Layoff is a severance action by which the University terminates the continuous or notice contract of a faculty member before the term of appointment expires, without prejudice as to the individual's performance. Faculty laid off under these provisions shall have preference in rehiring according to procedures detailed in Section 8.5.4. Reasons for layoff are:

1. discontinuation of program or significant portions of a discipline's offerings (Section 8.5.1),
2. enrollment emergency (Section 8.5.2), and
3. financial exigency (Section 8.5.3).