Trying to boost MSU’s faculty salary ranking of ninth in the Big Ten for the second year in a row, the University Committee on Faculty Affairs has recommended a 5 percent increase for the 2008-09 academic year.
When making salary increase recommendations last year, the committee said one of its goals was to improve MSU’s ranking, which was the same in the Big Ten at the time.
MSU’s 2007-08 faculty salary average was $91,181, according to data compiled by the Chronicle of Higher Education.
“Higher salaries are needed to recognize faculty productivity and to assure future recruitment and retention,” said John Powell, chairman of UCFA, in a statement to Faculty Council.
“While the adverse financial circumstances of the state of Michigan make such increases difficult, there is no prospect for a significant future upturn that would warrant the deferral of necessary salary adjustments.”
The recommendation will be forwarded to the MSU Board of Trustees, which meets next April 18.
Terry Curry, associate provost and assistant vice president for academic human resources, said the raise is a part of the university’s budget set by the board.
“The market, i.e. the cost of attracting the top faculty who also are sought after by other major universities, is the major driver of starting salaries at universities,” Curry said.
Other Big Ten schools will average a 4 percent salary increase for 2008-09, according to UCFA. MSU is estimated to be $4,695 short of the Big Ten midpoint salary, or sixth ranking. Reaching the Big Ten midpoint would require a 9.1 percent salary increase.
Northwestern University has the highest faculty salary average at $124,170, and Purdue University has the lowest ranking with $89,511.
“We’re looking forward with the university, rather than simply looking at the current status as of today, but also be forward thinking and proactive in looking at the implications of the compensation period,” Powell said.
MSU ranks fifth in the Big Ten in terms of 2007-08 faculty compensation, which includes retirement benefits and health care, with a yearly average of $121,754.
Jon Sticklen, an at-large member of the Executive Committee of Academic Council, said it has been UCFA’s goal to improve MSU’s ranking, but also the goal of the university and administration.
The salary increase was originally on Faculty Council’s agenda as an information item Tuesday, but was amended to be an action item for the council to vote and eventually support the recommendation.
“This is one of the most important recommendations that Faculty Council, speaking for faculty, can have,” Sticklen said.
“It’s certainly one that the faculty at large would want us to have.”
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
