Questions From The Trenches

Questions From The Trenches

For this installment of APA Questions From The Trenches, we asked APA President Maury Koffman to highlight the answers to questions raised by members regarding probation during your first year of employment.

What is the probationary period for a new employee in the APA?

APA members new to campus or entering into APA from other University employment serve a twelve-month probationary period. The probationary period can be certified as completed earlier than twelve months by your supervisor.

Do I have to serve a probationary period if my position was reclassified into an APA position?

A member whose current position was simply reclassified is not required to serve either a probationary or a trial period.

How do I get professional feedback on my work performance while I’m on probation?

Under the APA contract, after a six-month time period from the beginning of your employment, an interim written evaluation should be prepared by your supervisor and reviewed with you so you have adequate time to address any concerns. If an interim review is not provided, it is presumed you are working proficiently but should you want the interim review – and one is suggested and required under the APA contract – you should feel free to consult with you supervisor about completing one.

When am I eligible for benefits and leave time?

Your contractual benefits commence at the start of your employment. Health care and dental benefits begin on the first day of the month following your hire date. Benefits beginning immediately include: vacation accrual, sick leave, bereavement rights, pro-rated personal leave, matching contributions to 403(b) retirement plans (if enrolled), ability to contribute to a 457 supplemental retirement plan, and coverage by/access to contractually agreed insurance coverage.

If you are age 35 or older, you have a 24-month grace period before compulsory participation in the retirement plan. The APA is proud to have negotiated a vibrant retirement program where the employee contributes 5% of the base salary and the University will contribute an additional 10% of your annual salary to your 403(b) plan.  There is no vesting period for the retirement plans and the employee and employer contributions go with you whether you conclude MSU employment next week, next month, or next year.

What changes once I have successfully completed my probationary period?

Job Protection

Just cause is in place for all discipline following completion of the probationary period. Just cause is contractually guaranteed and enforced job protections requiring all discipline be based on just, equitable and reasonable actions.

Compensation Increases

After one year of service, a member whose salary is less than the progression level salary for the grade level and has satisfactory performance will receive a progression level raise.  Members also receive annual wage increases during their probationary period. To find your progression level amount go to www.msuapa.org and review contract Article 17.

In addition, an annual wage increase is provided each year on our contract year with the October paycheck.  Departments may also give out-of-cycle wage increases.  The contract provides a minimum base wage, not a maximum.

Education Assistance

Members are eligible for educational assistance after 12 months of continuous full-time equivalent service months.  The educational assistance benefit covers a percentage of MSU tuition fees at the life long learning credit hour rate, for up to 14 credits per academic year. The percentage of coverage is based on graduate or undergraduate class level.

For Professional Development courses and technology/certificate training, Human Resource Development classes are offered and members have up to $800 that may be used per year. These Professional Development classes can be credit and non-credit bearing courses.

How do I get more information about APA?

• Go to www.msuapa.org for a copy of your contract, the most recent newsletter, and pertinent information related to your work environment.

• Call the APA office at 517.999.4004.

• Email [email protected] if you would like to get more involved with the APA.