Human Resources » Benefits Information Center » Employee Classifications Affecting Benefits

Northwestern Health Sciences University uses several different employment categories to define the employment relationship. The category of a position may affect the employment benefits and policies that apply to an individual employee. The University will make an effort to inform employees of ways in which employment category affects such aspects of the employment relationship. However, in general, regular full time and regular part time employees (who are budgeted for 20 hours or more a week) are eligible for benefits, subject to waiting periods of the various benefits programs. Employees in any other employment category receive only those benefits required by law or specifically designated by the University. All non-faculty employees, regardless of category, are employed at-will. The employment categories are listed as follows:

The employment categories are listed as follows:

A regular full-time employee is one who is authorized, scheduled and budgeted to work a minimum of 40 hours per work week on a regular and consistent basis, without any defined termination date and is eligible for benefits.

A regular part-time employee is one who is authorized, scheduled and budgeted to work at least 20 but fewer than 40 hours per work week on a regular and consistent basis, without any defined termination date and is eligible for benefits.

A part-time employee is one who is authorized and scheduled to work a fluctuating schedule less than 20 hours per work week without any defined termination date and is not eligible for benefits.

A temporary employee is one who is hired and scheduled to work up to 40 hours a week for a maximum of 120 days. The work schedule for a temporary employee is established by the University. These employees are not eligible for benefits.

An on call employee is one who is hired to work on an as-needed basis. These employees are not eligible for benefits nor are they guaranteed a specific work schedule.

Employees will be informed of their initial employment classification, level and status of exempt or non-exempt at the time of their job offer and/or during their orientation session.

If the employee changes positions during employment as a result of a promotion, transfer or otherwise, the Human Resources Department will inform the employee of any change in their classification, level and/or exemption status.

Employees who have questions about the employment category for their position should contact Jeff Graham @ Human Resources.