Faculty Realignment Incentive Program (FRIP) Summary

 

What is FRIP?

The Faculty Realignment Incentive Program (“FRIP” or “Program”) was established and funded as part of the 2023 Appropriations Act. The purpose of this Program is to incentivize certain eligible tenured faculty members to retire early in return for a one-time severance payment (equivalent to one year of base salary) from the University. FRIP is a voluntary program; the constituent institutions have the discretion to offer the Program to eligible faculty but there is no guarantee or entitlement to participate.

Who is eligible for FRIP?

Constituent institutions may offer FRIP to faculty who are:

  • Employed as a permanent, benefits-eligible employee of the University with a full-time equivalent (FTE) of 0.75 or greater.
  • At least 55 years of age.
  • Eligible for early or full-service retirement in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System of North Carolina (TSERS) or vested in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP).
  • Employed cumulatively for at least 10 consecutive years as a permanent, benefits-eligible employee of the University at one or more UNC constituent institutions.
  • Not subject to any pending or in-process personnel or benefits action prior to the date of the FRIP offer that would otherwise result in end of employment with the University.
  • Not retiring under disability provisions of the State’s long-term disability program, as may be supplemented by the University’s supplemental long-term disability program.
  • Not receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

What are the requirements for participating?

Eligible faculty members who participate in this Program:

  • Submit a Statement of Interest form for consideration in the Program.
  • Agree to voluntarily relinquish their tenure rights.
  • Sign and execute a written Agreement and General Release, which includes a voluntary resignation of employment, an election to begin receiving benefits accrued under either the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (“TSERS”) or the Optional Retirement Program (“ORP”), and a general release and waiver of rights.
  • Agree not to apply to or accept any employment at a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System for 12 months following participation in the FRIP program. After the applicable 12-month period, individuals who participated in the FRIP program may only apply to, or accept employment at, a UNC constituent institution in a non-tenured faculty or a staff position.
  • Cannot participate in both the FRIP and the UNC Phased Retirement Program.

What is the severance benefit of the FRIP Program?

Faculty members approved for the Program and who meet the requirements above will receive a severance payment equivalent to the annual base salary of the faculty member from the prior academic year. This amount does not include incentive compensation, salary supplements, stipends, or other non-base salary elements of compensation.

When will this Program occur?

Institutions have until June 30, 2025, to complete offers under this Program. Each institution has discretion to determine specific timelines and related procedures for the Program.

Where can I get more information on this Program?

  • The constituent institutions will provide information on the Program and will provide a point of contact for questions.
  • Please also see Section 300.7.5[R] “Regulation on Faculty Realignment Incentive Program (FRIP)” of the UNC Policy Manual for more information.