Original Issuance Date: August 14, 2025
Expiration Date: February 1, 2026 or upon the approval of substantive revisions to SYS 1278, whichever is first.
1. Interim Policy Purpose
This interim policy action is designed to clarify the current pay plan approval process. Pay plan is the result of the General Wage Adjustments (GWAs) approved by the legislature and governor as part of the State of Wisconsin biennial budget, as clarified in Evers v. Marklein, 2024 WI 31, 412 Wis. 2d 525, 8 N.W.3d 39.
2. Related Policies
This policy temporarily replaces portions of University of Wisconsin System Administrative Policy 1278, UW System Pay Plan Distribution Framework for University Workforce.
3. Scope
This policy provides the pay plan distribution policy framework for the university workforce except for employees of UW-Madison and those staff members covered by collective bargaining agreements.
4. Definitions
This interim policy action temporarily amends the following definitions found in SYS 1278:
Pay Plan: The General Wage Adjustments (GWAs) approved by the legislature and governor as part of the State of Wisconsin biennial budget, as clarified in Evers v. Marklein, 2024 WI 31, 412 Wis. 2d 525, 8 N.W.3d 395.
Effective Date: The first day of the payroll period closest to July 1 or the date prescribed by law or by the appropriate authority.
Implementation Date: The first date of the pay period, on or after the effective date, when pay plan is paid to employees.
5. Interim Policy Statement
For the duration of this interim policy action, the following sections of SYS 1278, UW System Pay Plan Distribution Framework for the University Workforce, shall read as below. All provisions of SYS 1278 not modified by this policy remain in full force and effect.
A. Background (Modifying Policy SYS 1278 Section 4, paragraph 2)
The pay plan is approved through the State of Wisconsin biennial budget.
B. Definitions (Modifying Policy SYS 1278 Section 5)
Pay Plan: The General Wage Adjustments (GWAs) approved by the legislature and governor as part of the State of Wisconsin biennial budget, as clarified in Evers v. Marklein, 2024 WI 31, 412 Wis. 2d 525, 8 N.W.3d 395.
Effective Date: The first day of the payroll period closest to July 1 or the date prescribed by law or by the appropriate authority.
Implementation Date: The first date of the pay period, on or after the effective date, when pay plan is paid to employees.
C. Policy Statement (Modifying Policy SYS 1278 Section 6.E)
All employees who meet the institutional eligibility requirements, including the standard for performance based on institutional policy or pay plan guidelines and mandatory training requirements, will receive a compensation adjustment in the amount of the approved pay plan with one exception: Chancellors are authorized to earmark up to 15 percent of the total pay plan each year for the Chancellors’ discretionary use to meet special compensation needs such as to reward staff for innovative or collaborative program delivery, exceptional performance in support of institution goals, or to correct pay inequities. To be eligible for the 15% Chancellors’ discretionary award, each employee must also obtain an evaluation assessment of at least satisfactory performance to receive an adjustment.
When the Chancellor’s discretionary award is used, the exact amount of the adjustment for each employee may vary and will depend on the criteria and standards established by the institution.
D. Related Documents (Modifying Policy SYS 1278 Section 7)
This interim policy action removes reference to Wis. Stat. § 230.12 (3)(e).
6. Supplemental Documents
None listed.