Arizona State is just one school where employees will have a little extra free time on their hands in the coming months. Several other schools have announced furloughs, and a growing number of university officials from across the country say they are looking at requiring employees to take unpaid leave. In Arizona State’s case, deans are required to take 15 days of unpaid leave before July, faculty must take 12 unpaid days, and all other employees have to take 10 days. The university will remain open, and employees are encouraged to stagger their days off to help limit the impact of vacancies.
A statement released by Arizona State President Michael Crow said the school was implementing the furlough because of a “severe reduction in state funding.” Arizona State’s furlough program is similar to one at the University of Maryland, under which employees must take up to five days of unpaid leave prior to June. Employees who make $90,000 or more must take the maximum five days, while that time is shorter for workers who make less. The program started in February and extends though the end of the current semester. The furlough is intended to help stave off layoffs.
