Nine-Month Faculty Pay Frequently Asked Questions
Please note this FAQ is a brief summary of deferred compensation and its attributes. It is not intended to provide you with tax advice. You should consult with your own advisor regarding any tax implications of your election to defer salary over 12 pay periods.
1. Are all 9-month faculty members eligible to elect their pay distribution cycle?
No. Temporary faculty are not eligible. Only, regular nine-month faculty members in tenured/tenure-track and renewable contract appointments will have the option to elect their pay distribution cycle per the guidelines. The option to elect the pay distribution cycle is not available to faculty members in temporary appointments as they are paid in full during the months of their appointment.
2. If I am currently a 9-month faculty member that is eligible to elect my pay distribution cycle, am I required to complete an Election Form for the 2024-25 academic year?
No. You should have elected a pay distribution cycle for the 2023-24 academic year and that election will live in perpetuity unless you make a new election for the 2024-25 academic year by May 15. If you made no election for the 2023-24 academic year, your pay distribution cycle defaulted to the deferred pay distribution cycle (9-over-12). This means eligible nine-month faculty who wish to change their current pay distribution election should complete an Election Form through myBama prior to the May 15th deadline.
Thereafter, the election lives in perpetuity and action will only be required if a change is needed.
3. If I am an incoming nine-month faculty member, when is my Election Form due?
Incoming nine-month faculty who will begin their employment on August 16 must submit their Election Request Form by July 31 to elect the pay distribution cycle for the upcoming academic year. If no election is made by the deadline, the incoming faculty member is automatically paid on the default pay cycle, (9-over-12) for the upcoming academic year.
Nine-month faculty hired after the July 31 election deadline for incoming faculty or those whose hire documents have not been completed and submitted to Payroll by the July 31 election deadline are automatically paid on the default pay cycle, (9-over-12) for the upcoming academic year.
As noted in offer documents, your initial election form will be sent to you via DocuSign as you may not have access to the electronic form through myBama prior to the July 31st deadline.
4. What if I decide in the middle of the year that I want to change my pay distribution cycle?
Per IRS guidelines, elections are irrevocable once the work period has started and cannot be changed throughout the year. UA defines the work period for nine-month faculty as the academic year period, August 16 – May 15.
For your convenience, the Election Form is available and can be submitted at any point throughout the academic year period. However, changes submitted after the election deadline will not be effective until the following academic year.
5. How will the pay distribution affect my benefit deductions?
Nine-month faculty members in benefits eligible positions are eligible to participate in benefits throughout the entire year. Participation is not limited to the nine-month service period.
Nine-month faculty paid on the deferred pay distribution cycle (9-over-12) will have benefits deducted over the 12-month period, if enrolled.
Nine-month faculty paid on the non-deferred pay distribution cycle (9-over-9) will have benefits deducted over the 9-month period, if enrolled. The rates for benefits being deducted over the 9-month period will be higher to allow for 12 months of premiums to be deducted over the 9-month service period, consistent with the non-deferred pay distribution cycle. The additional premiums collected during the service period will be used to maintain employee benefit coverage during the non-academic year period, May 16 – August 15. If employment ends, faculty will be refunded any unused portion premiums.
6. How will the pay distribution affect my taxes?
Your tax withholdings will continue to be based on the Federal Tax and State Tax Withholding elections made through the Employee Dashboard. Taxes will be calculated based on the amount of wages paid, not the amount earned. The University and its employees cannot provide individual tax advice. If you have questions regarding the tax implications of your election, please consult a qualified tax advisor.
7. How will the pay distribution affect compensation for summer or additional assignment?
Compensation for summer assignments or any additional assignments will not be impacted by your pay distribution cycle election as these payments are not eligible for deferred compensation. Only your primary 9-month assignment is eligible for the deferred distribution cycle.
8. Will I need to complete an election form every year?
No. The election submitted through the Election Form will remain in effect until you submit changes, at which point the changes will be applied to the next available academic year period based on the May 15 deadline.
9. What happens if my employment ends before the end of the academic year?
Upon separation, any earned but unpaid compensation will be paid in a lump sum, less any applicable deductions and tax withholding, as soon as administratively possible.
10. Where should I submit my Election Form?
The Election Form will be available on the Employee Tab of myBama starting April 4, 2023.
11. Can I update my Election Form after it is submitted?
Yes. You can submit the Election Form to update your election preference as you would like. However, the election in the system as of the election deadline (May 15 for current faculty and July 31 for incoming faculty) will be the pay distribution cycle assigned to you for the upcoming academic year. Any changes made after the election deadline will apply to the following academic year period.
12. Who should I contact if I have any questions?
For questions regarding the election guidelines and forms, please contact the Payroll Office.
For questions regarding benefits deductions or benefits refunds, please contact your Benefits Specialist.
For questions regarding the best pay distribution cycle for you, please contact your tax advisor.