Which of the following employees is most likely classified as non-exempt?

The classification of "non-exempt" typically refers to employees who are entitled to overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Non-exempt employees are generally hourly workers who receive compensation for every hour worked, including overtime when they work over 40 hours in a week.

Choosing a retail cashier as the answer aligns with the common understanding of non-exempt positions. Retail cashiers usually work set hours and are paid hourly, making them eligible for overtime compensation. This reflects the nature of retail work, which often requires employees to work additional hours during busy periods and holidays.

In contrast, a department manager and a project consultant are often classified as exempt due to their supervisory roles and responsibilities that typically involve decision-making authority, professional skills, or managerial tasks. A university professor may also be considered exempt because of their academic qualifications and the nature of their work, which often includes research, teaching, and curriculum development, which are typically seen as exempt responsibilities. Therefore, the retail cashier stands out as the most likely candidate for a non-exempt classification.