YSU clarifies interim vs. acting positions

By Denise Dick

denise_dick@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University trustees approved a policy change, defining acting and interim officeholders and setting parameters for the length of time for each.

“It sets time frames and check-ins to be certain we don’t have positions languishing out there for extended periods of time,” said Kevin Reynolds, YSU’s chief human resources officer, at a Tuesday trustees University Affairs Committee meeting. The policy also was approved by the full board of trustees at a special meeting.

The policy change defines an “acting appointment” as a temporary placement of an existing employee who is in the post because of the incumbent’s temporary absence.

An “interim appointment,” on the other hand, is a temporary placement to perform the duties of a vacant or soon-to-be-vacant position.

An initial acting appointment may last up to 180 days and may be renewed in writing in 30-day increments by approval of the president and chief human resources officer.

Interim appointments may not exceed a year without a written request and written approval of the university president. The president may extend the appointment in writing in increments of up to 90 days.

“The policy is so we can try to manage the time frame for how long someone can be acting and how long someone can be interim,” said Holly Jacobs, university general counsel.

There are several positions occupied by individuals who are serving in interim capacities including the provost/vice president of academic affairs and the vice president for finance.

The newly approved policy says existing acting and interim appointments “shall be reviewed for consistency with this policy and brought into reasonable compliance.”