Good afternoon colleagues,

To date, we’ve received four completed PDQs. With only 10 working days left until they are due, we’ve got some work to do.

Rumors and FAQ’s

  1. I’ve heard this study really is a way for management to reorganize and eliminate positions. Is that true? In a word, NO!
    1. First, ACE requested this study. Under our current classification system, which is nearly 20 years old, internal inequities made it difficult to accurately create new positions or address reclassifications. The district agreed. Our mutual goal for this study is to build a new classification structure that develops a clear, equitable, consistent and competitive classification and compensation structure that appeals to and fosters retention of qualified classified staff professionals while providing opportunities for growth and development throughout the district.
    2. ACE and the district are committed to being transparent in this process and we recognized that outside assistance was necessary to maintain objectivity while conducting this study. Enter Koff and Associates.
    3. Second, this is about the position and work being performed by classified staff, not the person. Let me repeat that, it is the position NOT the person being reviewed.
    4. Third, ACE and the district agreed on the consultants after an independent review from both parties. Their role in this process is to be a neutral party and review our classification system in relationship to ACE job descriptions based on the work being done today. Under our Joint Labor Management Classification Committee (JLMCC) and an MOU dictating that decisions affecting the outcome of this study must be mutually agreed upon, neither side has influence over the consultant’s recommendations.
    5. Fourth, whether we conduct this classification study or not, management retains the right regarding how they choose to staff positions. Any eliminations, which can only occur due to a lack of work or a lack of funds, must be negotiated with ACE. An independent review of the work being performed and updated job descriptions only help us should this scenario arise.
  2. My comments will be ignored, why should I complete the PDQ?
    1. If you say nothing, they will be ignored. The PDQ is the best way to document the work that you do in your position in your words.
    2. If you don’t provide information regarding your duties, someone else will – namely your supervisor. Although not every job description will require significant changes, every classification will be reviewed and modified as needed. At the completion of the Study, all classified positions will have job descriptions that accurately reflect the roles and responsibilities of the position.
    3. To ensure your comments remain unchanged, we are asking you send a copy to Myisha Washington in HR and keep one for yourself when you send forward it to your supervisor.
  3. I have a colleague out on medical leave, can we contact them to get their PDQ completed to make certain their position is accurately reflected? No. They are off work and it should be considered that they are unable to respond. Their supervisor will need to address their position PDQ. If they return after the Feb. 24th submission deadline, there may be an opportunity for the worker to respond during the follow-up interviews. ACE, the district, and the consultants will address this on a case-by-case basis.
  4. How much information should I include in the PDQ? As much as you believe accurately describe the duties you currently perform. When in doubt, include it. It is the consultant’s job to sort it out.
  5. Under minimum qualifications, should I put down my current experience and education level? No. This section should be reflective of what skills, experience, and education level someone new coming into the position would absolutely need to have or know to do the job.
  6. I supervise student employees, interns, etc. Should I include them under the supervisor section? Yes. It is one of your duties and needs to be reflected. If it has been a few quarters since you have had a student employee or intern, still include it.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the PDQ, please contact me or Myisha Washington. We are also offering drop-in assistance:

Foothill, Altos Room
Feb. 15 – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
De Anza – Staff Development Office, MLC246
Feb. 15 – Noon – 3 p.m.
Feb. 21 – 1 – 4 p.m.

Obligatory reminder: PDQ’s DUE no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017.

To ensure your comments remain unchanged, email your completed PDQ to:

  • The supervisor and/or administrator who signs your time sheet; AND
  • Myisha Washington, Manager, Compensation, Classification and Employment, washingtonmyisha@fhda.edu.
  • Keep a copy for your records.

Avoid misinformation that inevitably makes its way through the grapevine. Please ask questions, read emails from me or the ACE account, attend site meetings and bookmark, http://hr.fhda.edu/class-comp/e-ACE%20Classification%20Study%202017.html.

In unity,
Chris