A state program was begun in 1981 for faculty and staff employed by UT for a full calendar year prior to July 1 and eligible to accrue sick leave. Bonuses, which were not directly funded by the state, were for not using sick leave. The yearly bonus was set at $240 for employees who used no sick leave. The first bonus payment, in January 1983, covered the 18-month period beginning July 1, 1981, giving $360 to employees using no sick leave and $180 to those using 22.5 hours or less. The program was discontinued by the board of trustees at its winter 1983 meeting. The one year of the plan cost UT between $900,000 and $1 million.