Although the University hopes that circumstances do not require employees to be laid off, there may be instances where it is necessary, such as when there is lack of work, budget restrictions, lack of funds or a department has reorganized. Only administrators at or above the level of dean, vice president, the director of intercollegiate athletics and vice chancellors (“organization unit head”) have the authority to determine when a layoff is needed. The organization unit head along with Human Resources will also determine who will be laid off based upon objective, job-related standards including knowledge, skills, abilities and documented work performance. In the absence of these distinguishing factors, the individual with the fewest continuous years of service will be laid off first. For additional information, refer to the Reduction in Workforce (VI.F.2), www.purdue.edu/policies/human-resources/vif2.html.