About Semimonthly Payroll
As a part of South Texas College's ongoing effort to support our employees, we are excited to announce the implementation of semimonthly payroll, in conjunction with the new ERP system Workday.
On May 28, 2024 the Board of Trustees approved the transition to semimonthly payroll for all employees and a Gap Bridging Retention Payment for all eligible full-time employees.
Same Wages, Two Payments
The new pay frequency will not change what you earn.
Semimonthly pay will occur twice per month - on the 15th of each month and the last business day of the month. This will result in 24 pay periods. If the date falls on a weekend or official holiday, the pay date will be the preceding business day.
Advantages and Benefits:
- The Gap Bridging Retention payment will cover about 15 days of pay that would otherwise not be paid when transitioning to the semimonthly payroll.
- On the semimonthly payroll, pay will be issued around 15 days in arrears.
- The first 15 days of the month will be paid on the last day of the month and the second 15 days of the month will be paid on the 15th of the following month. If the 15th or the last day of the month falls on a holiday or a weekend, the pay date will be the business day prior.
- Utilize the new Workday system and maximize its functionality.
- Employees are paid more frequently, twice monthly, rather than once.
- Ensures a more consistent cash flow for employees.
- Semimonthly payroll aligns with industry standards among many organizations and is often considered best practice.
- Non-exempt employees are paid for actual hours worked rather than estimated hours.
- Non-exempt employees are compensated for overtime hours closer to the time they worked rather than waiting for the following month.
- Funds are deposited semimonthly into Health Savings and Flexible Spending accounts, giving employees access to those funds sooner.
- Contributions to retirement plan accounts happens semimonthly, allowing them to be invested sooner.
- Corrections are addressed in the next semimonthly payroll cycle rather than waiting for the following month.
- Depending on their start date, new hires may receive their initial paycheck sooner.
- Vacation and sick leave balance are more accurate.
- More efficient and accurate payroll processing and reporting.
When will this happen?
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, South Texas College will transition from monthly payroll to semimonthly payroll for all employees. This will align with the scheduled implementation of the new Workday system.
- Your final monthly pay date will be Dec. 18, 2024, for the pay period Dec. 1 to 31, 2024.
- Your first semimonthly pay date will be Jan. 31, 2025, for the pay period Jan. 1 to 15, 2025.
Changing to semimonthly payroll will result in a long stretch between the Dec. 18, 2024 and Jan. 31, 2025 pay dates. Thanks to the board-approved Gap Bridging Retention Payment, employees will not have any disruptions in their pay. This payment will be equal to half your monthly base salary (primary position), to be paid on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.
| Pay Period | Pay Date |
|---|---|
| Oct. 1 - 31, 2024 | Oct. 31, 2024 |
| Nov. 1 - 30, 2024 | Nov. 27, 2024 |
| Dec. 1 - 31, 2024 Final Monthly Pay Period |
Dec. 18, 2024 |
| Gap Bridging Retention Payment | Dec. 30, 2024 |
| Pay Period | Pay Date |
|---|---|
| Jan. 1 - 15, 2025 First Semimonthly Pay Period |
Jan. 31, 2025 |
| Jan. 16 - 31, 2025 | Feb. 14, 2025 |
| Feb. 1 - 15, 2025 | Feb. 28, 2025 |
| Feb. 16 - 28, 2025 | Mar. 14, 2025 |
2025 Monthly to Semimonthly Payroll Calendar
What do employees need to do?
- Changes in pay dates mean changes in cash flow. Plan ahead for the transition.
- Start reviewing your monthly expenses and the timing of your payments.
- Determine if changes are needed to your payment due dates.
- Review your direct deposit setup and/or tax withholdings.
If you have deposits going to multiple accounts, or if you added extra withholding on your W-4 form, those amounts will be applied every pay period, and not just once per month.
Who is working on this project?
The Semimonthly Payroll Project Working Group is comprised of various South Texas College departments.
- Business Office Payroll: Vanessa Balderrama, Accounting Group Manager
- Human Resources Payroll: Georgina Marr, Compensation and Payroll Manager
- Human Resources Benefits: Annel Perez, Benefits Manager
Who can I contact with questions?
Please direct inquiries as follows:
- General inquiries, please send email to semimonthly@southtexascollege.edu
- Benefit deductions and employee leave related inquiries, please email HR_Benefits@southtexascollege.edu or call Benefits Department at 872-3804.
- Tax withholdings, garnishments and direct deposits related inquiries, please email HR_Payroll@southtexascollege.edu or call HR Payroll Department at 872-3802.
Thank you for your cooperation as we implement this exciting change.
