It's no secret that Pennsylvania has been strapped for cash lately. The state House of Representatives has yet to finalize its budget, and the impact is being felt. Pennsylvania's colleges and universities are also struggling across the board, and are using various methods to deal with their financial problems, such as cutting certain programs. However, some institutions are offering faculty and staff VSIPs, or Voluntary Separation Incentive Packages. VSIPS are a lump sum payment—usually equal to a year's salary. If the faculty or staff accepts the package, they resign and, in most cases, are not allowed to return to their jobs. Penn State is one of the institutions currently using VSIPs, primarily on its Commonwealth campuses. For more information, see: Voluntary Separation Incentive Program | Human Resources (psu.edu)