UC Merced Compensation & Classification Unit
The Compensation and Classification Unit, a vital component of Human Resources, oversees salary administration, position classification, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) compliance, market analysis, and other areas related to employee compensation.
Our team provides strategic consulting services to campus leadership and departments on matters including job classification, job description development and revision, organizational design, and the interpretation of compensation-related policies and procedures.
In addition to these consulting services, we conduct salary and classification studies, participate in market salary surveys, and support collective bargaining efforts through research and data analysis. We also assist in the development of compensation programs and conduct individual salary equity reviews.
Local Responsibilities
At the campus level, we implement systemwide UC policies and ensure compliance with federal and state laws. We offer expert guidance and training to all levels of the organization in areas such as:
- Salary increase programs (e.g., GSI, merit, represented salary increases, equity programs)
- Independent contractor classification
- Collective bargaining data preparation (e.g., Skilled Crafts – KM unit)
- Compensation/classification programs, systems, and processes
- Formal and informal job reviews
- Executive compensation actions requiring Presidential or Regental approval
- Departmental restructures and reorganizations
- Student employment program consultations
- Data analytics and reporting for leadership
- Internal audits for UCPath data accuracy
- Service Level Agreement (SLA) metrics for class/comp services
- Service Awards coordination
- Interpretation of how classification and compensation decisions affect employees, departments, and the campus community
- Review and approval of compensation-related actions, including reclassifications, offer letters, merit and across-the-board increases, equity adjustments, stipends, exceptions, and STAR awards
Systemwide Contributions
In collaboration with UC Office of the President and other campuses, we:
- Conduct salary and classification studies
- Participate in market salary surveys
- Support collective bargaining with data and analysis
- Assist in developing systemwide compensation and classification programs
- Perform individual salary equity studies
- Manage title code and grade changes (Grade Watchlist)
- Implement salary actions for represented employees
Contact Us
For all classification and compensation-related inquiries, please contact the Compensation & Classification team at comp@ucmerced.edu.
