About Academic Professionals
Definition of Academic Professional Heading link
In accordance with section 36e(3) of the State Universities Civil Service statute, all University employees are considered Civil Service until appointments are determined to be exempt from Civil Service guidelines.
Exemption Criteria for §36e(3) Principal Administrative Appointments
Academic Professionals, also known as Principal Administrative Appointments (PAA), may be exempt pursuant to §36e(3) of the State Universities Civil Service Act, enacted by the Illinois State Legislature, if the position’s primary duties constitute senior management or senior administrative functions for an entire university, campus, agency, administrative/business department/unit, or academic department/unit.
If the position does not fit within the general scope, duties, or function of an existing civil service classification, the following criteria may be considered in determining whether the primary duties constitute senior management or senior administrative functions:
- Whether, and to what extent the position has the authority to represent and obligate the university, campus, agency, or department/unit in matters of significance;
- Exemption as an executive or administrative employee according to the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 USC 213(A)(1) duties test is necessary, but not alone sufficient to qualify for exemption under 36e(3) of the Act.
| ACADEMIC PROFESSIONALS** | CIVIL SERVICE |
|---|---|
| Does not substantially match existing civil service classification, AND Primary job duties (50+%) constitute senior management or senior administrative functions, AND Meets FLSA overtime-exempt duties criteria: Acts with discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance | Substantially matches existing civil service classification, AND Meets FLSA overtime-exempt duties criteria: Acts with discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance |
| Senior management / senior administrative functions may include: • Sets or leads organizational priorities/objectives • Approves exceptions or waivers of policy Accountable for overall results and sustainable operation of unit or function | Civil Service functions may include: • Exercises discretion/judgment with little direct guidance • Interprets policy and existing precedent • Responsible for day-to-day operation of a function |
| Principal Administrative Appointments: https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/ProcMan/details.aspx?tblManuals_PMID=443&kw= | Class Specifications: https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx |
**UIC HR Compensation will conduct a job review of each position whenever a job description is created or revised to incorporate new duties and responsibilities, including title changes.
The full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) minimum Academic Professional salary is $39,051 (12-month service at 100%). The Academic hourly minimum is $18.77 per hour.
Compensation Heading link
The compensation of an Academic Professional employee is based on various factors, including scope of responsibility, span of control, experience, education, internal equity, external market factors, performance, and availability of funding.
Job Review Process Heading link
Whether a position is determined to be exempt from Civil Service and determined an Academic Professional position is determined by a comprehensive review of the detailed position description. UIC HR Compensation will conduct a job review of each position whenever a job description is created or revised to incorporate new duties and responsibilities, including title changes. An in-depth analysis will be completed to better understand the position and its scope of impact on the organization. As a result of the review, UIC Compensation will determine the appropriate title/classification and approve the job description.
A position may be exempt from Civil service if the primary job duties (50+%) constitute senior management or senior administrative functions, and an appropriate civil service classification does not exist. Whether a position exercises discretion or independent judgment in the daily conduct of job responsibilities does not automatically exempt the position from civil service. The civil service classification system contains job classifications with varying levels of responsibility including management of staff, interpreting policy, and overseeing day-to-day operations. The State Universities Civil Service System (SUCSS) groups classifications into occupational categories which include Managerial, Professional and Semi-Professional positions. Please refer to Civil Service Class Specifications for a complete listing: https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx
For questions related to the Civil Service Audit and Job Analysis Project, please contact UIC Human Resources for further information at jobanalysis@uic.edu
Appointments Requiring Direct Board of Trustees Approval Heading link
As provided in University Statutes, certain Academic Professional appointments require formal approval by the Board of Trustees (BOT), upon recommendation by the President. Other appointments do not require formal Board approval but are reported to the BOT in the “Secretary’s Report.” The full list of appointments that require prior approval can be found in the Guidelines Regarding Approval of Appointments.
For more information, see:
Academic Notices of Non-Reappointment Heading link
University and campus policy requires that full-time permanent academic professional employees, as well as full-time Postdoctoral Research Associates on hard funds, be provided minimum amounts of prior notice from the Board of Trustees, if their contracts will not be renewed.
For more information, see: