Position Classification & Compensation

Position Reclassification

Occasionally, a position may need to be reclassified due to a change in job duties or at the request of an audit. Below are the steps for reclassification. Please contact UA Compensation at ua-compensation@alaska.edu with any questions. 

 

Step 1: Updating the Position Description

Defining a Position Description

  • Used to describe the major duties, general functions, and supervisory responsibilities assigned to each job title
  • Central to position classification 

Updating the Position Description

The supervisor reviews the existing position description in myUA.

  • Makes necessary revisions
  • Ensures the job duties depict the present position
  • Routes the updated position description for approval


Step 2: Reviewing the Position

Reviewing the Position for Reclassification

Work with your HR Coordinator to Create an Approval Queue
After a position description has been updated, work with your HR Coordinator to ensure all relevant details are included in myUA and the approval queue is generated.

Include Proposed Classification Based on Job Duties
When routing a position for reclassification, be sure to include the proposed reclassification based on the job duties in the new job description. The UA Compensation team will review the position description to determine if the proposed reclassification is appropriate.

Peer Positions

  • Similar job duties
  • Similar scope
  • Similar level of complexity

Faculty Positions
For faculty positions, peers are based on the same academic rank and discipline as established by CIP-codes.


Step 3: Reclassification

Reclassification of Position

  • The supervisor and HR Coordinator will receive notification about the approved position description
  • A job form (RECI) and appointment letter will need to be submitted to the UA Personnel team for entry
  • The reclassification is effective on the first day of the pay period following approval

Reclassification (up one or more grades)

5% (5-step) Increase
A reclassification for exempt or nonexempt staff whose current salary does not exceed the last step of the new grade will result in a salary increase. Reclassified staff receive a 5% increase (5 step) or placement at the beginning of the new grade, whichever increase is greater.

Reclassification (down one or more grades)

No Increase
An employee will be moved down to the closest step of the new grade that is less than or equal to current salary. If the current salary is beyond the grade maximum, an employee will be moved to the top step of the new grade.


Appeals & Audits

Appeals Process

Employees and supervisors may appeal classification decisions.

In Writing within 30 Calendar Days
Appeals must be made in writing and received by the UA Compensation team within 30 calendar days of either

  • the effective date of the action that is being appealed, or
  • the notice letter provided by UA Compensation, whichever is later 

Appeal Panel
The appeal panel includes an HR representative, a manager, and a subject matter expert. Panel membership varies depending on the particular specialty area. The panel reviews the position description and meets with the employee and supervisor to determine the most appropriate job family and level for the position. 

For more information on job classification appeals, please refer to University Regulations R04.05.035. Job Classification System (F) Appeals.

Requesting an Audit

If you are an employee who is concerned with your current classification, reach out to your supervisor to have an initial discussion.

If additional support, guidance, or analysis is needed, a desk audit can be requested from the UA Compensation Team. To request the audit, please email ua-compensation@alaska.edu.