Staff Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program

The 2026 Staff Voluntary Retirement Incentive (Staff VRI) program is designed to create flexibility for our organization while honoring the service and contributions of our staff. By providing a structured, voluntary pathway to retirement, the VRI helps us responsibly reduce staff headcount and align our operations with evolving needs.

Staff who meet the criteria outlined below may apply for the program. All qualified applicants (meaning those who meet the criteria listed below) will then be ranked in order of years of credited service. The incentive package will be provided to the 175 highest ranking applicants on that list. 

There are approximately 500 staff are eligible to apply for this program, with an average of 30 years of service. The cap of 175 participants allows the university to offer a meaningful benefit to those who may already be considering retirement, while reducing personnel costs and continuing to serve students, faculty, staff, and the broader community effectively.

Eligible employees will receive their notice by email before the end of the day, Monday, March 23. 

Incentive Package

The Staff VRI package includes:

• Six months of current base pay (as of March 23, 2026), issued as a lumpsum payment. 
• A one-time contribution to CURP in the amount of 10 percent of 6 months of such staff member’s salary at the time of retirement.  
• Immediate access to retiree benefit programs available to current Cornell retirees. 

Application Period

Applications for the VRI program will be accepted beginning March 23, 2026, through 11:59 p.m. April 22, 2026. If you wish to apply for the VRI program, please follow the directions on Document #2.

Documents

Application materials are being sent directly to eligible employees by email and mail. If you are eligible and have questions about documents, please contact the HR Services and Transitions Center at hrservices@cornell.edu.

Online (Zoom) Information Sessions, March/April 2026

We will be offering online presentations to review the Staff VRI program details and summarize benefits in retirement. We encourage you to review the VRI provisions and FAQs, and the “Retirement and Beyond” booklet, before attending one of these sessions. 

Vendor Contacts

Navigating retirement planning often involves detailed questions about plan options, income projections, and accessing accumulated funds. While federal regulations ensure high standards for retirement counseling provided by all plan representatives, our participants may receive more personalized guidance when speaking directly with dedicated vendor contacts.  

Cornell-dedicated representatives are familiar with Cornell’s SUNY ORP, CURP and TDA plans and are familiar with questions Cornell participants typically ask.  Included below are also general contact numbers for NYSLRS and each provider.  We encourage you to reach out to the contacts below as you consider your retirement plan options, and as you consider whether you will apply for the Staff VRI. 

CURP (Endowed) and TDA Plan (for both Endowed and Contract College)

Contract College Plans