Salary Increases at JMU Remain Among Top Priorities
News
On Friday, October 4, 2013 James Madison University’s Board of Visitors met to discuss several very important topics including an update on the Madison Future Commission. Here is a link to the board summary of actions and discussions: https://www.jmu.edu/news/2013/10/04-bov-summary.shtml.
As you’ll see from the summary, the agenda included the discussion and approval of the university’s six-year plan – a planning document required by law to be submitted to the State Council on Higher Education of Virginia – and the university’s 2014 – 2016 biennial budget requests to the commonwealth. Both of these items provide the university with an opportunity to outline our academic, financial and enrollment priorities for the near term.
A major priority reflected in both the six-year plan and the biennial budget requests were faculty salary increases. Unfortunately, The Breeze inaccurately reported that faculty would not receive raises for the next three years in their Monday, October 7, 2013 print edition. There was no discussion at the board meeting of not providing raises. On the contrary, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration Charles King briefed the board on the administration’s intention to provide raises over the course of the coming biennium. The Breeze’s inaccurate reporting has resulted in considerable confusion within the university community regarding faculty salaries.
The Breeze ran a correction in their Thursday, October 10, 2013 edition. However due to the obscure placement of the correction, it is likely many have not seen it.
Improving faculty salaries remains a top institutional priority for President Alger and the university administration. This commitment is reflected in the salary increases implemented over the summer. While the administration acknowledges there is more work to do, the university was pleased to take this significant step. Additionally, a Compensation Advisory Council (CAC) has been established as a result of a recommendation proposed by last year’s Compensation Task Force. The CAC will have responsibility to provide compensation-related advice to the JMU senior leadership team. The CAC’s feedback will help the vice presidents to render fair and equitable decisions concerning compensation.
As we continue to work on this very important issue and advocate in Richmond on behalf of the faculty and staff, we appreciate your continued patience and feedback. It is very early in the State budgeting cycle and we will do everything within our power to influence the Governor and General Assembly to include raises for all state employees in the 2014 – 2016 budget. The work that you are doing here at James Madison University truly makes an impact on the lives of our students. We thank you for your continued commitment to the university’s mission.
As you’ll see from the summary, the agenda included the discussion and approval of the university’s six-year plan – a planning document required by law to be submitted to the State Council on Higher Education of Virginia – and the university’s 2014 – 2016 biennial budget requests to the commonwealth. Both of these items provide the university with an opportunity to outline our academic, financial and enrollment priorities for the near term.
A major priority reflected in both the six-year plan and the biennial budget requests were faculty salary increases. Unfortunately, The Breeze inaccurately reported that faculty would not receive raises for the next three years in their Monday, October 7, 2013 print edition. There was no discussion at the board meeting of not providing raises. On the contrary, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration Charles King briefed the board on the administration’s intention to provide raises over the course of the coming biennium. The Breeze’s inaccurate reporting has resulted in considerable confusion within the university community regarding faculty salaries.
The Breeze ran a correction in their Thursday, October 10, 2013 edition. However due to the obscure placement of the correction, it is likely many have not seen it.
Improving faculty salaries remains a top institutional priority for President Alger and the university administration. This commitment is reflected in the salary increases implemented over the summer. While the administration acknowledges there is more work to do, the university was pleased to take this significant step. Additionally, a Compensation Advisory Council (CAC) has been established as a result of a recommendation proposed by last year’s Compensation Task Force. The CAC will have responsibility to provide compensation-related advice to the JMU senior leadership team. The CAC’s feedback will help the vice presidents to render fair and equitable decisions concerning compensation.
As we continue to work on this very important issue and advocate in Richmond on behalf of the faculty and staff, we appreciate your continued patience and feedback. It is very early in the State budgeting cycle and we will do everything within our power to influence the Governor and General Assembly to include raises for all state employees in the 2014 – 2016 budget. The work that you are doing here at James Madison University truly makes an impact on the lives of our students. We thank you for your continued commitment to the university’s mission.
