1. USS to Unclassified Options

2. Brief History
2014 – ESU Classified employees voted and moved to USS with other Regent universities
Authority moved from legislature to university administration for classification and pay
Administration rolled out new classification system in 2016
KBOR changed vacation leave for all non-faculty positions in 2016
Administration rolled out new pay system in 2018
Other regent universities have moved USS positions to Unclassified

3. Why the move?
Response to interest of USS employees to access the Kansas Board of Regents Mandatory Retirement Plan
Little difference between USS and Unclassified service with vacation leave equalization
New classification and pay system are not affected by service type

4. How will this work YOU decide if you want to move or not
KPERS, TIAA-CREF and Voya are here to provide you information on the available retirement plans
2 initial groups:
December 30, 2018 conversion date (notify HR by November 15, 2018)
June 15, 2019 conversion date (notify HR by May 15, 2019)
May convert anytime, on a one by one basis after June 15, 2019, at the beginning of a pay period
Longevity will be rolled into base salary with conversion to Unclassified

5. What changes - Wealth?
Ability to participate in the mandatory Board of Regents Retirement System
Instead of contributing 6% of your salary, you will contribute 5.5%
ESU will contribute 8.5% of your salary to your retirement accounts
Your contributions, ESU’s contributions, and any potential earnings are your money on day 1
There is market risk for these plans
You may elect to stay with KPERS, even in the Unclassified Service
You continue to contribute 6%
You will receive a set retirement amount each month when you retire
KPERS and the Legislature controls changes to your retirement

6. What changes - Policy?
Probationary periods go from 6 months for new employees, to one year
Veterans preference does not apply to Unclassified recruitment
No defined merit process for Unclassified, Non-Faculty
Unclassified does not have a lay-off procedure
Unclassified does not receive longevity bonus
Separation pay in certain situations for Unclassified positions

7. What doesn’t change? All other benefits
Overtime/Comp time for hourly positions
Annual evaluations
Progressive Discipline Process
Ability to grieve issues
Ability to appeal disciplinary actions
AFSCME representation for covered positions
Compensation and Classification

8. Other important Facts This is YOUR choice
Unclassified Employees are not on contracts, but receive annual Notices of Appointment that informs them of their annual salary for the next fiscal year
The university may convert vacant positions to Unclassified, but only after the position is vacated

9. Questions?