Merit Raises - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Jun 21, 2004

Merit Raises

Date: Jun 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Magnolia
"The concept of merit raises is one that plays well with the IHL and with the general public. According to media reports, IHL has directed that the proposed raises from the tuition increase be merit based.
Consider this, however: my department takes our annual evaluations, third year review and tenure deliberations very seriously. We get rid of deadwood before it gets entrenched. So we have a department where most people are performing pretty well. Yet, if raises must be "merit based" does that mean that some percentage will get raises and others won't? Are we competing against each other?
I'm also hearing that those who received "merit" raises in the last 2 years will be in the pool to receive raises this year. So, now you have people who received raises in an arguably flawed process, who may get a percentage increase on top of what they've already received.
In a place where most people haven't had a raise in 4-5 years, where our health insurance rates have increased, where people are scrambling to cover for faculty who have left and for positions that are unfilled, and where our working conditions are going down the tubes, the merit raises that I'm hearing about will be the last straw in a total breakdown of faculty/staff morale.
Bet on it.
"

Nicely put Magnolia. I agree.

Date: Jun 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Magnolia
"The concept of merit raises is one that plays well with the IHL and with the general public. According to media reports, IHL has directed that the proposed raises from the tuition increase be merit based. Consider this, however: my department takes our annual evaluations, third year review and tenure deliberations very seriously. We get rid of deadwood before it gets entrenched. So we have a department where most people are performing pretty well. Yet, if raises must be "merit based" does that mean that some percentage will get raises and others won't? Are we competing against each other? I'm also hearing that those who received "merit" raises in the last 2 years will be in the pool to receive raises this year. So, now you have people who received raises in an arguably flawed process, who may get a percentage increase on top of what they've already received. In a place where most people haven't had a raise in 4-5 years, where our health insurance rates have increased, where people are scrambling to cover for faculty who have left and for positions that are unfilled, and where our working conditions are going down the tubes, the merit raises that I'm hearing about will be the last straw in a total breakdown of faculty/staff morale. Bet on it. "

You didn't hear this from me, but the details for raises are still being discussed. Don't be surprised if (a) salary inequities, (b) recent raises (by whatever mechanism), AND (c) "merit" all become part of the mix. Thus, my predication is that raises will be "merit based," but this does not mean that other important variables will not be included. If an entire department is strong (and the chair can document that), variability in raises within that department should be small. You may be correct in your overall assessment, but, at the moment, the broader discussions now happening give me some hope. Hang in.

Date: Jun 21, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by: Bottom Rung Paper Pusher
" You didn't hear this from me, but the details for raises are still being discussed. Don't be surprised if (a) salary inequities, (b) recent raises (by whatever mechanism), AND (c) "merit" all become part of the mix....

Thanks, Bottom RPP. We all know there will not be enough $$$ to take care of everything and everyone; however, I'm hoping that those making these decisions will consider carefully what it will mean to faculty/staff who may not get any raise after so many dry years.

I think it would help considerably if departmental personnel authorities have some ability to make these decisions and these distinctions.

Date: Jun 22, 2004

Merit raises will work fine for most faculty. But what about the staff? Most departments on campus do not perform annual evaluations on their staff. What does "merit" mean to staff?

Some faculty have received raises in the past. I feel that they should not be in the pool for any further raises. I have heard that some staff also received raises in the recent past, but I have not found one yet.

I agree that faculty have not been treated fairly. BUT staff have been treated even worse. Where would the University be if all of the staff caught the "blue flu?" Answer: up a creek without a paddle. It's time that staff received their fair share for everything that we do!

Date: Jun 22, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Concerned Staff Member
"Merit raises will work fine for most faculty. But what about the staff? Most departments on campus do not perform annual evaluations on their staff. What does "merit" mean to staff?
Some faculty have received raises in the past. I feel that they should not be in the pool for any further raises. I have heard that some staff also received raises in the recent past, but I have not found one yet.
I agree that faculty have not been treated fairly. BUT staff have been treated even worse. Where would the University be if all of the staff caught the "blue flu?" Answer: up a creek without a paddle. It's time that staff received their fair share for everything that we do!"

I agree, staff need to be included. In addition, those who received mid-year raises should not be considered for this new round of salary increases, but they will get them any way. So, those select few who received 10% (or more) raises last year will be get even more an increase in less than 6 months.

Date: Jun 22, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Green Hornet
"

I agree, staff need to be included. In addition, those who received mid-year raises should not be considered for this new round of salary increases, but they will get them any way. So, those select few who received 10% (or more) raises last year will be get even more an increase in less than 6 months."

I don't know what college you're in, but at CBED, I can pretty much guaruntee that the rewards will go to the same people. The favored few get favored treatment. Rumor has it at CBED one long term faculty who is out of favor finally had enough and practically threatened to sue to get a computer.

Date: Jun 22, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Concerned Staff Member
"Merit raises will work fine for most faculty. But what about the staff? Most departments on campus do not perform annual evaluations on their staff. What does "merit" mean to staff? Some faculty have received raises in the past. I feel that they should not be in the pool for any further raises. I have heard that some staff also received raises in the recent past, but I have not found one yet. I agree that faculty have not been treated fairly. BUT staff have been treated even worse. Where would the University be if all of the staff caught the "blue flu?" Answer: up a creek without a paddle. It's time that staff received their fair share for everything that we do!"

By far, this is the worst travesty at USM. The way staff are (NOT) compensated for all of the work they do is atrocious. Unfortunately, USM has a long history of treating its staff this way, and I'm afraid it probably won't get any better under SFT.