Policies & Procedures Manual

321

Policy No: 709.1

Policy Contact: Vice President for Business Operations

Policy Title: ADVANCED STUDY FOR PAY PURPOSES – NON-FACULTY

All employees are urged to improve their knowledge base and skills through the pursuit of advanced educational opportunities. In order for the earning of a higher degree to qualify for credit toward pay purposes, all administration, professional, and administrative support staff must adhere to the process described below. Faculty members should refer to Policy 741.14, FACULTY ADVANCED STUDY for more information on the steps necessary for coursework to apply for credit toward a salary increment. When a position vacancy in the areas of administration and professional staff occurs at East Central Community College, the appropriate administrator determines the requirements for the position and drafts a position opening announcement (POA) for approval by the appropriate Vice President and the President of the College. One requirement noted on the POA is a minimum degree requirement. If the individual hired for that position has earned a higher degree than the one required for employment and, in the opinion of the Vice President and the President, the higher degree is applicable to success in the position, he/she receives an additional stipend added to the salary calculation at the time of employment. Generally, credit for advanced study for pay purposes will be granted based on the applicability to the work assignment. To be considered for pay purposes, all administration, professional, and administrative support staff entering a planned program leading toward a degree after initial employment at the College must submit a written request to their immediate supervisor which includes a statement explaining how completion of the degree program will strengthen their ability to accomplish the tasks of their position more effectively. This written request must be approved by the employee’s immediate supervisor, appropriate Dean or Director, appropriate Vice President, and the President prior to beginning the degree program. Failure to secure this approval prior to beginning the degree program will result in the degree not being considered for pay purposes. This same procedure must be followed by newly hired administration, professional, and administrative support staff who are working towards an advanced degree at the time of their employment. Newly hired administrators or professional staff who are working towards an advanced degree at the time of their employment must obtain approval for pay purposes using the process described above within one month of their employment at the College. Salaries for administration, professional, and administrative support staff will be adjusted for increased educational levels achieved prior to September 1 of the fiscal year, provided an official transcript indicating receipt of the degree is on file in the Office of the Director of Human Resources. After September 1, no adjustments will be made for increased educational levels until salary records are prepared for the next fiscal year.

(Added 8/11/15; Revised 8/10/21)