Establishing A New Position

Research projects may require the establishment of new staff support positions. TEMPORARY, REGULAR or GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH ASSISTANT appointments may be appropriate, depending upon factors such as the estimated duration of the position, the duties and responsibilities of the position, and the required minimum qualifications. The source of funding (i.e., whether general funds, sponsored research, expendable restricted funds, or others) does not affect whether a position is considered to be TEMPORARY or REGULAR.

TEMPORARY positions are intended to meet short-term staffing needs (i.e., generally less than 12 months). Appointment in a temporary position does not require posting or advertising. Such appointments do not provide for paid time away from work (e.g., sick pay or vacation pay) or other staff benefits such as group health or life insurance. (Standard Practice Guide 20l.24 and 20l.57 and the Personnel Forms Preparation Manual).

REGULAR positions (generally of more than 12 months duration) must be posted on the UM Jobs website before being filled. Appointees in regular positions are eligible for paid time away from work (i.e., sick pay, vacation pay, etc.) as well as group health, life and other insurance coverage.

Regardless of the category, the process of creating a new regular position begins with a detailed description of the position, including its core duties and minimum qualifications. A New Position Description Form (#36200)--generally accompanied by the Notification of Open Position (#36500)--must be routed through departmental administration and the Office of the Dean or Unit Director to the appropriate Human Resources Employee Relations Office. A representative of this office will contact the supervisor designated on the New Position Description Form to finalize the appropriate classification and pay grade for the involved position. (SPG 20l.34 and the Personnel Forms Preparation Manual).

GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP appointments may be made for graduate students in good standing who are enrolled for 6 or more credit hours during the appointment period. Eligible appointments are accompanied by health and life insurance, a waiver of tuition and other benefits (GSRA Cost Estimates). See the Graduate Student Research Assistantship Program Reference for Appointing Departments from the Academic Human Resources section of the UM Human Resources & Affirmative Action office.

For more information on procedures for establishing new positions or on job classifications, contact the Compensation/Salary Administration Office of your Human Resources Department.

UM Health System (Medical School, School of Nursing, and University Hospitals): call 647-2385.
Other Ann Arbor campus units: call 764-6580
Dearborn Campus Personnel Service Center at (313) 593-5190
Flint Campus Personnel Office at (810) 762-3150

See the Human Resources & Affirmative Action website for more information.