Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-134: Reduction in work force

The board of regents, the state university boards, and the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee shall adopt policies to govern reductions in force that could result in employee layoffs or terminations at their respective institutions of higher education. The policies shall provide a consistent and equitable method of reducing the work force when a reorganization or curtailment of operations becomes necessary. The policies shall, at a minimum:

(1) Apply to regular, nonfaculty employees;

(2) Provide for a written rationale for any reduction in the work force;

(3) Include identification of functional areas affected, a review of the budget implications involved and the development of specific written criteria to be used in identifying duties that will be reassigned or eliminated;

(4) Provide for the application of such factors as length of service in the position and at the institution, functional needs of the unit in selecting the affected employees and the qualifications needed to perform the remaining duties of the affected unit;

(5) Require written notification to the affected employees of a reduction in force as far in advance as possible; and

(6) Provide an opportunity for affected employees to receive notification when vacancies for similar positions at their former campuses occur.