Arkansas Code
Subchapter 14 - Higher Education Uniform Classification and Compensation Act
§ 21-5-1409. Implementation procedure for grade changes — Salary adjustments

(a) The Division of Higher Education has administrative responsibility for enforcing compliance by institutions of higher education affected by this subchapter in implementing classification and grade changes.
(b)
(1) The rate of compensation an employee shall receive on July 1, 2019, is an increase of one percent (1%) above the employee's current salary.
(2) An employee whose adjusted annual salary falls below the entry pay level for the grade assigned to his or her classification shall be further adjusted to the entry pay level.
(3) The salary increase authorized by subdivision (b)(1) of this section may allow an employee's compensation to exceed the maximum pay level amount set out for the position.

(c)
(1) In addition to the compensation increase under subsection (b) of this section, the maximum annual salary for which an employee covered by this subchapter is eligible on July 1, 2019, may be increased:
(A) By a percentage up to two percent (2%) with written approval by the Director of the Division of Higher Education; or
(B) More than two percent (2%) only with written approval of the director after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.

(2) The salary increase may be established as an increase to the employee's salary or as a lump sum.
(3) An employee compensated at the highest pay level rate authorized for his or her classification is eligible to receive the salary increase authorized in this section as a lump sum payment.

(d) Salary adjustments made by the director under this section shall be reported to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
(e) All percentage calculations stipulated in this subchapter or any other law affecting salaries of employees of institutions of higher education may be rounded to the nearest even-dollar amount by the division when making the increases to employee salaries as provided under subdivision (c)(1) of this section.