Since the implementation of UNMpact in 1997, applicants for UNM positions are no longer allowed to substitute years of experience for educational qualifications to meet a job's minimum requirements. For some positions, education may be substituted for experience. According to the report, the substitution practice was eliminated due to a lack of uniformity and the difficulty in administering it. Other reasons cited are implementing a new market-based pay system and efforts to bring the University into compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. The report states that staff opinions on the subject are divided.
Some staff say they are pleased that their educational credentials are finally being recognized.
Others feel that their years of experience should receive equal consideration. Substitution of experience for education appears to be of most concern to staff in administrative and managerial positions. We should be red flagging the people who were here at the time of UNMpact. Some staff affected take exception with the change in policy. I am not even qualified, according to the new HR policy, to apply for one of the positions that I currently supervise.