WSU has made several adjustments in its hiring and travel policies and procedures, effective immediately. Other adjustments are expected to start on July 1, with the beginning of a new fiscal year, when state policies are expected to change.
The adjusted policies and procedures remain very conservative, and caution is necessary as the university continues to handle the effects of the $54 million biennial budget reduction.
June 2009 adjustments
Two changes concern hiring are effective now:
- Enrolled students, both undergraduate and graduate, may be hired without going through the request process, even if hired on state funds.
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All temporary hiring on nonstate funds may proceed without a request.
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All other hiring on state funds, and permanent hires on all funds, for fiscal year 2009 still requires approval through the hiring freeze system, according to Joan King, executive director of budget and planning.
Several changes concerning travel have been put in place effective immediately. It is no longer necessary to enter the following into the travel freeze system:
- Out-of-state travel on nonstate funds
- Mileage and parking for a single day’s travel in Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia
King said the university is still under the state-legislated freeze on out-of-state travel on state funds through June 30.
Changes for 2009-2010 fiscal year
On July 1, when the state-imposed hiring and travel freeze is expected to be lifted, WSU will continue some current procedures but change others, King said.
- All hiring of permanent employees, on any budget fund, will require the approval of the provost/executive vice president before the search begins. Changing the status of an appointment from temporary to permanent must also be approved. King said the Position and Travel Exemption Request System will continue to be used for these requests.
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All travel will be at the discretion of the deans, chancellors and vice presidents, and no approval by the president or executive vice president will be required. The Budget Office will monitor travel expenses throughout the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
Salary increase freeze continues
Salary increases are not allowed under Washington law until Feb. 18, 2010, except for retention increases to critical faculty or to other critical personnel paid from non-state funds. Exemptions for salary increases or stipends on any fund type must be made through the freeze system and approved by the executive vice president.
