Classification and Salary of Staff Positions
The University of Pennsylvania is committed to maintaining position classifications and salaries that are equitable and market-competitive.
Responsibility for the classification of positions resides with Human Resources. Prior to posting positions, Human Resources reviews position descriptions for all positions new to the University, as well as those being replaced and/or undergoing significant changes in scope and responsibility level; and determines the appropriate job profile and grade profile.
303.1 FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA)
The University of Pennsylvania is subject to the provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which regulates employers’ activities concerning hours of work, the payment of wages, minimum rates of pay, payment for overtime, and record-keeping. Human Resources reviews each position before posting to ensure that it is classified correctly, and that the written job description and the actual duties of the position are consistent with one another. Human Resources classifies positions as exempt or non-exempt based on the nature of the duties and responsibilities of the position.
303.2 POSITION EVALUATION AND CLASSIFICATION
Staff positions are evaluated based on the content of the duties listed in the position description; the level of problem-solving, accountability, decision-making, and responsibility of the position; the scope and complexity of the position; and the impact of the position on the organizational unit’s operations. The results of the evaluation establish the position’s job family, job profile, and grade profile, as well as exemption status.
303.3 SALARY OFFERS
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position; as well as internal equity, external market benchmarks, and grade profile. No staff member will be offered a salary below the minimum or above the maximum of the grade profile. No formal salary offer, or promise of an offer, may be made without prior approval from Human Resources.
303.4 UNIVERSITY STAFF WHO ARE COVERED BY COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS
University staff members covered by collective bargaining agreements should refer to the appropriate articles in their contracts.
Policy Number: 303
Effective Date: 04/01/2001
Last Reviewed: 03/14/2024
Revised Date: 07/01/2019
Supersedes Policy Number(s): 303 (09/01/1992)
Applicability: All Regular Staff Members
Cross-reference: Adherence to University Policy - Policy 001, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action - Policy 004, Minimum Wage - Policy 301,
Position Reclassifications and Compensation Changes - Policy 304