Distinguished Status for Extension Academic Staff

Distinguished status (see UW Madison Policy 726 for up-to-date definition)

An academic staff member at the Distinguished level performs at a level of proficiency typically requiring extensive experience and advanced knowledge and skills. The expertise of an academic staff member at this level is commonly recognized by their peers and through a reputation which extends beyond their work unit. A Distinguished academic staff member is expected to develop new approaches, methods or techniques to resolve or prevent problems with little or no expert guidance and to cope independently with new, unexpected or complex situations. At this level, an academic staff member can be expected to guide or train other staff or to oversee their work. All academic staff titles at all levels are eligible for Distinguished status.

Distinguished Status Review Committee (DSRC)

DSRC is a committee of the Academic Staff Office that reviews and recommends Distinguished status to the Dean/Director.

Extension compensation philosophy

The Extension compensation philosophy and guidance advises Academic staff to first seek Extension Title Progression before applying for Distinguished status. A promotion to Distinguished status supersedes any previous Extension title promotions and is intended to be the final title promotion possibility (i.e. one cannot apply for Extension title ‘Principal’ once they have achieved Distinguished). Extension HR can advise staff on these options (and resources to Extension HR SharePoint page on Salary Adjustment Opportunities is linked below).

Applicant requirements for Distinguished status

Applicants must seek their supervisor’s support before applying and request a written letter of support from their supervisor. Applicants should follow the guidelines in UW Madison Policy 726 to develop their application materials. 

As with all Extension compensation adjustment eligibility (see link below), the following criteria must be met in order to apply:

• Employee must not have an active Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).
• All required training is completed and up to date.
• If a supervisor, all employee evaluations are completed and up to date.

Division review and approvals

Extension HR will announce the process for submitting applications each year by November 1. All applications must be reviewed and approved by the Dean before being sent to the DSRC. If there are more than two applicants, the Dean will select up to two applications to forward based on the strength of the application materials and evidence of Distinguished-level performance. If an applicant was approved but not forwarded, they may re-apply the following year. Extension HR will send the Dean-approved application packets to the DSRC for their February submission period.

The DSRC must vote unanimously in support of an application before the Dean will approve Distinguished status. Applicants may appeal using the procedures found in UW Madison Policy 726. Feedback will be provided to unsuccessful applicants, if requested.

Staff who receive Distinguished status receive a minimum 5% salary increase. The Division may approve a larger increase of up to 10% if the applicant greatly exceeds standards.