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Postdoc Exit Survey
Leaving Lehigh: Separation Checklist for Postdoctoral Researchers
For Postdoctoral Research Associates, Fellows, and AFFDP Scholars
General Instructions
This checklist is intended to guide you through the offboarding process. It is your responsibility to complete all relevant steps before your departure. Contact Postdoc Affairs (jcc410@lehigh.edu) or Human Resources (inhro@lehigh.edu) with questions.
Employee Responsibilities
Letter of Resignation
Postdocs must email their supervisor (cc: HR and Payroll) with the final working day. If resigning before the original appointment end date, state this clearly.
Immigration Considerations (International Postdocs Only)
Notify the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) of your separation date. OISS will help with grace periods, transfers, and reentry.
Email: intnl@lehigh.edu
Phone: 610-758-4859
⚠️ H-1B visa holders have no grace period — employment must cease on the last working day. J-1 visa holders typically have a 30-day grace period.
University OneCard(s)
Return your University-liability credit card (OneCard) to Business Services.
Clear all reimbursements and cash advances.
CCER system access ends after your last day.
Business Meetings
Cancel all upcoming meetings or seminar appearances.
Work Transfer
Prepare a summary of active projects, status updates, and responsibilities. Work with your supervisor for a smooth handoff.
Personal Campus Accounts
Close personal accounts (e.g., GoldPLUS). Any balance due will be deducted from your final paycheck.
Property
Return all university property to your department:
- Keys
- Laptops, phones, tablets
- ID card and parking hangtag
- Lab or office equipment
- Library materials
Move Out of Office
Clean and organize your workspace.
Remove personal items and personal data from computers.
Follow lab decommissioning or hazardous material protocols if applicable.
Change of Address
Use the Personnel Change Form to update your address with HR/Payroll. This ensures you receive your W-2 and COBRA documents.
- Forward essential messages to colleagues.
- Set up an auto-response with departure info.
- Delete personal emails.
Benefits
Separation Date
Your official separation date is your last day physically at work performing duties. This is also referred to as your Last Day Worked (LDW).
Medical/Dental/Vision (COBRA)
Your Lehigh-sponsored benefits continue through the end of the month in which your last day falls.
Example:
- Last day worked: August 25, 2025
- Coverage ends: August 31, 2025
You will receive a COBRA packet by mail from Voya, including:
- Coverage options
- Enrollment form
- Cost and timeline
If you enroll:
- Coverage begins retroactively on the first of the following month (e.g., Sept 1 in the example above)
- Valid for up to 18 months
- You pay the full premium (employee + employer portion) + 2% admin fee
Estimated cost:
- Individual: $750–$850/month
- Family: $2,000+/month
❗ Lehigh cannot quote rates — contact the COBRA administrator listed in your packet.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Contributions stop at the end of the month of separation.
- You may submit expenses for services prior to the end of that month, within 90 days.
- If continuing Health FSA via COBRA, you may extend coverage and submission window.
Dependent Care FSA cannot be continued under COBRA. Submit claims within 90 days of the end of your last month.
Disability Insurance
Ends on your last working day.
Life Insurance
Coverage continues through the month of separation.
You may convert to an individual policy by contacting Reliance Matrix:
Phone: 877-202-0055
🕓 You have 30 days to elect conversion.
Retirement Plan (TIAA)
- Fully vested after 3 years (if hired after Jan 1, 2014).
- Your account remains yours — no need to close it.
- Contact TIAA: 800-842-2776 or tiaa.org/lehigh
TIAA Options:
- Leave funds in your account
- Roll over to another plan
- Withdraw (subject to tax implications)
International postdocs: Seek tax advice before withdrawing.
Tuition Benefits
Remain valid until the end of the semester if you were expected to work through that term.
Employees resigning mid-semester are not eligible.
Payroll and Compensation
Final Paycheck
Mailed to your home address and includes pay through your final working day.
Deductions for unpaid balances (parking tickets, overpaid benefits, etc.) will be applied.
If payroll cannot deduct in time, you will be billed separately.
W-2
Mailed the following January.
If you'd prefer a secure electronic W-2, email Payroll at: inpayrol@lehigh.edu
Payroll Deductions
All voluntary deductions stop at separation. Contact third-party providers to continue coverage independently.
Vacation Time
Postdocs do not receive payment for unused vacation.
If you used more than earned, the excess will be deducted from final pay.
Other Issues
U.S. Bank Accounts (International Postdocs)
You may keep your U.S. bank account open temporarily.
Ensure:
- Final paycheck/tax refund can be deposited
- TIAA rollover or COBRA billing is complete
⚠️ Some banks may freeze accounts without U.S. address/phone.
Best practice: Close your account after all transactions are complete.
Computer and Voicemail Accounts
Your access ends on the separation date.
Before leaving, transfer:
- Files from shared drives (e.g., Box/OneDrive)
- Password-protected materials to your PI or department
Voicemail passwords will be reset.
Future References
Lehigh verifies employment through: www.theworknumber.com
Employer code: 19163
Tip: Request a reference letter from your PI or supervisor before departure.
Final Steps
Exit Interview
An exit interview is not required for postdocs. Please complete the Postdoc Exit Survey.
Need Help?
- Postdoc Affairs: Jenny Chao – jcc410@lehigh.edu
- HR: inhro@lehigh.edu
- Payroll: inpayrol@lehigh.edu
- Benefits: benefits@lehigh.edu
- OISS (Intl. Postdocs): intnl@lehigh.edu