Pay Grade Changes Effective April 1
Sam Houston State University is committed to remaining competitive in the labor market. The University offers an extensive benefits package and works to ensure we provide our employees livable wages. As a part of this commitment, the University moved all benefit-eligible employees to a $15 per hour minimum wage as of 9/1/2022. As a result of this significant change to pay practices, the University’s pay grade table must be restructured.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What will happen to positions that are now very close to the top end of the range? Will this affect the ability to award merit to those employees?
Classifications were initially assigned to new grades based on the average salaries of all employees within the job group. It is understood that the average may result in some employees being closer to the top of the pay grade.
We are excited Dr. White committed to a 3% merit pool for fall. This summer HR will initiate reclassifications for those very close to the top of their assigned pay grade and discuss options with the department head. We will consider whether an award of seniority merit pay (as specified in Policy HR-02, § 12) or an HR-initiated reclassification is most appropriate. In either event, please know that merit awards will not be limited by an employee’s assigned pay grade.
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Why is the pay grade changing?
Our new pay grade table and classification structure aligns with the university’s commitment to increase our minimum wage for benefits eligible employees to $15.00 an hour.
After review and research of best compensation practices, this pay grade table structure was designed to support SHSU’s structure and culture. Then analysis was performed to ensure the changes maintained pay equity among our employees.
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When does the new pay grade structure go into effect?
April 1, 2023
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Which employees are impacted by the new pay grade structure?
The new pay grade structure applies to benefit-eligible, classified staff positions. Employees may view individual job classifications reflecting the updated pay grade on the HR Classifications page. This page contains a link to a list of classified psoitions.
Employees who do not know their classification may email employment@shsu.edu.
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Will my current salary change (i.e., an increase or decrease)?
No employee's salary will decrease with these changes. A few employees that required slight pay modifications were previously notified of the adjustment by Human Resources.
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What is a pay grade?
A pay grade is a compensation framework organizing groups of jobs with similar salary ranges into graduated tiers.
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What is a salary range?
The salary range defines the minimum, midpoint, and maximum pay for each grouping in the pay grade table.
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Will my current job and position title change?
Most jobs are unchanged. However, a small number of positions require slight title modifications. Employees in those positions will be notified of the adjustment by email from Human Resources.
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Will the new pay structure affect my eligibility for merit or benefits?
No. Merit is based on performance history. Your benefits will not be affected.
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Why does the new pay grade table start at $10.00 an hour?
The minimum hourly rate of $15.00 applies to benefit-eligible employees.
However, SHSU also hires non-benefit-eligible, part-time employees. Therefore, grade 1 of the new pay grade table reflects a minimum hourly rate of $10.00.
Contact our Talent Acquisition & Compensation Team or visit our Classifications Page for more info!