Justification Process

Position Justification Overview

UMSL uses a Position Justification process to review certain hiring and position change requests. This process applies to benefit-eligible faculty & staff positions as follows:

A Position Justification is required for:

  • Creating new positions  
  • Posting existing positions (unless fully grant funded)
  • Reclassifications  
  • Unit reorganizations  
  • Compensation increases  

A Position Justification is not required for:

  • Part‑time positions
  • Student employee positions
  • Posting existing positions that are fully grant funded

The justification review process helps ensure that University resources are directed toward institutional priorities, including:

  • Maintaining a high‑quality academic experience for students
  • Supporting student recruitment and retention
  • Advancing research, scholarship, and community engagement
  • Supporting efforts that strengthen the University’s financial sustainability

Review Process and Timing

Requests requiring justification are reviewed by the Justification Committee (members listed below) during bi‑monthly meetings. For the best chance of ensuring your request is on the next agenda, all materials should be submitted at least three (3) business days before the meeting. Only those positions which are approved by the respective Vice Chancellor will be discussed by the Justification Committee.

Detailed instructions and the justification form are provided below.

Final decisions will be communicated to the initiating unit by the respective Vice Chancellor or Human Resources.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting a consistent and transparent justification process. Questions should be directed to your supervisor, CSD leader, or Vice Chancellor.

Please select the red button below to open the Kuali Form.

Justification Process - Complete the Kuali Form
  1. Work with your Business Manager and Human Resource Partner to complete a Justification form.
  2. Ensure all fields on the form are completed.
  3. Once you submit your Kuali Justification Form, the form will follow the designated review route: CSD Leader, Business Manager, HR Partner, Vice Chancellor and Justification Committee.
  4. The route is automated and based on the submitters information. Please keep this in mind as you submit forms on behalf of your department.
    1. Any additional materials you didn't add in your Kuali form must be submitted to UMSLHR@umsl.edu.
    2. The submissions must be approved be all appropriate parties in the review route before the 24 hour deadline. In order to achieve this, please submit your forms in a timely manner.
    3. Requests received after that timeframe will be scheduled for the following meeting.
  5. After the meeting, results will be communicated by Vice Chancellors via email. 
    1. For information on any Justification decisions, please contact your Vice Chancellor. 

If you have questions or would like to request to use the Justification word document, please email  UMSLHR@umsl.edu.

If you and your department would like to be trained to host your own space on Kuali and create forms, please contact the Kuali Build Team or visit their Kuali page.

Justification Meetings

  • The Justification meetings are scheduled bi-weekly to review and discuss the requests
  • Dates for 2026
    • January 7, 21
    • February 4, 18
    • March 4, 18
    • April 1, 15, 29
    • May 13, 27
    • June 10, 24
    • July 8, 22
    • August 5, 19
    • September 2, 16, 30
    • October 14, 28
    • November 11, 25
    • December 9, 23
Justification Committee Members
  • Kristin Sobolik, Chancellor
  • Steven Berberich, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
  • Tanika Busch, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations and Chief Financial Officer
  • Lisa Capone, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement
  • Reggie Hill, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment
  • Justin Roberts, Vice Chancellor for University Marketing and Communications
  • Christopher Spilling, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic and Community Development
  • Tanisha Stevens, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Effective and Compliance
  • Melinda Adams, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer