Upcoming Faculty Pay Schedule Changes
Beginning August 16, 2027, eligible nine-month faculty will be paid on the 9-over-12 pay schedule. The current 9-over-9 pay schedule will no longer be available.
Learn more about Faculty Pay Schedule Changes.
Read the Faculty Pay Schedule Changes FAQs.
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 deferring salary over 12 pay periods.
1. What is the 9-over-9 pay distribution cycle?
The 9-over-9 pay distribution cycle distributes a nine-month academic-year salary over the nine-month period during which services are provided, August 16 – May 15. Salary is fully disbursed as it is earned during the nine-month appointment.
Beginning August 16, 2027, the 9-over-9 pay distribution cycle will no longer be available. Eligible nine-month faculty will be paid on the 9-over-12 pay distribution cycle.
2. What is the 9-over-12 pay distribution cycle?
The 9-over-12 pay distribution cycle distributes a nine-month academic-year salary over a twelve-month period, August 16 – August 15. A portion of the salary earned during the academic year, August 16 – May 15, is deferred and paid during the non-academic year period, May 16 – August 15.
The 9-over-12 pay distribution cycle is currently the default pay cycle for nine-month faculty and will be the pay distribution cycle for eligible nine-month faculty beginning August 16, 2027.
3. What if I decide in the middle of the 2026-2027 academic 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.
4. 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 12-month calendar year. Participation is not limited to the nine-month service period for faculty who remain actively employed.
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 deducted over the 9-month period will be higher or “accelerated” to allow for the value of 12 months of premiums to be deducted over nine (9) paychecks during the non-deferred pay distribution cycle, from Sept. thru May. These accelerated premiums collected during the service period will be used to maintain employee benefit coverage during the non-academic year period, May 16 – August 15.
5. Will my benefit deductions or coverage change if my employment ends during the summer?
Yes. The University terminates benefits coverage based on the date an eligible position ends. The University will continue benefit coverage during the non-academic period only for faculty who return to work the following academic year.
If a separation of employment occurs during the non-academic period, the eligible position for faculty paid on the non-deferred pay distribution cycle will end the last day of the 9-over-9 contract period, May 15. Benefits coverage will end on May 31 based on this May 15 contract period end date. The timing of a resignation notice will not change this date. Active summer assignments do not allow coverage to continue because temporary, supplemental positions are not eligible for benefits.
Faculty are able to retain medical, dental and/or vision insurance by enrolling in COBRA. A COBRA information packet will be mailed from Inspira Financial with a 60-day deadline to enroll in continuing coverage effective June 1. UA will refund the unused accelerated portion of premiums and this may be used to offset the cost of COBRA.
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 other additional assignments is not affected by your pay distribution cycle. These payments are separate from your primary nine-month salary and are not included in the deferred pay distribution. Only your primary nine-month salary is distributed through the 9-over-9 or 9-over-12 pay distribution cycle.
8. 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.
9. Who should I contact if I have any questions?
For questions regarding benefits deductions or benefits refunds, please contact your Benefits Specialist.
For questions regarding the tax implications of your pay distribution, please contact your tax advisor.