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Information Technology Classification Project Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Information Technology (IT) Classification Study?
Why is this study necessary?
How do the current IT job titles compare with job titles in the broader IT market?
Are you doing this study so you can outsource our jobs?
Who is conducting the study?
How will the campus IT community participate?
How long will the study last?
Will all the jobs in my department/unit be studied?
How is the job content information collected?
Will my supervisor be part of this process?
When will the results be implemented?
Will I be reclassified as part of this study?
Will my salary change due to this study?
Where may I learn more about the study?
What is the Information Technology (IT) Classification Study?
This is an important initiative designed to update IT job descriptions/titles. The University currently employs nearly 600 Classified Staff employees in almost 50 IT job titles across more than 150 departments. The study will also include other Classified Staff positions that dedicate at least 75% time performing IT functions.
Why is this study necessary?
Many of these job descriptions/titles have not been revised since the early 1990's. In those days email was still a relatively novel form of communication and those 'under construction' signs on websites were considered clever. Since then, technology has progressed while our job descriptions have not. Updated job descriptions support recruitment, performance management and compensation activities.
How do the current IT job titles compare with job titles in the broader IT market?
There is a fair amount of variation depending upon the job function. For many job functions, more current titles will be appropriate.
Are you doing this study so you can outsource our jobs?
No. This study is geared solely towards updating IT job descriptions/titles.
Who is conducting the study?
The Human Resources Research and Analysis unit is coordinating this project. We're counting on the active participation of the University IT community to help us develop effective job descriptions/titles.
How will the campus IT community participate?
IT employees and their supervisors may be asked to participate in one or both of the major components of the study.
- Each college/division office will be given access to an online questionnaire to identify general responsibilities of current Classified Staff IT employees. This streamlined questionnaire provides an opportunity for the supervisor to select applicable major functions from pre-defined categories, as well as indicating the level of work and percentage of time in 25% increments.
- Job content information will be collected during a series of concentrated focus groups called Job Analysis Meetings, or JAM Sessions. The project team will work with each college/division office to identify experienced IT employees who are able to clearly describe their work in technical and non-technical terms. Selected employees will be invited to participate in the JAM Sessions.
How long will the study last?
The classification study is projected to be completed prior to July 1, 2008 and will be divided into several phases:
- Gain approval & communicate with stakeholders
- Gather job content information through Job Analysis Meetings (JAM Sessions)
- Analyze job content data and compare to existing job descriptions
- Develop classification structures
- Draft new/revised job descriptions
- Incorporate new/revised IT jobs into annual Classified Staff maintenance review
More information concerning the study can be found on the Project Introduction page.
Will all the jobs in my department/unit be studied?
This classification study will include all Classified Staff IT jobs.
How is the job content information collected?
The session facilitator guides the group in a detailed discussion to define the jobs' duties, levels and qualifications. There is an open, and often lively, discussion of the work. Participants share their ideas, observations, and perspectives. A recorder documents the consensus decisions throughout the session. By the end of session, preliminary drafts of job description(s) are prepared for the participants' signature.
Will my supervisor be part of this process?
Some supervisors will be invited to participate in JAM sessions.
When will the results be implemented?
Following completion of the study, Human Resources will work with affected departments on reclassifications as necessary.
Will I be reclassified as part of this study?
This can't be known for sure until the study is completed.
Will my salary change due to this study?
The focus of this study is to develop more appropriate job descriptions and job titles. Pay adjustments are possible but unlikely. Since these jobs have been re-graded in the last few years, the majority of these jobs are graded fairly competitively.
Where may I learn more about the study?
If you have additional questions you can email us.
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© 2005, Arizona Board of Regents
University of Arizona | University Services Building, 888 N. Euclid Avenue, Room 114, Tucson, AZ 85721-0158
520.621.3662 (phone) | 520.621.9098 (fax) | Page last updated June 12, 2007
