Vol. 19, No. 15

Dec. 16, 1999

Reclassification process
seeks input from employees

The University has begun a review of its professional classification system to ensure that it accurately reflects the current job functions of professional staff employees, according to Vice President for Administration Maxine Colm. "Noting that it has been 10 years since the classification system was put into place," Colm indicated that "the review process will gather new information about professional positions, and not rely solely upon job descriptions, many of which were developed some time ago. An initial step in the review process is the gathering of detailed information about professional skills, duties and existing job responsibilities using a web-based questionnaire." Earlier this year, Colm said, a Professional Staff Classification Review Committee, chaired by Michael Middaugh, Office of Institutional Research and Planning, and Tom LaPenta, Labor Relations and Human Resources, developed the framework for the review process, including designing the survey instrument. "With new technology and evolving responsibilities, positions can change," Middaugh said. "We do not expect wholesale changes, but it is important to periodically take a look to make sure job titles and classifications are accurate. The committee conducting the survey is broadly representative of most areas of professional activity at the University." "We hope that all professionals will cooperate with the committee and provide input about their positions," Colm said. She underscored that no one will experience a reduction in salary or a downgrade in classification as a result of the review. Since the committee's work is based largely upon information provided by professional staff, each full- and part-time professional employee is asked to complete the questionnaire- found at <https://www.mis3. udel.edu/jobquest> no later than Jan. 15. A copy of an individual's current job description will help him or her to complete the form. Once the information has been gathered, the data will assist in determining whether individual positions are appropriately classified. In addition, it will help the committee develop generic job descriptions, where appropriate. "We suspect that, by and large, the current system is working well," Colm said. However, we do want to identify and correct any anomalies identified by the review." Updates on the progress of the review will be reported at meetings of the Professional Advisory Committee and the Human Resources Advisory Council. The process is expected to be completed by May 2000. Serving on the committee are Paul Anderson and Anne Esdale, library; Heather Early, engineering; Patricia Fogg, facilities administration; Norma Gaines-Hanks, individual and family studies; Linda Graham, institutional research and planning; Carl Jacobson, Management Information Services; Charlene Mylin, Information Technologies; Marilyn Prime, student centers; Gregory Rumsey, agriculture and natural resources; and Janice Spry, geography. -Sue Moncure and Ed Okonowicz