• Prepare an administrative staff member for a transfer or promotion to a different position;
• Help an administrative staff member adapt to changes in the requirements of his or her current position; and
• Allow an administrative staff member to learn about accomplishing his or her current tasks as efficiently as possible.

• Post campus-wide notice of vacancies;
• Communicate about advancement opportunities;
• Provide on-campus computer skills training;
• Allow tuition-free enrollment in Wesleyan undergraduate and graduate courses; and
• Reimburse tuition for successfully completed courses at other colleges and universities.

The job descriptions for most vacancies are circulated through campus mail to all departments and are posted both in Human Resources and on the bulletin board in North College.  Administrative staff members are welcome to apply for promotion or transfer when vacancies occur.  Normally, however, an administrative staff member will not be considered for another position until he or she has worked one year in his or her current position.  Initial inquiries to Human Resources about any vacancy can remain confidential, but, if the decision to follow through by becoming a candidate for a promotion or transfer is made, it is necessary for the administrative staff member to advise his or her supervisor prior to a formal interview.
 

POSITION UPGRADES

Positions are assigned salary grades on the basis of their complexity; the skills and experience necessary to perform them satisfactorily; and the judgement, initiative, problem-solving ability and accountability they entail.  Positions are reevaluated for a possible new salary grade when substantial changes occur in the job requirements.

Each grade in the salary structure includes a wide range of positions - grouped because the levels of responsibilities are comparable.  A significant change in a position is generally necessary to justify advancing to a higher grade.  If a position has changed substantially, an administrative staff member is welcome to discuss the possibility of an upgrade with his or her supervisor and to fill out or update the position evaluation questionnaire.  The questionnaire – the basis for grading administrative positions – must be reviewed, documented where necessary, and approved by the administrative staff member’s department and Human Resources.
 

PROGRAMS FOR EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Administrative staff members working at least 1462 hours are eligible for the following:

• To take up to two courses at Wesleyan in each of the fall, spring, and summer terms without paying tuition; and
• To be reimbursed for up to $1,500 per year for successful completion of courses at other accredited colleges and universities.

NOTE:

• The programs above will not cover any portion of tuition reimbursed by other assistance (e.g., G.I. Bill, research grant, fellowship, etc.).  Additionally, the costs of books, other course materials, parking, and graduation expenses are not covered.

Courses at Wesleyan University:  Administrative staff members are eligible to participate in Wesleyan University courses subject to terms and conditions of course enrollment.

Courses outside Wesleyan University:  For graduate or undergraduate courses at other colleges and universities, Wesleyan will reimburse up to $1,500 per academic year.  Reimbursement will be made for no more than two courses per semester, up to the $1,500 maximum.  To receive this benefit:

• Please contact the director or an associate director of Human Resources for a tuition reimbursement application form before enrolling in a course.  A fee schedule must be provided along with the application form.
• Provide grade reports, evaluations, or transcripts indicating successful completion of the course to Human Resources.

The University occasionally schedules campus workshops for particular administrative staff groups on topics such as supervisory skills or time management. Notices and enrollment information are sent to eligible administrative staff members when workshops are available.

Information Technology Services (ITS) conducts computer-related courses (at introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels) for administrative staff members, usually on software in use at Wesleyan University.  Notices are sent to all administrative staff members when courses of general interest are scheduled.  Departments may also request customized training for new administrative staff members or for current administrative staff members using new equipment or programs.

Departments may arrange off-campus seminars or courses when administrative staff members and/or the department will benefit from them.
 

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

Each administrative staff member makes an important contribution to the University.  A formal performance assessment is conducted to discuss training and professional development needs and interests, to set goals for the coming year that support organizational goals, and to review job performance during the past twelve months.

The performance of an administrative staff member is assessed at least annually.  To help departments with this process, Human Resources has developed a performance assessment packet and will provide as much support as departments request in their use of the forms.  Documents generated in the performance assessment/career counseling process are for the purpose of improving communication and will remain in departmental files; they are not generally filed with Human Resources.

The assessment form is often used as a tool for discussion.  It is not required, however, to promote a constructive exchange of ideas.  Each department should use whatever process works best and ensure that each administrative staff member is reviewed formally at least once annually.

Topics for discussion should be both general and specific.  Suggested topics include:

• Performance of position responsibilities;
• Goals for current position;
• Individual strengths;
• Development and training needs;
• Setting and accomplishing departmental priorities; and
• Short and long-term career aspirations.

CAREER ADVICE

For confidential career counseling or information about a specific vacancy, administrative staff members are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the director or an associate director of Human Resources.