Brooks discussed possible changes to the job classification system policy affecting classified employees, while Combs presented the draft of a proposed classified development plan that would provide training opportunities.

University policy 40.040 sets guidelines for classified employee job audits, which are intended to provide an accurate summary of an employee’s job duties for compensation and workload considerations. The policy describes how job audits are initiated, the role of a job information questionnaire (JIQ) in an audit, how audit results are communicated to an employee and his or her supervisor, and how an employee can appeal the findings of an audit.

Brooks outlined three changes he believes would make the appeal process more efficient and fair.

One would eliminate the 30-day period between an appeal hearing and the deadline for when a decision must be rendered. The change would require the five-member Classification Review Committee to make a decision immediately after the hearing to expedite the process.

Secondly, Brooks recommends shortening the 30-day period between when an appeal hearing is requested and when it must be held. Brooks originally suggested reducing the period to 15 calendar days, but some senators recommended a slightly longer timeframe, such as 15 business days.

Finally, Brooks recommends that any employee who is appealing audit results be present at the hearing to provide input. That is not currently the case.

Brooks said he would solicit more feedback on the policy from Classified Senate during winter quarter before a final draft is submitted to the university’s Policy and Procedure Review Committee. In another matter, Combs presented a revised draft of a Classified Development Plan that outlines a nine-quarter pilot program designed to prepare classified employees for advancement opportunities at the university. Participants would enroll in pre-selected academic courses in areas such as business and communications and complete team and individual projects, oral presentations, academic papers and executive summaries.

Combs said an inaugural class of about 20 participants could start the program next fall if a funding source is identified. While she awaits word on how university budget concerns could impact the program, she said she would look into senators’ suggestions about how to hold down costs to participating employees.

In addition to hearing Brooks’ and Combs’ presentations, the senators learned that Frank Perry, a telecommunications technician with the Office of Information Technology (OIT), had been named Classified Senate Employee of the Month for December.

The next Classified Senate meeting is at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, in Baker University Center 242.