Jan. 22, 2026

Dear URI Faculty and Staff,

As part of our commitment to responsible planning and operational continuity, it is important for the University to have accurate information about anticipated staffing changes. This helps us prepare thoughtfully for transitions, maintain continuity of operations, and support departments in their long-term planning.

To assist with this process, we would like to offer for employees who have already made the personal decision to retire—but have not yet formally communicated that decision—to voluntarily submit their official notice. To support timely planning, the University is offering a one-time payment of $500 to employees who submit a notice of their intent to retire on or before June 30, 2026.

To be eligible for this one-time payment, the following conditions must be met:

• An individual must be a state employee and retirement eligible in order to submit a notice of retirement.
• The notice of retirement must be submitted first to your immediate supervisor with a copy to your CBO (Chief Business Officer) and to the HR Benefits Department (benefits@etal.uri.edu) no later than February 28, 2026. 
• The retirement date specified in the notice must be on or before June 30, 2026.
• This notice cannot be rescinded once submitted. 

As always, we encourage employees considering retirement to review the resources available on our HR site here, and to consult with a financial advisor prior to making a decision.

For employees eligible for retirement who choose to take advantage of this option, payment, less applicable withholdings, will be added to their final paycheck.

We want to emphasize that this is not intended to be an incentive to retire. Rather, it is intended solely to encourage timely notification from employees who have already decided to retire. Early notice allows the University to responsibly conduct workforce planning and ensures a smoother transition for departments, colleagues, and students.

If you have questions about the process or need assistance preparing your notice, please contact the Office of Human Resources, specifically our benefits team at benefits@etal.uri.edu. We are here to support you.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the University and for helping us plan effectively for the future.

Respectfully,
Becky Hill
Vice President for Human Resources