Position classification standards

Academic staff

Minimum Standards for Academic Levels (MSALs) outline the broad responsibilities associated with academic roles at different levels. They are not exhaustive, as academic work is multi-skilled and often involves overlapping duties across levels.

The standards provide a clear framework to distinguish between levels and understand the broad relationships between classifications. Flexibility may be required in applying the standards, depending on organisational structures and terminologies.

All academic staff contribute to a range of University functions, including teaching, research, professional activities, and academic planning and governance. The balance of these activities will vary depending on level and role over time.

Full details of the Minimum Standards for Academic Levels (MSALs) for:

• Teaching and research academic employees, and
• Research academic employees,

are available in the Federation University Australia Union Enterprise Agreement | Academic and General Staff Employees | 2023–2026 (pdf, 1.77MB)

General staff

The HEW classification framework helps define responsibilities and expectations for general and professional staff.  Guidance, resources, and templates are available to support staff and people leaders in understanding, applying, and reclassifying positions where appropriate.

• HEW reclassification - application.docx
• HEW reclassification - PD guidance.docx

Full details of the General staff position classifications standards are available in the Federation University Australia Union Enterprise Agreement | Academic and General Staff Employees | 2023–2026 (pdf, 1.77MB)

TAFE teaching staff

Information on TAFE teacher classifications (context and task level) are available in the Federation University Australia | TAFE Teaching Staff Agreement | 2025–2028 (pdf, 2.0MB)