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Classification
Position Description Reviews
A Position Description (PD) describes the actual work performed by an incumbent. The HEERA designated Manager is responsible for setting a position’s responsibilities and duties based on campus and/or departmental needs. A PD can be used for classifying, orienting, training, and evaluating employees. Classification & Compensation strives to ensure that all duties, responsibilities, and skill levels assigned to positions on campus are in accordance with the Classification and Qualification Standards issued by the Office of the Chancellor.
When submitting a Position Description for C&C review, please ensure the following:
- You are utilizing the last approved PD (if applicable)
- “Track Changes” are enabled before editing
- Expedites the review process
- Submit the PD in "word" format (not .pdf), for potential editing
- Include any additional documentation outlined below for each submission type
C&C assumes all Division and Department level procedures have been completed and any appropriate levels of review have been completed prior to the submission. To submit, e-mail the PD and all required documents/information to classandcomprequests@csus.edu for review.
Recruitment: Backfill/Replacement Positions
If an existing position becomes vacant and a recruitment to backfill is necessary, an approved Position Description (PD) is needed before a requisition can be submitted for recruitment. All PDs that have not been reviewed and approved within the last 12 months must be submitted to C&C for classification and approval.
When submitting a backfill/replacement PD please be sure to include the following:
- Final Position Description (meeting all criteria listed above)
- A brief description of any changes and indicate if there are any impacts to other positions as a result of the changes.
- Current Org Chart
Recruitment: New Positions
If a position that has not previously existed on campus is needed, prior to recruitment a new position analysis is required. All new positions must first be allocated by Budget Planning & Administration (BPA) (More information can be found here). The required position description should meet all criteria outlined above and will be shared with C&C as part of the established workflow.
Position Description Updates (Existing Employees)
Position Descriptions (PD) should remain as up to date as possible. Routine review of existing staff PDs will ensure functions are accurately captured. Position descriptions are most effective when they reflect a shared understanding of the work being performed. Employees and supervisors are encouraged to collaborate throughout the review and update process to ensure duties, responsibilities, and reporting relationships are accurately documented. While employee input is an important part of the process, management is ultimately responsible for assigning work and has final approval over the content of the position description.
When submitting a PD update please be sure to include the following:
- Final Position Description (meeting all criteria listed above)
- A brief description of any changes and the need for the changes
- Current Org Chart
C&C will review, classify, and approve the PD and provide any applicable employee notifications outlined in the employee's respective collective bargaining agreement.
Looking for a copy of your signed official Position Description?
Request a copy from your Official Personnel File through Employment Services here.
Classification Reviews
An Official Classification and/or Skill Level review is a way of gathering pertinent facts about a position. Sacramento State is constantly changing due to new programs, procedures, technologies, and more. As a result, duties and responsibilities of a particular position often evolve over time. When this occurs, the employee and/or management can submit a request for Official Classification and/or Skill Level Review pursuant to applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
For more information: Classification/Position Description Review - Service Levels
Classification Resources & Forms
Other Helpful Resources:
CSUEU Step Structure & New Classification Mapping
As provided by Provision 20.5 of the Agreement between The Board of Trustees of the California State University and the California State University Employees Union (CSUEU), effective October 1, 2025, all CSUEU-represented employees will transition to a new Salary Step Structure.
Step Placement
To transition into this new step-structure, initial step placement is the closest step to your current salary within your classification’s assigned structure-grade, effective October 1, 2025, while negotiations continue (Provision 20.5(B)). Bargaining will re-open and negotiations of salary and benefits will commence.
Notification of official step placement will be sent to all impacted CSUEU employees no later than September 30, 2025.
More information regarding CSUEU Step Implementation can also be found here.
Why closest step and not "target step"?
The negotiated agreement between CSU and CSUEU stated placement on “target step” was contingent upon the State of California providing compact funding to the CSU. The 2025 Budget Act does not meet that funding threshold and as a result, employees are being placed on the closest (higher) salary step to their current salary as required by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
For additional information regarding the CSU Budget see CSU Budget FAQ and campus Budget Informationpage.
New Classification Mapping
As part of the transition into the Step Structure, new classifications* have been introduced to more accurately reflect the scope of employees’ roles for certain jobs, effective October 1, 2025. While all CSUEU covered positions were considered to determine if sorting into a new classification was needed, only those requiring mapping received a notice. If you did not receive a notice, your classification will remain the same into the new Step Structure.
If a position was mapped into a new classification, it has no affect or change to current job responsibilities; rather, it is simply an assignment to the appropriate new classification within the new Salary Step Structure.
Additional information can be found on the Chancellor's Office Website.
*Note: Existing CSUEU classification standards remain in effect until October 1, 2025.
CSUEU Red Circle Information
Employees that have a current salary above the maximum of their classification’s assigned structure-grade, will have an official step placement at the top step of the range, effective October 1, 2025 and their salary will be red circled. All impacted employees will be notified of their red circled status on September 30, 2025.
Although the official step placement is at the top step of the assigned range, there is no impact to the current salary of a red circled employee. The salary will not be adjusted to correspond with this assigned step and the employee will maintain their current salary. However, the difference between the top step and the current salary will be red circled which impacts the contributions paid to CalPERS for retirement.
Additional information regarding these impacts can be found below:
- CalPERS Classic members - click here
- CalPERS PEPRA members - click here
If you are interested in opening or increasing a voluntary retirement account to adjust for the potential impact to your CalPERS retirement, please visit the following:
If you have questions regarding these programs please contact the Benefits Office at benefits@csus.edu.