We’re so glad you’re here!
One of the most common questions we hear from members is: Should I request a reclassification or an equity review?
While both are tools for addressing salary equity under our contract, they serve different purposes. This guide explains the difference and helps you get started with your next steps.
If you have questions about your specific situation, we recommend starting with the contract language. You can refer to page 103 or APPENDIX B: PSSAP MANUAL for the specific language and to better understand your rights as a union member.
What is the difference between a reclassification and an equity review?
Reclassification Review
There are two types of reclassification reviews.
- Position Classification Issue: This applies when your position description was originally assigned the wrong classification level, but your job duties have not changed. You may request a classification review once every three years.
- Position Description Issue: This applies when your position description is outdated or incorrect, and no longer accurately reflects the work you perform. If your duties have changed significantly, you can request that your position description be updated and your position reclassified.
To better understand these differences, we invite you to visit:
- Filing a Position Classification or Equity Review outlines these processes and helps members determine if their situation should be handled through SAP
To submit a reclassification request, you will need your supervisor’s support. You will find out if your review was successful via your supervisor or HR representative.
Equity Review
PSU members may request an equity review at any time—there is no limit on the number of requests. An equity review is appropriate if you believe your salary is not equitable compared with colleagues performing similar work.
A strong equity review connects your previous education and professional experience to your current role, demonstrating how those qualifications add value to the work you do today. PSU SAP can also provide salary data to help support your equity review. You will find out if your review was successful via your supervisor or HR representative.
On rare cases, PSU members may need a reclassification and an equity review. Please know that equity reviews are included in the reclassification process, but the PageUp system that HR uses may need to track them separately. Please email SAP so we can advice you on your individual case.
Have additional questions?
Please read the Common FAQ page on our website.
Ready to get started?
Members can pursue an equity or position classification review on their own or with the help of a SAP Steward. If a member wants to work with a SAP Steward, please email the SAP Committee at psu.sap@external.umass.edu.
Background documentation for understanding equity and reclassification reviews:
Documentation for a reclassification:
- The Position Evaluation Manual (Appendix 6) explains the point system and describes how positions are graded
- Position Description Worksheet Appendix 1 (Word)
- Position Description Worksheet Appendix 1 (PDF)
- Position Description Appendix 2 (Word)
- Position Description Appendix 2 (PDF)
- Request for Off-Cycle Review Appendix 3 (Word)
- Request for Off-Cycle Review Appendix 3 (Fillable PDF)
- Appeal of Position Level Appendix 4 (Word)
- Appeal of Position Level Appendix 4 (PDF)
Documentation for an equity review:
Additional documents:
- PSU Hiring Ranges shows the salary scale for PSU position levels or grades. Please note: HR has not yet updated these for our new contract. All numbers need to be adjusted for COLA increases.
