Council endorses policy for exempt staff

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Members of the Professional and Scientific Council passed a pair of motions at their Sept. 4 meeting, both in support of draft items for the policy library.

Currently called the “Positions Exempt from P&S Policies,” proposed updates and revisions add guidelines and clarify “at-will” position designations, which are exempt from some P&S policies. The council approved the new draft policy, “P&S Positions At-Will and Exempt from P&S Policies,” with recommended changes -- including a required annual report to the council on the number of at-will designations (and their titles).

The draft policy states that at-will positions require a “high degree of trust” and serve “at the pleasure of university administration.” Brenda Behling, director of academic policy and personnel, said currently less than 2 percent of all P&S staff hold at-will positions. Most are high-level administrative positions that have broad responsibilities.

A proposed new policy about data classification also received council endorsement. The policy outlines categorization methods for data that is collected, stored and managed on campus. Feedback and questions about the policy can be submitted through Oct. 31.

Other business

  • The council elected Jordan Bates (internal audit) to fill a vacant seat representing units that report to the president’s office
  • Council members worked in small groups to begin setting priorities for 2014-15