Posted 11:40 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026
Understand the upcoming Pay Plan increase and eligibility requirements for UWL employees
The University of Wisconsin System has approved a 2% pay plan salary increase for eligible employees in 2026. This adjustment reflects the UW System’s and UWL’s continued commitment to recognizing employee contributions and supporting competitive compensation across campus. This information can also be found directly within the Pay Plan Policy.
Implementation Timeline
- Eligible 12‑month employees will see the increase applied beginning June 28, 2026.
- Eligible 9‑month employees will receive the adjustment starting August 24, 2026.
Eligibility
Employees must be categorized as university continuing (Redbooked) staff including; Faculty, Instructional Academic Staff, Non‑instructional Academic Staff, University Staff, and Project Staff.
Eligibility is based on the following:
- Employment occurred before or on the effective date based on employment type:
- 12-month employees must be employed, or promoted, by June 28, 2026.
- 9-month employees must be employed, or promoted, by August 24, 2026.
- Identified as “Meets Expectations” or “Meritorious” performer within the employee’s most recent (within 12 months) performance evaluation (as defined by the Division/College/School) or their supervisor must otherwise be able to demonstrate that the employee meets performance expectations.
- Completed required Mandatory Employee Trainings (METs) as outlined by UW System Administrative Policy 1293.
- Completed an Outside Activity Report (OAR) for fiscal year 2026, as per UW System Administrative Policy 1290.
Ineligibility is based on the following:
- Employees with a performance appraisal rating of “Below Expectations”, “Unsatisfactory”, or “Not Meritorious”.
- Employees on a performance improvement, or remediation plan.
- Employees found to have committed policy violations within three (3) months prior to the effective date of the pay plan salary increase, or who are currently under investigation for possible policy violations at the time of the pay plan.
- Employees who are required to complete the Outside Activity Reporting process as per UW System Administrative Policy 1290, but fail to do so.
- Employees who are required to complete Mandatory Employee training, as per UW System Policy 1278, but fail to do so.
- Employee may be paid above the maximum of a salary range per UW System HR Policy: 1278.
Ineligible Employee Types:
- Limited-term
- Ad hoc employees
- Research Interns
- Temporary base adjustment
- Student Hourly Staff and Graduate Assistants
- Employees in training
- Temporary Employees
- Employees covered by collective bargaining
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to hrinfo@uwlax.edu
Helpful Resources:
