A: The office of Academic Human Resources says that someone with a nine-month appointment can be paid over nine months only when someone is leaving the university after their current appointment ends. Even then, it's not automatic; an appeal must be sent to AHR, asking for payment over nine months.
The university requires that all other employees on nine-month appointments be paid over twelve months. They justify the policy by pointing out that certain benefits, such as health insurance, are extended even when the employee isn't working. Deductions from paychecks for insurance, retirement, etc., must continue. The university prefers not to set up specialized deductions for those not on twelve-month appointments, so all APs receive paychecks twelve months each year.
-- This month's answer provided by Peter Miller.
Send your questions about UIUC policy, employment/labor law, unions, and collective bargaining to aap@shout.net.