Vacancy Review Board

CUNY reintroduced the Vacancy Review Board (VRB) as of February 3, 2023. All actions that result in an addition to headcount, or salary increase must go to the VRB unless otherwise specified. Personnel actions are defined as promotions, increases in pay based on merit, step increases, or any other change that increases compensation expenses other than those required by a collective bargaining agreement.

The Vacancy Review Board will consider exceptions that fit the following criteria:

Demonstrate a direct relationship to safety, academic excellence, recruitment and retention, strategic investments, operational disruption, risk management, or cost reduction. Paid with state or city tax levy operating and capital funds, funds held by the NYS treasury (Income Fund Reimbursable), funds held by NYC (ACE, Tech Fee, Non Misc. Income), non-tax levy funds in unincorporated entities or accounts, and tax levy supported non-grant funds at the Research Foundation (RF).
Colleges can continue to hire grant-funded positions on the RF, if, and only if, there is a clear understanding that the position is only funded if the grant funds exist.
Funding from State or City appropriations or from City Council or similar funds are NOT considered grant funds.
Colleges can continue to hire positions funded with other separately incorporated affiliated entity revenues, only after direct consultation with the college President. Prudence is highly encouraged due to predicted financial shortfalls at those entities.

The VRB will also consider campus staffing levels and the current and projected financial condition of the campus. They may also consult with University and College subject-matter experts when needed.

All requests must include detailed calculations as to how each will be funded, where resources will be re-allocated or how revenue will be generated. Requests without this level of detail will be returned without review.

If the campus is submitting a considerable number of requests and/or reorganizations, a staffing plan will be required. A staffing plan should include details regarding what the campus is trying to accomplish, including a brief narrative, information regarding funding, and a list of vacancies and/or personnel actions.

Hiring managers can send the completed VRB spreadsheet (link below) to VRB@Baruch.CUNY.edu The local VRB meets weekly. Deadlines for submission are firm and are on the table linked below.