31.01.08.R2 Non-faculty Merit Salary Program

Effective: June 20, 2003

Revised: August 19, 2004

Supplements System Policy: System Regulation 31.01.08

1. ELIGIBILITY FOR THE NON-FACULTY MERIT SALARY PROGRAM

Texas A&M University-Commerce (A&M-Commerce) authorizes a merit plan for its non-faculty members. The details of the plan will be reviewed annually by the President's Advisory Council and approved by the President.

Non-faculty members including professional, administrative, and support employees in classified and non-classified positions employed at A&M-Commerce are eligible for the merit salary program.

2. MERIT SALARY INCREASE DEFINITIONS

Base salary: The base salary is the annual salary that is provided to the non-faculty member that is supported by the non-faculty compensation plan and is a function of the zone assigned to the position. Zone is computed by the process of job classification which takes into account factors such as complexity, knowledge and skills, leadership, scope and impact, and relationships.

Merit raises: Non-faculty merit raises may be granted based on established meritorious criteria, defined as sustained superior performance, supported by performance evaluations and other similar supervisory documentation or evidence of outstanding achievement. A merit raise increases the non-faculty member’s base salary.

Merit salary raises are compensation as defined under Texas Government Code §822 and are eligible for all general deferral plans offered by the System.

Merit payments: Non-faculty merit payments may be granted based on established meritorious criteria, defined as sustained superior performance over a period of one year, supported by performance evaluations and other similar supervisory documentation or evidence of outstanding achievement. A merit payment may not increase the non-faculty member's base salary.

Merit payments are not considered compensation as defined under Texas Government Code §822 and are only eligible for the optional portion of the §403(b) deferred annuity plan and the §457 deferred compensation plan. They are not eligible for mandatory contributions under either the §401(a)/TRS or the §403(b)/ORP program.

3. AWARD OF MERIT SALARY INCREASES

As a general rule, merit increases, including raises and payments, are granted at the beginning of the fiscal year and in accordance with budget guidelines approved by the Board of Regents. In cases of exceptional job performance, merit salary increases may be granted at times other than the beginning of the fiscal year. A merit payment may only be awarded once annually. At least six months must have elapsed between each merit salary increase.

a) The merit salary increases shall be funded within the existing budget of each division of A&M–Commerce. Expenditures for this program shall be made from allowable funds.
b) All merit salary increases must be recommended through proper channels and approved by the President.
c) Merit salary increases for non-faculty members shall be treated as payroll items subject to standard withholdings and deductions.
d) Merit salary increases cannot be effective prior to completion of a non-faculty member’s first six months of employment or during a probationary status.
e) Merit salary increases may not be granted within six months of the employee’s last merit increase.

4. MERIT RAISE/MERIT PAYMENT CRITERIA

4.1 A non-faculty member who demonstrates sustained superior performance, evidenced by an above average or excellent overall rating on a current performance evaluation, or who has successfully completed a special project of significance to warrant special recognition, may be recommended for a merit salary increase which could be in the form of a merit raise or a merit payment.

4.2 A non-faculty member who demonstrates efficient use of state resources that result in significant savings to the department, A&M-Commerce or the System may be recommended for a merit salary increase, which could be in the form of a merit raise or merit payment.

4.3 A non-faculty member who earns an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education or receives a certificate, license, award, or other proof of accomplishment related to his/her job may be recommended for a merit salary increase, which could be in the form of a merit raise or a merit payment.

5. MERIT RAISES

Clearly exceptional performance or accomplishment may occur for which an out-of-cycle merit raise may be appropriate. Very strong evidence should be presented to justify this increase should be granted outside of the regular budget cycle. Merit raises may be awarded in accordance with the following general guidelines:

a) Merit raises should be based on the criteria in Section 4 above.
b) The non-faculty member’s performance must be documented on an Employee Performance Evaluation Form completed within the past six months.
c) If a non-faculty member’s individual salary exceeds the maximum of his/her assigned salary range, the President must approve the merit raise.


6. MERIT PAYMENTS

Merit payments are in recognition of superior performance or increased responsibilities. The amount of merit payment that may be awarded to a non-faculty member as part of the Non-Faculty Merit Payment Program for each fiscal year will be determined by a plan approved by the Divisional Vice President in conjunction with the Director or Dept. Head/Dean/Associate Vice President.

Merit payments may not exceed 10% of base salary, up to a maximum of $5,000, without prior authorization of the President.

Contact for Interpretation: Vice President for Business and Administration