http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040823/NEWS01/408230353/1002

Check this out:

All Mississippi State University employees working as of Jan. 1 who had a current annual performance appraisal of "satisfactory" or better received merit raises effective July 1, spokesman Joe Farris said. The minimum raise was 3 percent, or $1,200, whichever was greater. The average increase was 3.8 percent.

Notice it says "employees" which includes faculty and staff.  I'd take $1,200 over $400 any day.