SUBJECT:  Implementation of the UC Staff and Academic Reduction
                     in Time (START) Program

In an effort to help address the serious budget deficit facing the University, the University of California Staff and Academic Reduction in Time (START) Program will begin June 1, 2003, and end on June 30, 2005.

To provide departments a wide range of latitude to implement START effectively within the context of their missions, operational needs, service requirements, and budgets, the University has provided considerable flexibility in the design of the START Program. However, implementation of the START Program is at the discretion of the department head. If the department head implements START in the department or unit, in all cases, participation in START requires approval of the supervisor and department head, and if appropriate, approval of the respective vice chancellor.

Under the Program, non-probationary career staff (represented and policy covered) and academic personnel, except those in faculty and student academic titles, can volunteer to reduce their working time and corresponding pay. In return for a voluntary reduction in time, Program participants will:

* Accrue vacation and sick leave credits at the rate accrued prior to the commencement of START;
* Accrue UC Retirement Plan (UCRP) service credit at the rate accrued prior to the commencement of START, provided that the participant is on pay status for at least 50 percent time during each month of participation; and
* Be eligible for UCRP pension, death benefits, and/or disability income based on the unreduced salary used to derive both Highest Average Plan Compensation and final salary, provided that the participant is on pay status for at least 50 percent time during each month of participation.

The START Program Guidelines, Questions and Answers, and Contract Forms are available on the UC Office of the President's Web site at:

http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/employees/policies/policies/other_policies/start.html

To facilitate the UCSD Payroll/Personnel System (PPS) entry of START agreements, A "How To Process START" has been developed and is available on Blink at: http://blink.ucsd.edu/go/start

Inquiries regarding the START Program should be directed to Jonnie Craig-Winston, Director of Policy Development and Quality of Work/Life, at jcraig@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-8037 or to Tricia Takacs, Assistant Director Academic Personnel, at ttakacs@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-2597.

                                                Marsha A. Chandler
                                                Senior Vice Chancellor-
                                                Academic Affairs

                                                Steven W. Relyea
                                                Vice Chancellor-
                                                Business Affairs