Academic Affairs and Personnel

Academic Year Pay Periods (Three Quarters)

Exempt Academic appointees who have academic-year appointments are required to serve for 9 months from the beginning of the fall term through the end of the spring term. They are normally paid over 12 months. Consequently, the months in which they receive payment do not correspond to their service periods. The pay periods for academic-year appointees paid on a 12-month basis are as follows:

The difference between the service period and the pay period can lead to problems when an academic appointee paid on an academic year basis (9/12) resigns in mid-quarter or at the end of the quarter, or goes on a leave without pay for part of the academic year. Pay must correspond to the portion of the quarter or the portion of the year that is actually worked.

For example, a faculty member who resigns effective the end of the fall quarter would be entitled to paychecks on August 1, September 1, October 1, and November 1, but not on December 1 or thereafter. In the event that the December 1 or later check is received or benefits are used during a non-covered period, funds must be reimbursed. Faculty members leaving during the course of a quarter are paid an amount that is prorated through the portion (the number of days or “daily rate”) of the quarter that they have worked.

Example: Academic Year Pay Period vs. Service Period

Fiscal Year Pay Periods (Four Quarters)

Fiscal year appointees work year-round (12-months) and are paid for each month worked.

Fiscal Year Spring Service Period 2024-2025
Pay Period: April 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025
Service Period: April 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025