The University of Colorado has announced that nonexempt employees, who are eligible for federal overtime, will shift from a monthly to a biweekly pay schedule starting September 27, 2026. This change is part of the university’s ongoing Time and Labor project aimed at improving payroll processes.
According to the university, the move is intended to enhance payroll accuracy, reduce manual corrections, and improve the timeliness of first paychecks for new hires. The transition will also standardize timekeeping practices across all CU campuses and ensure compliance with Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements.
Nonexempt employees will begin receiving pay in arrears—about two weeks after hours are worked—with no changes to total pay or pay rates. To assist during this transition, affected employees will receive a one-time payment designed to help cover the period between their last monthly paycheck on September 30 and their first biweekly paycheck on October 23.
“Supervisors of affected employees were informed of the change prior to employee announcements; detailed communications have already been shared directly with those affected,” according to information released by the university.
Additionally, beginning September 27, leave for all employees—regardless of FLSA status—will be processed in the same pay period it occurs. Exempt employees will continue on a monthly schedule but may have an option in 2027 to switch to biweekly pay depending on campus decisions.
For new hires after September 27, both exempt and nonexempt staff will default to a biweekly schedule except nine-month faculty or certain graduate assistants who remain on monthly pay. Nonexempt staff hired before September 1, 2026, are eligible for the transition payment.
Employees seeking more details can visit the Payday Schedule Change webpage or contact their campus HR teams.
