Contact: Raisa Dunton
Action: Download the updated JCAT and Salary Grade Matrix, replacing all current reference copies, and share with appropriate team members.
Attachments: Active JCATs and Ranges (effective 10.6.26) and NEW Policy Analysis and Project Management JCATs
An updated JCAT and Range Matrix is available via the link above. Changes are effective immediately and systems should be updated to ensure alignment with your October month-end data submissions. Please review the changes and replace any current reference copies with this new version. There are significant updates reflected in this month’s release. These changes will be shared next week to HRIS liaisons for implementation prior to the October month-end submission deadline.
Major updates to the standard JCAT Matrix include the addition of a “Definitions” column on the primary tab. Approximately 75% of all active JCATs have been assigned a new or updated definition over the past 12 months, either replacing an outdated or insufficient CUPA-HR definition or developing a new definition where one has not previously existed. Those 800+ updates are reflected here. Additional updates are likely in the coming months. The intent of the definition is to provide a basic overview of the JCAT’s purpose and to clarify leveling of a particular JCAT in relation to other classifications within a job family or series. In most cases, these definitions will not specify any particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) nor any education and experience (E&E) requirements.
Additionally, please take note of 2 brand new series that have been created within the “Administrative and Program Support” family. These include 4 JCATs within a new PROJECT MANAGEMENT series and 3 JCATs within a new POLICY ANALYSIS series. A summary of these new classifications, along with their assigned A-grades, can be found in the attached document. The creation of these new sets of JCATs fills a significant gap within the JCAT structure and should allow institutions to more accurately classify positions with roles specific to institutional/cross-functional project management and institutional policy analysis or development.
Be aware that no additional JCATs will be added to the set that will be deactivated at the end of the calendar year. Action is required to reclassify all Positions and Jobs that are currently assigned to one of the 100+ JCATs that will be retired at the end of December. Please take appropriate action now to avoid errors with your data submissions. If there is a compelling reason to retain one or more of these JCATs, please let us know no later than Nov. 30, 2026, by emailing SystemComp@northcarolina.edu.
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An updated JCAT and Range Matrix is available via the link above. This month’s updates include a number of adjustments to assigned EPS ranges and corresponding modifiers for institutions. Please review the changes and replace any current reference copies with this new version.
Action is required to reclassify all Positions and Jobs that are currently assigned to one of the 107 JCATs that will be retired at the end of December. Please take appropriate action now to avoid errors with your data submissions. If there is a compelling reason to retain one or more of these JCATs, please let us know no later than Nov. 30, 2026, by emailing SystemComp@northcarolina.edu.
Please take particular note of Column E (EHRA/SHRA). This new column is included as a basic reference tool for HR professionals when determining whether a particular JCAT should be considered EHRA or SHRA.
All active JCATs have been assigned an “E” designation if they should be considered EHRA. This includes JCATs that would typically fall into one of the several categories enumerated in GS 126-5(c1)(8) and subsequently GS 126A-15(8)g, as amended by SL 2026-42 Sect. 8.3: “…instructional and research staff, student‑oriented professionals, finance professionals, business office professionals, auditor professionals, information technology professionals, legal affairs professionals, health affairs professionals, institutional development professionals, physicians, dentists, pilots…” and those administrative and leadership positions that would almost always be FLSA-exempt.
A number of JCATs have been assigned “E / S” as their designation if they could be available for SHRA positions but could also be considered EHRA, depending on FLSA status and the assigned duties of the position. You will note that there are no JCATs that are strictly assigned as “S” since ALL JCATs could be EHRA if they fall into one of the statutorily enumerated categories, if they are deemed FLSA-exempt based on the scope of duties, and/or if they are assigned to a temporary employee. Ultimately, HR professionals are charged with making a clear and logical assessment of the position under consideration to determine SHRA or EHRA status.
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As we enter a new fiscal year and approach the start of a new academic year, we are sharing several updates related to JCAT, Grade, and Modifier assessment and realignment. A new JCAT and Range Matrix is available via the link above, reflecting changes effective August 2026. Updates include the removal of 141 JCATs that were deactivated in July. Thank you for your diligence in working to reclassify roles in advance of your July month-end submissions. Please be sure to review the list of JCATs currently scheduled to sunset at the end of December and take appropriate action to reclassify position and job records in advance. The August updates have already been populated in HRDM and will be shared with HRIS liaisons next week, in advance of your August month-end data submissions. Please replace any current reference copies with this new version.
Law Enforcement Officers
Earlier this month, System leadership asked all institution police chiefs to review their rosters of sworn LEOs to ensure consistency between ranks, JCAT classifications, and published working titles. Chiefs were instructed to work closely with their campus HR partners to make any administrative changes as quickly as possible so that August month-end data will reflect any necessary updates. System Office staff have discovered numerous instances where an individual LEO’s rank, title, and JCAT do not align, making assessment of this unique population difficult. Thank you to your class and comp teams for their help in ensuring that administrative updates are made quickly and accurately. We do not expect any salary adjustments at this stage.
Information Technology JCATs
A group of CIOs, CHROs, and support staff met on July 30 at NC State to discuss potential issues and consider updates to Information Technology classifications. We understand that the conversation was fruitful and look forward to receiving the final recommendations from the group. Once received, System Office staff will review recommendations to determine feasibility of implementation.