University Human Resources

Equity Adjustments

Equity adjustments are intended to ensure that employee compensation remains fair, competitive and aligned with both internal structures and external market benchmarks. These adjustments are used to address pay disparities and support the University’s commitment to equitable compensation practices.

Equity adjustments may be considered under the following circumstances:

  • The employee's salary is significantly below market rates for comparable roles
  • The position requires specialized or critical skills that are difficult to replace
  • The employee’s salary is lower than that of others within the same job family

To be eligible, an employee must be meeting performance expectations. Equity adjustments are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are not intended as across-the-board increases.

If a position’s job description is no longer accurate, it should be reviewed and updated to determine whether a promotion (job audit) may be appropriate. Department heads and managers who have concerns about pay equity within their teams are encouraged to consult with their Human Resources Business Partner or UHR Compensation Services to help assess whether an equity issue exists and recommend appropriate next steps, including adjustment amounts and timing.

Equity Review Process

When an employee’s salary appears to be below that of comparable roles, an adjustment may be appropriate to ensure both internal equity and external market competitiveness. To request an equity review, please follow these steps:

  1. Consult with your HR Business Partner or UHR Compensation Services to assess whether a salary adjustment is warranted
  2. Obtain approval from your department head and senior leader
  3. Complete the Equity Review Request Form and submit it to your Human Resources Business Partner or UHR Compensation Services

For additional details, please refer to the Compensation Guide.