Faculty and Staff Supplemental Pay Policy

Approved By: MSU Denver President

Purpose: This policy establishes the University’s framework for compensating eligible employees for approved work that is performed outside the scope of their primary appointments. Because the University receives and administers public funds, sponsored project funds, and gifts, federal regulations, including 2 CFR § 200.430 (Compensation—Personal Services), require the University to maintain a published policy that defines how additional compensation is determined, approved, and administered.

This policy provides consistent standards for eligibility, approval requirements, compensation limits, and administrative oversight across all funding sources. These standards help ensure that supplemental compensation is applied fairly and consistently, that compensation is reasonable in relation to the work performed, and that the University meets its legal, regulatory, fiduciary, and sponsor obligations. Flexibility from this standard approach may be considered in limited circumstances when permitted by applicable laws, regulations, sponsor requirements, and University review and approval.

Scope: This policy applies to all full-time faculty, including tenured (Category I), tenure-track, and full-time non-tenure-track faculty (Category II), and all full-time exempt and non-classified staff employees.

This policy does not apply to part-time tenured (Category I) faculty, part-time non-tenure-track-faculty (Category II), affiliate faculty, hourly employees, classified staff, student employees, or employment outside the University. Outside employment is governed by the MSU Denver Conflicts of Interest and Commitment Policy and the Faculty Employment Handbook.

This policy applies prospectively to supplemental pay arrangements approved after the effective date of the policy. Existing agreements in effect as of the effective date may continue through the end of their approved term.

Contact: Office of Human Resources, 303-615-0999

Read the full policy statement, by clicking the following link:

Faculty and Staff Supplemental Pay Policy 11.2026