Career Appointment
An appointment established at a fixed or variable percentage of time at 50 percent or more of full-time, expected to continue for one year or longer to support ongoing operational needs. It may be established through open and competitive recruitment or through conversion from a contract or limited appointment.
Casual/Restricted Appointment
A position designated for registered undergraduate or graduate students of the University of California. These appointments help students gain work experience and financial support while pursuing their educational goals. Work hours must align with the student’s academic commitments with an expected end date.
Contract Appointment
An appointment established at a fixed or variable percentage of time for up to four years, with the possibility of a one-year extension for a maximum of five years. These appointments have a defined end date and are suitable for projects with specific objectives, positions with special salary requirements, or temporary departmental needs. A contract appointment may be converted to a career appointment if the employee was hired through a competitive recruitment process.
Floater Appointment
A position used within temporary employment pools, these appointments can be established at any percent of full-time for up to two years. A new floater appointment may be made after a break in service of at least 120 consecutive calendar days. Appointees may be scheduled to work or not, based on organizational needs. The appointment ends on the specified end date unless formally extended.
Limited Appointment
A position established at any percentage of time, where the appointee is expected to be on pay status for less than 1,000 hours within 12 consecutive months. It is most appropriate for short-term work with an expected end date. If an appointee reaches 1,000 hours without a 120-day break in service, the position may convert to a career appointment. Limited appointees may be released at any time with written notice, and the appointment ends automatically unless formally extended.
Partial-Year Career Appointment
A position established at a fixed or variable percentage of time at 50 percent or more of full-time, expected to continue for one year or longer, with regularly scheduled furlough periods not exceeding three months per calendar year. These appointments support seasonal or cyclical operational needs. During furloughs, the appointee remains employed but is not on pay status and may not use paid leave.
Per Diem Appointment
These appointments complement or substitute for career and limited appointments to maintain appropriate staffing levels for temporary periods. Appointees may be scheduled in advance or on a day-to-day basis. These appointments help the University respond to short-term demands while offering flexible work arrangements. Scheduling eligibility may end at any time without notice or cause.
Source: PPSM-3: Types of Appointment