To request an equity increase for yourself you will have to prepare in advance--do some research of the market, and compile documents demonstrating your value to UC. Then, you need to meet with management to make your request. Be sure to request that all your total years of experience be counted, not just your years of UC service. 

1. How to start? Check out these Market Rate Equity Research Tips. You will get some ideas and suggestions on how to find out what the current market rate for your job title is. You will want to compare your current wage with the salaries at the largest Medical Centers or similar work sites in your area.
   
   
2. Once you have compiled as much information on wage scales, cost of living comparisons, etc., as you can, you will need to determine what you feel is a fair wage proposal. Base this on what step you currently are on, what step would be comparable to what you feel the current market is for your years of experience, expertise, etc. Make that your requested wage/step. Check your HX contract or the UPTE web site for steps and wages for your job title at your campus. Make up a document showing what your current wage/step is; what your research demonstrates the current market rate is, and what wage/step you are requesting. 
   
   
3. Next you should try to gather documentation that will show the retention and recruitment problems within the job title, if that is the case:  
   • Newspaper articles that discuss the job shortages; or newspaper want ads showing all the openings for your job titles.
   • Print-outs of all employment openings for your job title at your campus, and how long they have been open. 
   • Other supporting documentation you can compile.

Try to demonstrate how easy it would be to go someplace else and get a job making more money and/or how hard it would be for UC to easily replace you.

4. You will want to also show what a great worker you have been at UC. Gather copies of any awards you have won; letters of recommendation from doctors, nurses, department heads; get letters of support from your supervisor/manager.
   
   
5. Write up a letter requesting a meeting with your supervisor, department manager and/or your HR representative. State in the letter that you are requesting an equity increase. You can make the letter as short and to the point as you like. You will want to request the meeting to be held within a certain time period, like 2 weeks. If you don’t hear back from them within 2 weeks, give them a call and follow up.
   
   
6. At the meeting you should have enough copies of everything you are planning to present. If more than one person will be at the meeting, have enough copies for everyone. You want to ensure that you have your best and original copies to give to HR. At the meeting, make your case. Bring in everything you can think of as to why you deserve and should get an equity increase. Bring up past excellent performance evaluations, etc. – don’t be shy. Present and explain your written equity request, with your current salary and your proposed salary. Provide the documentation to back up your request. Try to anticipate any questions they may have and be prepared to answer them as best you can. Before you leave the meeting, try to get a time you can expect to hear back from them regarding your request. If you don’t get a response by the time it was expected, be sure to follow up with them. You have a right to request equity increases at any time.
   
   
7. If they turn down your request, what can you do? Are you willing to compromise? If you didn’t get the wage/step you requested, would you settle for a little lesser wage, but still more compensation than your current wage? If you made your request to your supervisor only, you can go to the next higher level. You can also go directly to HR and make your request.  Your chances of sucess with HR are higher if you can get your supervisor to support your request. If they still turn you down, try to find out the reason. If it is something you can control, like getting more education, experience, etc. – then work on that and try again in 6 months or a year. Don’t give up!