University of Illinois System

Academic Professional Exemption Criteria

If a position does not fall within either the provisions for Standard Title positions or for Teaching, Research, and Extension positions, it may still qualify for exemption from Civil Service by meeting one of the following four criteria.

There are a number of existing approved titles that may be appropriate for your position. If an appropriate title does not exist, a request for a new title must be submitted to the State Universities Civil Serivce System. Your Human Resources office can provide assistance regarding titles.

Criterion A:

A position: (1) whose primary duty is administrative management of a Campus or Agency division or like unit, and who reports to the Chief Executive Officer of the Campus or Agency; or (2) who performs an independent administrative function and reports to the Chief Executive Officer, President, Vice President, Chancellor, Vice Chancellor or Provost of the Campus or Agency.

Criterion B:

A position whose primary responsibility is the administration of an academic unit engaged in academic instruction or research (e.g., Dean, Associate and Assistant Dean, Department Head, Associate and Assistant Department Head).

Criterion C:

A position which is charged with high level administrative responsibilities and whose decisions are based on administrative policies; and performs these duties with only general administrative supervision or direction and who exercises discretion and independent judgment (e.g., Director, Associate or Assistant Director).

Criterion D:

A position requiring a knowledge of an advanced type in a field of science or learning customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction and study (as distinguished from a general academic education) and which requires the consistent exercise of discretion and judgement (e.g., physician, attorney, engineer, architect, archaeologist, physicist, biochemist).

Whichever criterion is chosen to justify exemption, the position description must clearly demonstrate that the conditions expressed in that criterion are met.

Examples:

  • If the choice is criterion C, the discretion and independent judgment required for the position must be demonstrated by listing duties and responsibilities which point out the discretion and independent judgment involved in the position.
  • Under criterion D, the duties and responsibilities must reflect the need for knowledge of an advanced type and for the exercise of discretion and independent judgment.