Policies, Union Contracts, Handbooks > Support Staff Policies and Procedures

Classification / Reclassification of Positions

Policy

Applies to: University support staff positions

1. The University establishes and maintains a system for the evaluation and classification of all support staff positions.
2. The responsibility to classify new positions or reclassify existing positions belongs to MSU Human Resources Staffing Services.
3. MSU Human Resources Staffing Services provides consultation on job design and structure, reviews and analyzes classification requests, and makes recommendations based upon criteria established for University support classifications. MSU Human Resources Staffing Services also conducts labor market analyses in order to maintain internal and external equity.

Procedure

Establishing new positions and reclassifying existing positions:

Department/major administrative unit (MAU):

1. Determines need for position or reclassification.
2. Identifies:
   • duties/responsibilities of position, and
   • knowledge and skill levels required to perform duties upon entry into the position.
3. Attempts to match duties with existing classification descriptions.
4. Discusses need for creating new classification with MSU Human Resources Staffing Services.
5. Summarizes any special equity or market issues that apply.
6. Submits completed Staffing Request Form to MSU Human Resources Staffing Services through appropriate administrators. (NOTE: Contact MAU to determine authorized signatures required.)

Analysis of request:

Human Resources Staffing Services:

1. Reviews request considering:
   • duties/responsibilities, and
   • skill/knowledge requirements for entry into the classification.
2. Analyzes request by reviewing pertinent material/data and/or through discussions with department/MAU representatives and/or employee.
3. Makes comparisons with same or similar classifications in University system or with other employers as necessary.
4. Determines whether position responsibilities:
   • fit current classification,
   • require creation of new classification,
   • require revision to an existing classification, or
   • result in no change or reclassification.
5. Refers recommendation to MSU Human Resources Employee Relations for purposes of informing involved bargaining group(s) as necessary, e.g., when a position changes bargaining units.
6. Notifies department of classification decision and returns Staffing Request form through MAU.
7. Analysis of position responsibilities may result in:
   • higher or lower grade level,
   • no change in grade level or classification,
   • new or revised classification, or
   • change in employee group.

Implementation:

Department:

1. Should be prepared to implement MSU Human Resources Staffing Services determinations. (Maximum retroactivity is 30 days from the date of receipt of Staffing Request form with signatures by the MAU administrator.)
2. Follow procedures for filling vacant positions where appropriate (see Policy and Procedure for filling vacant positions [regular]).

Refer questions to: MSU Human Resources Staffing Services (telephone 517-353-3720, e-mail).