Farewell Guidelines

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.

• 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