May 2026 Moratorium on Position Description Updates and Base Salary Increases

As part of K-State’s adoption of the compensation study results and plan, HR is preparing for the implementation of new job architectures, market-informed pay grades and updated compensation processes. These forthcoming changes represent a significant modernization of our compensation framework and are intended to provide greater clarity, consistency and alignment with market practices across the university.

To support a smooth transition and minimize job or pay actions that may disrupt planning or be affected by the new structures, the university will implement a moratorium on all staff position description updates and reclassification requests, as well as all base salary increase requests for faculty and staff.

Scope of the Moratorium (May-November/December)

Effective with the FY27 budget memo through fall—when the new job architectures and pay grades will be adopted addressing under market adjustments—the following actions will be paused:

  • Reclassification requests and PD updates
  • Base salary increase requests through the PER-46 and PER-46S processes, regardless of funding source
  • Base salary increases typically processed at the fiscal year through VP-approval

Exceptions

  • Increases through standard university processes such as PPAs, TFSEs and the promotion and tenure process will not be impacted by the moratorium.
  • Recruitment of faculty and staff is not included in the moratorium and may proceed as normal.
  • Temporary base salary increases due to additional assigned duties for a temporary period of time are allowed. Duties must be documented and the adjustment request must be submitted through the normal temporary base salary increase PER-46S process.
  • Requests for base salary increases necessary for the retention of key faculty and staff may be considered during the moratorium period using the exception request process.
  • Position description updates may be considered if part of a larger restructuring effort. Restructuring plans must be reviewed collaboratively with HR Compensation and Organizational Effectiveness or HR leadership prior to submission of an exception request.
  • Exceptions to the moratorium can be requested through the online exceptions request form.

Rationale

Pausing reclassifications and base salary changes at this time allows us to:

  • Finalize and implement updated job architectures and pay structures
  • Reduce the number of position or pay adjustments that would need to be revisited under the new model
  • Ensure a consistent, equitable transition for all employees
  • Prepare campus units for the administrative impacts of adopting a modern, market‑based compensation system

We appreciate your partnership and patience as we move toward a more transparent, competitive and sustainable compensation framework for the university. If you have questions about the moratorium or how it may impact your unit, please contact HR Compensation.

Thank you for your continued leadership and support.