Policy Number: 4.200
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
It is the intent of NPC to clarify the definitions of employment classifications so that employees understand their employment status and benefit eligibility. These classifications do not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. Accordingly, the right to terminate the employment relationship at will at any time is retained by both the employee and NPC.
Each employee is designated as either NONEXEMPT or EXEMPT from federal and state wage and hour laws. NONEXEMPT employees are entitled to overtime/compensation pay under the specific provisions of federal and state laws. EXEMPT employees are excluded from specific provisions of federal and state wage and hour laws. An employee's EXEMPT or NONEXEMPT classification may be changed only upon written notification by NPC Human Resources.
In addition to the above categories, each employee will belong to one other employment category as indicated under Policy Statement below.
SCOPE
This policy applies to and affects all employees of NPC.
AUTHORITY
Employment categories are provided by law by the State of Arkansas. Position assignment/request is the responsibility of the Associate Vice President of Human Resources. Usage of all positions is at the will of the President through the Board of Trustees in compliance with laws and regulations of the State of Arkansas.
DEFINITIONS
Clarification of the definitions of employment classifications for better understanding of employment status and benefit eligibility for all employees.
POLICY STATEMENT
- REGULAR FULL-TIME - Employees are those who are not in a temporary or introductory status and who are regularly scheduled to work NPC's full-time schedule. Generally, they are eligible for NPC's benefit package, subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations of each benefit program. Employees in this category will be classified as either Contract or Classified Personnel.
- CONTRACT PERSONNEL - All full-time, non-classified employees are given contracts each fiscal year, as their salaries and benefits are not specifically set by the General Assembly (Sec. 105, Sub-Sec. 1.0, APMIS Policy Statement). Salaries will be set in the annual budget and approved by the Board of Trustees for the coming year.
- CLASSIFIED PERSONNEL - Appropriation acts set the grade for specific positions and the number of such positions that are available to the College. A salary schedule, approved by the General Assembly, determines the entry level of all classified positions and the maximum salary level of a specific job title. Act 410 of 1977 provides for the administration of the Classified Personnel System of Higher Education in Arkansas. The method of classification, pay grades, compensation, and related policies are provided by the General Assembly and administered by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. A classified employee is one who meets the qualifications set forth for a position compensated through the Uniform Classification and Pay Plan provided by the General Assembly. Classified personnel of the College have the rights and privileges and are subject to the personnel policies and regulations established by the Arkansas General Assembly for all classified employees in the institutions of higher education as administered by the Office of Personnel Management. Classified personnel are also subject to personnel policies and regulations established by the College.
- PART-TIME EXTRA HELP - Employees are those who are scheduled to work 29 or less hours per week. While they do receive all legally mandated benefits (such as Social Security and Workers' Compensation insurance, elective 403b deferrals), they are ineligible for all of NPC's other benefit programs.
- TEMPORARY - Employees are those who are hired as interim replacements, to temporarily supplement the work force, or to assist in the completion of a specific project. These are typically student employees. Employment assignments in this category are of a limited duration. Employment beyond any initially stated period does not in any way imply a change in employment status. Temporary employees retain that status unless and until notified of a change. While temporary employees receive all legally mandated benefits (such as Social Security and Workers' Compensation insurance, elective 403b deferrals), they are ineligible for all other NPC benefit programs.