 and ends on June 30, 2010. All regular status (non-probationary career) staff employees and all academic personnel, except those in faculty and student academic titles and postdoctoral scholars, are eligible to participate in START. Participation in the START Program for represented employees depends upon agreement by the applicable union.

Details of the program, including a brochure and answers to frequently asked questions, are available on At Your Service.

Consult your local Human Resources Office or Academic Personnel Office for information on whether START will be offered at your location or department.