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To recognize an employee who is leaving Bethel University voluntarily and involuntarily due to a reduction in force, a department has the discretion to use department funds as outlined below for a farewell party and/or gift.

Years of service	Maximum amount for a party (includes gift amount)	Maximum amount for a gift
Less than 3	$15	$10-$15
3-7 years	$225	$15-$20
8-12 years	$350	$20-$30
13-19 years	$500	$30-$40
20+ years	$750	$40-$50

A department budget may be used to fund a farewell party for a benefits-eligible employee according to the guidelines above. A farewell gathering is optional, not required.
A department budget may also be used to purchase a farewell gift for a benefits-eligible employee according to the guidelines above. A farewell gift is optional, not required.
Gifts must be a tangible item such as a watch or book. Gifts cannot be cash, checks or gift cards. (No other gift funded by a Bethel budget is to be given.)
Only employees who are benefits-eligible qualify for a Bethel-funded farewell party and/or gift. To use institutional funds for an employee who is not benefits-eligible, approval from a Cabinet Member is required.
The entire party amount does not have to be used. The entire gift amount does not have to be used.
To use institutional funds over and above the guidelines, approval from a Cabinet Member is required. (For a departing Cabinet Member, approval from the president is required.) Otherwise, any expenses over and above the guidelines must be financed personally.
The employee and his or her supervisor or department chair should discuss and decide what type of party is desired. Not all employees want a farewell gathering.
The supervisor or department chair must contact the Office of Human Resources to verify years of service.
Suggestions for a farewell gathering include but are not limited to: a community reception in the Eastlund Room (or other available space on campus); a department lunch, pizza party, or picnic; or an informal open house where guests are invited to stop by the office and visit with the departing employee. Farewell gatherings may be hosted off campus if desired.
Gift suggestions include but are not limited to: Bethel apparel from the Campus Store, a favorite book, or a photo album/memory book of the employee’s years at Bethel.

Last Reviewed: May 12, 2021