Overload compensation may be paid to faculty members from state accounts for work performed in excess of their regular University responsibilities. Typically, overload compensation is paid for State System or OSU continuing education and workshop activities, although many units (including OSU Extension) consider such activities to be part of regular "in load" University responsibilities. (Consult with your department head or chair to learn about your unit's continuing education policies.) Overload compensation is also paid to faculty members for special projects, or for services outside their academic unit.
Prior Approval Required. Faculty members requesting approval for overload compensation must complete a Overload Compensation Request form and have it signed by the appropriate dean (director, or provost) and approved by the OSU Office of Academic Affairs.
Time Limit. Activities involving overload compensation should not substantially interfere with the performance of the faculty member's duties.
Accounting. All overload compensation and the income and expenses of the activities for which the compensation is paid should be processed through the Office of Business Affairs following regular University procedures.
Research Grant and Contract Work Not Allowed. Regular on-campus classes, as well as time spent in support of grant and research activities, are not allowable activities for overload compensation except under extraordinary or emergency circumstances.
Class Size. Overload compensation should not be based on the number of students per class or any similar ratio except for correspondence or independent study courses.
Senior Administrators Ineligible. Presidents, vice presidents, deans, and other equivalent level officers are not eligible for overload compensation.
Overload Instruction and Continuing Education Not Included in PERS or SAIF Calculations During Academic Year. Overload payments for instructional services during the period of the employee's contract are not considered as salary for purposes of Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contributions. Earnings of a 9-month academic staff member for teaching a short course any time between June 15 and September 15 are considered salary and are subject to PERS contributions.
