UPS Temporary Staff Employment

Units needing temporary staff support may elect to work with an external temporary agency or work with Human Resources to hire a UPS (Unclassified Professional Staff) employee after securing funding and unit hierarchy approval. 

Units electing to hire a UPS temporary employee through KU Human Resources will need to work with their HR Partner or HR Recruiter to identify the type of temporary position that needs to be filled:

  • UPS Temporary = A temporary appointment that is limited to a 12-month term from the date of hire or 999 hours – whichever comes first
  • UPS Intermittent Temporary Worker = A temporary hire that works irregularly or in a seasonal capacity that may require engagement year after year for very short or specific time periods, never exceeding 999 hours  

Temporary employment does come with restrictions that must be observed by the employer.  Please be aware of the following:

  • Temporary appointments may not exceed 999 hours worked during a 12-month term regardless of the job title designated.
  • Individuals hired as a UPS Temporary may not be renewed beyond the original 12-month term. Employees that need to work beyond those parameters will need to be hired through a search that is approved through Strategic Hiring.
  • Individuals hired as an Intermittent Temporary Worker are allowed to remain in a temporary position beyond the 12-month period as long as work hours do not exceed the annual limit.
  • HR encourages all temporary positions to be posted for equal opportunity purposes.
  • An appointment to a temporary position may be full-time or part-time and is not benefits eligible but may be eligible for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

Supervisors of temporary employees are required to follow all federal and state laws and University policies related to employment terms. Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

  • Defining goals/scope of work, providing resources or equipment, and training
  • Reviewing and approving work hours for each pay period by the stated deadlines as applicable
  • Monitoring hours reported during the 12-month term, not to exceed the 999 hours limit
  • Notifying HR when employment will be ending, e.g., resignation, project completion, etc.

Other Temporary Employee information: