Marjorie Zatz Arizona State UniversityUniversity of Arizona Leslie TolbertSusanna Maxwell Northern Arizona University Postdoctoral Scholars Classification Review 25 January 2007 A Presentation to the Arizona Board of Regents

The Issue Postdoctoral Scholars have a unique status. 62% of postsecondary institutions classify postdoctoral positions in a separate category – distinct from faculty, students and staff - Association of American Universities Graduate & Postdoctoral Education survey

employeestudent ‘professional apprentice’ What is a Postdoctoral Scholar?  Recently completed doctoral studies  Holds short-term University appointment  Mentored by faculty member  Preparing for independent career as researcher or scientist

Current Situation Total Number of Postdoctoral Scholars – Fall 2006 Percent of Postdoctoral Scholars paid out of non-state funds

Rationale for change: reclassification Recognition of unique status as defined by:  Conditions of service  Sources of funding  Expected term of appointment  Professional development purpose of appointment

Rationale for change: r etirement plan exemption Fiscal Disadvantages for Faculty & Postdocs Faculty or Academic UnitPostdoctoral Scholar Pays employer portion of retirement contribution from:  External funding  State/Local funds Cannot vest due to short-term appointment (≤ 5 years) Reduces $ spent on research Reduces compensation & fiscal flexibility Employer portion of retirement contributions paid to: (a) ASRS: not returned to research project or University (b) ORP: not returned for at least 3 years (often after grant/contract & postdoc appt. have expired)

Proposed Benefits Matrices Existing BenefitProposed Changes Vacation 1 22 days (max accrual)  10 days/yr (1 st year)  15 days (2 nd year…)  No carryover, no payout Notification of non-renewal 2 90 days 30 days notice if funding eliminated; 60 days notice otherwise Retirement plans (mandatory and voluntary) 3 eligible  Exclude from mandatory plans (ASRS and ORP)  May enroll in voluntary retirement savings plans (403B and 457 plans) 1 ‘ Grandfather clause’ for Postdocs appointed prior to January 1, The University of Arizona currently provides 30 days notice if funding is eliminated 3 During the transition, Postdocs wishing to remain in a retirement plan would be reclassified into a retirement-eligible job category Maintain Existing Benefits Health/Dental Long-term disability Employee Tuition Reduction Program Sick leave Library, computer, parking privileges/discounts Life insurance, short-term disability, vision, FSA

Proposal Vetting Participants Postdoctoral Scholars Faculty (Principal Investigators) Deans Department Chairs Provosts Vice Provosts Vice Presidents HR Directors Legal Counsel

Proposed Amended Language A person who is employed in postgraduate training in an approved medical residency program of an employer OR A POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR WHO IS EMPLOYED BY A UNIVERSITY UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS is ineligible for membership in ASRS. A.R.S (6)

Recommendations  New Board policy: Conditions for Postdoctoral Service Create separate classification  Revision to Board Policy 6-601: Retirement and Benefits Plans Retirement plan exemption recognition of unique status fiscal flexibility for Postdocs economic savings for research team and Principal Investigator RecommendationEffective changeAdvantage

Questions & Comments Postdoctoral Scholars Classification Review