IRVINE: EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR

November 10, 2004

ACADEMIC DEANS
DEPARTMENT CHAIRS
DIRECTORS OF ORGANIZED RESEARCH UNITS

SUBJECT: APM 390, Changes to Postdoctoral Scholars Transition Guidelines

APM 390 - Postdoctoral Scholars, was formally announced and distributed in July 2003. UCOP delayed the implementation of the associated postdoctoral scholar benefits plan until January 2005 based on the administrative complexities of developing separate benefits plans for postdoctoral scholars and employees. The benefits plans are now ready to go into effect on January 1, 2005.

Due to limitations in UCOP's payroll system relating to UCRP service credit, postdoctoral scholar employees who are currently appointed as Postgraduate Researcher, title code 3240, are no longer being give the option in Fall 2004 to switch to the new Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee, title code 3252, and to the associated new benefits plans.

The attached Transition Guidelines (Appendix A to APM 390) have been modified to reflect these changes effective September 1, 2004.

In September, postdoctoral scholars currently appointed as Visiting Postgraduate Researcher, title code 3370, were informed that they have a choice between: (1) remaining in TC 3370 and continuing to receive mid-level UC benefits (without dental or vision coverage) and (2) changing on January 1 to TC 3252 (Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee) and thereby becoming eligible for the new postdoctoral scholars benefits which includes UC-paid dental and vision coverage. Training sessions for Deans' Office and Departmental staff regarding open enrollment and benefits information have already been conducted. The Open Enrollment period for current Visiting PGRs has been extended until November 23, 2004, to allow sufficient time for each individual to make their choice.

Personnel documentation guidelines for transitioning postdoctoral scholars will be distributed to designated departmental Postdoctoral Scholar Coordinators later this month.

Departments and units should begin to propose appointments for new postdoctoral scholar employees in Title Code 3252, Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee, effective January 1, 2005. No new appointments will be made in Title Code 3240, Postgraduate Researcher, or Title Code 3370, Visiting Postgraduate Researcher, with an effective date after December 31, 2004.

The official policy and revised transition guidelines are available on the AP website at: http://www.ap.uci.edu/APM/apm390.html.

If you have questions, please give me a call at 824-7371.

Herbert P. Killackey
Associate Executive Vice Chancellor

Enclosures

cc: Vice Chancellor Parker
Campus Personnel Officers
Franchesca del Mundo, Office of Graduate Studies
Academic Personnel