1:
Why has the President made this change in procedure for this year?
A:
While recognizing that this has been a very challenging year, it is our spirit of community that has served us in securing the long-term financial health of the College. In recognition of this, the president has decided to suspend the customary (and different) ways of determining salary increases for staff and faculty, and share equally the pool funds available for next year's raises.
2:
Who is eligible for a flat dollar increase?
A:
Full-time, regular employees with satisfactory performance will have $1,196 added to their base pay, effective on July 1, 2003. The dollar amount for part-time staff members will be calculated based on scheduled percentage of full-time effort. Colleagues hired in January, February, or March 2003 will receive ½ of the appropriate sum (based on percentage of full-time effort); those hired in April, May or June 2003 will receive ¼ the appropriate sum. Employees hired on a strictly seasonal basis are not eligible for this increase.
3:
Does this change mean that my supervisor and I do not have to complete the performance management process?
A:
No, the performance evaluation process is a critical vehicle for communication, feedback, and goal setting. Supervisors remain accountable for completing performance evaluations in a timely manner. The flat dollar amount for those supervisors who have not completed their required performance evaluations will be reduced by 1/26th for each pay period until completed evaluations are received.
4:
I am eligible for a benchmark adjustment during 2003/04. Will I still get it?
A:
No, the benchmark process has been suspended for 2003/04; however, the College remains committed to its salary goals. When we resume our regular approach to salary administration, we will pay particular attention to those who have missed scheduled benchmark adjustments.
5:
I know that HR was re-pricing all of the jobs, how is that different from the annual benchmarking?
A:
When an employee reaches a 4, 8,12, 16, 20, or 24 year anniversary in a position, his/her salary is compared to the appropriate benchmark and, if necessary, adjustments are made. That is the annual component of the benchmarking process. In addition, every four years, the College prices all staff positions and reconfigures the levels if necessary. That is what we have been doing in the re-pricing project.
6:
How will the results of the re-pricing be implemented as a result of this change in procedure?
A:
The process of re-pricing will continue as scheduled, however, the results will not be implemented for the fiscal year 2003/04. The benchmark process as a whole has been suspended for 2003/04, thus no annual adjustments or adjustments to position levels will be given. As stated, when we resume our regular approach to salary administration, we will pay particular attention to those who missed scheduled benchmark adjustments.
7:
How are faculty members affected by this change?
A:
Faculty colleagues are affected in the same way as staff. Full-time faculty members will receive a flat $1,196 added to their pay, effective July 1st. Faculty members achieving tenure, promotion, or who have published in this past year will not receive any additional compensation in 2003/04. As with the staff, when the College resumes our regular approach to salary administration, particular attention will be given to those who would have received compensation for these reasons.
8:
If, as a staff member, I receive a promotion in fiscal year 2003/04, will I be eligible for a promotional increase?
A:
Promotional increases related to job changes will occur in fiscal year 2003/04.
9:
Does the flat dollar amount represent more or less of an increase than I would have received under the regular merit system?
A:
It depends on the level of salary. The flat dollar increase is approximately 4% at a $30,000 salary level and 2% at a $60,000 level. All salaries at or below $74,750 will receive an increase that meets or exceeds the 1.6% Consumer Price Index increase for the year ended December 31, 2002.