Dec. 9, 2010
Council considering endorsement of effort reporting policy and performance pay program
by Erin Rosacker
Members of the Professional and Scientific Council are considering a pair of motions introduced at their Dec. 2 meeting. Both are endorsements -- one for an effort reporting and certification policy and the other for a revamped performance pay program. A vote on both motions is expected in January.
Performance pay
A P&S Council working group is putting the final touches on a program to replace the exceptional performance pay program (PDF) implemented in 2008. The motion indicates that the previous program is under-utilized and ISU administrators asked for revisions.
"The idea is to make the new program more accessible, so more supervisors will nominate eligible employees for the program," said Shirley Huck, chair of the policies and procedures committee.
The final draft of the "Extra-meritorius Performance Pay Program" will be sent to council members to review prior to their Jan. 13 meeting.
Effort reporting
The first motion endorses a proposed policy on effort reporting and certification. The new policy outlines procedures that would ensure ISU's compliance with requirements for federally funded salaries -- particularly, for researchers and B-base faculty (nine-month appointments) who conduct grant-funded projects.
"We are undertaking this policy initiative due to an internal audit and high-profile audits going on across the country," said Brenda Behling, assistant to the executive vice president and provost. "This will force us to have our effort and payroll match. This is an audit risk if we are not doing it right."
A copy of the draft policy is available in the policy library for public review. Comments are welcome via e-mail (policy@iastate.edu) through Dec. 15.
