Classification & Compensation

What is SHRA?

SHRA stands for Subject to the State Human Resources Act. These positions are governed by the North Carolina Human Resources Act (N.C. General Statutes Chapter 126). They must comply with state-mandated policies and regulations related to hiring, compensation, classification, performance management, disciplinary action, and grievance processes.

SHRA positions are typically staff roles that support the daily operations of the university and fall within broad functional areas such as administrative support, skilled trades, technical services, and professional services.

Examples of SHRA Positions:

• Administrative Support Specialist
• Human Resources Specialist
• Accounting Technician
• Facilities Maintenance Technician
• Public Safety Telecommunicators
• Student Services Specialist

Key Characteristics of SHRA Positions:

✔ Subject to state-mandated salary structures and benefits
✔ Required to follow NC Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) policies
✔ Classified within established Career Bands and Pay Ranges
✔ Eligible for state employee grievance and disciplinary processes

For additional details, visit the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) website or contact the Classification & Compensation office.

What is EHRA?

EHRA stands for Exempt from the Human Resources Act. These positions are exempt from many of the provisions of the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) that govern most state employment. Instead, EHRA positions are governed by UNC System policies and institutional guidelines.

EHRA positions typically fall into three categories:

• EHRA Faculty – Includes instructional, research, and clinical faculty.
• EHRA Non-Faculty (EHRA-NF) – Includes professional, research, and instructional support roles requiring specialized knowledge or advanced degrees.
• EHRA Senior Academic and Administrative Officers (SAAO) – Includes senior leadership positions such as Vice Chancellors, Deans, and other high-level administrators.

EHRA Faculty

These positions are primarily responsible for teaching, research, and academic service.

Examples:

• Professors
• Associate Professors
• Assistant Professors
• Lecturers
• Research Faculty
• Clinical Faculty

EHRA Non-Faculty (EHRA-NF)

These are professional-level positions that require advanced knowledge, skills, or education, often supporting academic, research, or administrative functions.

Examples:

• Associate and Assistant Vice Chancellors
• Academic Advisors
• Instructional Designers
• Associate and Associate Deans
• Directors
• Development Officers (Advancement/Foundation roles)

EHRA Senior Academic and Administrative Officers (SAAO)

These are senior leadership and administrative positions responsible for the strategic direction and management of the university.

Examples:

• Chancellor
• Provost
• Vice Chancellors
• Deans
• Athletic Directors

EHRA positions are essential to the university’s ability to attract and retain top talent in support of its academic, research, and administrative priorities.

To request a position or salary action related to EPS, LEO, SAAO, or SHRA: (click PPA)

WHAT IS THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA)?

The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards. The Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) policies, UNC System Office policy manual, and the University’s compensation policies and processes comply with the FLSA. 

WHAT DOES THE TERM “NON-EXEMPT” MEAN?

Non-exempt employees are covered by the overtime and recordkeeping provisions of the FLSA and are entitled to overtime pay if work exceeds 40 hours in one workweek. Overtime is paid at a premium of time and one-half of the employee’s regular hourly rate and compensated either in pay or in accrual of compensatory time. Human Resources is responsible for determining the exemption status for positions at Fayetteville State University (FSU) consistent with FLSA regulations. FSU will pay compensatory for hours worked in excess of 40 hours.

WHAT DOES THE TERM “EXEMPT” MEAN?

Exempt employees are not covered by the overtime provisions of the FLSA and are paid an agreed-upon amount for the whole job, regardless of the amount of time or effort required to complete the work. Exempt employees receive a set monthly salary regardless of the number of hours worked. Exempt employees do not record hours of work. 

WHAT IS MY EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION?

FSU SHRA employees are classified as SHRA Non-Exempt (SN) or SHRA Exempt (SE). 

Questions related to FLSA or employee classifications, please contact Classification and Compensation at classandcomp@uncfsu.edu

 For more information regarding FLSA, please visit the following link:  https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa

Working Title Guidelines:

A working title is an informal title used to describe a position’s functional role within a department. While working titles can provide clarity about specific job functions, they must be used carefully to ensure they do not conflict with official classification titles or University policies.

When Working Titles Are Appropriate:

✔ To clarify specialized functions within a department
✔ To help external audiences better understand a role.
✔ When approved by the Office of Human Resources

When Working Titles Should NOT Be Used:

✘ For positions with standardized classification titles where consistency is required
✘ To imply a higher level of responsibility, authority, or scope than the official classification allows
✘ For positions that do not supervise or manage others, but the working title suggests otherwise.
✘ When they create confusion in organizational charts, job postings, or formal communications

Important Reminders:

• Working titles must never replace or override the official position title.
• Use of working titles requires review and approval by the Office of Human Resources.
• Inappropriate use of working titles can result in employee relations issues, policy conflicts, and compliance concerns.

Questions? Contact the Classification & Compensation Consultant at 910.672.1820.