The college announced the voluntary program in emails to employees Friday, Oct. 23, after reaching agreements with its classified and faculty unions. Eligible workers must commit by the end of November, but can leave or retire as late as the end of 2027, according to the timeline shared by the college.

Participants can choose between an extension of health coverage or a lump-sum payment. Contracted faculty may receive up to $18,000. Faculty who take part will not be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits from the college, LCC said.

The offer is limited to classified employees who have worked full time at the college for at least 10 years. Contracted faculty must have been hired more than six years ago and currently work more than half time.

The program comes as LCC continues efforts to close a budget gap. The college’s Board of Education voted in June to cut about $4.2 million from the current year’s budget. Spokesperson Jenna McCulley said the incentives are part of a three-year financial mitigation plan approved by the board last year, and that the college still needs to reduce its general operating budget over the next two years.

Faculty union president Adrienne Mitchell said similar agreements in 2022 and 2023 helped the college plan staffing levels and make its budget more predictable. She said the arrangement could also help avert future layoffs or program cuts that might affect students and the wider community.

The classified employees union did not immediately respond to a request for comment.