START Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need my manager’s approval to enroll in START at 5%?
5% START participation has been automatically approved for eligible employees (see START eligibility requirements)as long as all eligibility requirements are met. Employees will need to obtain their manager’s approval for the change in work schedule. For example, a 5% reduction might be taken as one day a month, or a few hours each week. The manager must approve the employee’s proposed work schedule. Details on how to apply for START are online at http://hrweb.berkeley.edu/policy/start2009/start2009_toc.htm.
2. I was told that my department was not participating in START. Am I now eligible?
If you are otherwise eligible, you may now participate in START at the 5% level. However, you must get your manager’s approval on the work schedule you will adopt to accommodate the reduction in your time. All managers must allow eligible employees to participate at the 5% level.
3. What does my manager need to approve?
Your manager needs to approve any change in your work schedule if you decide to participate in START, regardless of the level of your participation. In addition, participation in the START program at a level higher than 5% must be approved by your manager. There is no automatic approval for START participation beyond 5%.
4. What is the maximum reduction in time allowed by START?
Employees must maintain a time base of at least 50%. Thus, the reduction must be less than 50%, but no lower than 5%.
5. What are the advantages of START participation?
The advantages of START participation and other information about the START program can be found at the web site indicated above.
6. What happens if the University has mandatory furloughs?
At this time we do not know if we will have furloughs (i.e. temporary layoffs) in 2009-10, and cannot predict what the impact of participation in START might be on such a program. However, it is our expectation, pending approval by Office of the President, that employees enrolled in START will be able to apply their voluntary reduction in time to offset a mandatory furlough as long as the START participation occurred in the fiscal year in which the furlough may occur.
7. How can START help me if I am considering retiring by June 30, 2010?
In consultation with your manager or supervisor, you might consider using START to phase out of your current job without jeopardizing your retirement benefits. For example, you could begin reducing your time base gradually during the coming year. Participation in START does not affect your salary for purposes of retirement calculations or your leave accruals. If you would like to talk with someone outside of your immediate department about this option, contact the campus Benefits office at 642-7053 or benefits@berkeley.edu.
8. Can represented employees participate in START at 5%?
The following bargaining units have agreed to START at 5%:
- CUE - Clerical Unit (CX)
- AFSCME - Service Unit (SX)
- AFSCME - Patient Care Technical Unit (EX)
- UPTE -Technical Unit (TX)
- UPTE - Research Support Professionals Unit (RX)
- UPTE - Health Care Professionals Unit (HX)
Additional Berkeley Implementation Questions
General START questions (External Link)