Performance Bonuses for Permanent EHRA Employees

University Policy: 
102
.16

I. Purpose

This Policy sets forth specific definitions and procedures for the payment of performance bonuses to permanent EHRA faculty and EHRA non-faculty employees of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (“Charlotte” or the “University”). Performance bonuses may be awarded only for an employee’s extraordinary achievements in the course and scope of their University employment, as defined in this Policy. Any such bonuses will be paid only in accordance with the provisions of this Policy. This Policy is intended to meet the requirements for performance-based bonuses as outlined by UNC Board of Governors Regulation 300.2.14.2[R].

II. Scope of Applicability

This Policy applies to all permanent EHRA faculty and EHRA non-faculty employees at Charlotte, except the Chancellor, Athletic Director, and Head Coaches. The Athletic Director and Head Coaches are otherwise subject to Section 1100.3 of the UNC Policy Manual.

III. Policy

A.    Policy Statement

Within the parameters outlined below, performance bonus compensation may be awarded to permanent EHRA faculty and EHRA non-faculty employees to reward performance of extraordinary contributions, while ensuring equal opportunity and consistency of application across similarly situated groups of employees and positions. Performance bonuses are subject to the following requirements:

  1. Decisions concerning performance bonus compensation must be consistent with University Policy 501, Nondiscrimination, and may not be based in whole or in part on any employee's protected status.
  2. 2No University employee is automatically entitled to a performance bonus. 

B. Sources of Funds

Performance bonuses may be funded from any source, including state or non-state appropriations, so long as the funding source permits an expenditure for this purpose. For state funds, such use must be permissible under the policies of the Office of State Budget and Management. 

C. Eligible Employees and General Requirements

  1. Only employees in permanent EHRA faculty and EHRA non-faculty positions are eligible for performance bonuses under this Policy. 
  2. Performance bonuses may be awarded only after an employee’s manager has completed an annual performance appraisal of the employee.
  3. The University will not award any performance bonus under this Policy to an employee who:
    1. has received an end of appointment notice;
    2. did not receive an overall rating of at least “Meeting Expectations” on their most recent annual appraisal;
    3. is currently working under a performance improvement plan; or
    4. is no longer actively employed in their position. 
  4. Receipt of a performance bonus does not preclude an employee from receiving a sign-on or retention bonus as may be allowed under University Policy 101.26, Sign-On and Retention Bonuses
  5. Receipt of a performance bonus does not preclude an employee from receiving a retention base salary increase for a competitive offer as allowed by existing salary administration policy and regulation. 

D. Performance Bonuses for EHRA Faculty and EHRA Non-Faculty Employees

  1. Purpose of Performance Bonuses

Performance bonuses are discretionary and are intended to reward extraordinary achievements in the course and scope of an employee’s University employment. “Extraordinary achievements” means exceptional performance beyond normal expectations of the employee’s position.

Performance bonuses are not intended to supplant base salary adjustments when deemed necessary and appropriate, such as addressing essential labor market or equity situations. 

  1. Performance Achievements

A performance bonus must be based on at least one of the following specific, demonstrated, extraordinary achievements, as documented in the employee’s annual performance appraisal and in alignment with the strategic goals of the University:

  1. Extraordinary Contributions: The employee has made extraordinary contributions to the fulfillment of the goals, mission, and objectives of the department, school/division, and/or University. Such contributions must be visible, measurable, and broadly acknowledged by colleagues and school/division and/or University administrators.
  2. Extraordinary Collaboration/Creativity: The employee has identified and implemented extraordinary creative and innovative ideas or solutions that increase efficiency or effective use of University resources, the effects of which must be apparent at the school/division or University level and must be visible, measurable, and broadly acknowledged by colleagues and school/division and/or University administrators.
  3. Extraordinary Results: The employee has delivered extraordinary results in the areas of teaching, research, and/or service, the results of which must be visible, measurable, and broadly acknowledged by colleagues and school/division and/or University administrators.  
  1. Bonus Amount

The University will annually determine pools of available central funding for EHRA faculty and EHRA non-faculty performance bonuses. A performance bonus awarded to an employee in a single fiscal year may not exceed the thresholds established in UNC Board of Governors Regulation 300.2.14.2[R].  Recommended performance bonus amounts are subject to funding availability.

  1.  Bonus Payout
    1. A performance bonus should be paid as close to the most recent year’s performance appraisal cycle as reasonably possible.
    2. A performance bonus may be paid in one lump sum or in installments, in the University’s discretion, paid in the fiscal year in which it was awarded. 
    3. Performance bonuses are subject to retirement contributions to either the Teachers’ and State Employees Retirement System or the UNC Optional Retirement Program for employees participating in one of those programs. 
    4. If the employee leaves the position in which the performance bonus was earned prior to the full bonus being disbursed, then the employee will receive the remainder of the performance bonus at the time of separation from the position.

E. Performance Bonus Requests 

Following an employee’s annual appraisal, the employee’s manager may submit a performance bonus request to the appropriate Vice Chancellor, Dean, or division head.

For EHRA non-faculty employees, the Vice Chancellor or division head must submit all requests to award any performance bonuses to the Human Resources Department. For EHRA faculty, the Dean must submit all requests for any performance bonuses to the Office of the Provost.

All performance bonus requests for Tier I senior academic and administrative officers (Tier I SAAOs, University Policy 102.9) must be approved by the Board of Trustees.

All performance bonus requests must include the documented justification based on the performance achievements identified in Section III.D.2 above.

 

Revision History: 

●      Initially approved by the Board of Trustees April 27, 2023

Authority: Board of Trustees

Responsible Office: Business Affairs (Human Resources)

Related Resources: