June 17, 2022
Dear Colleagues:
This morning, the Board of Trustees met to adopt our operating budget for next academic year. After two years of significant uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the FY23 budget is more stable as we continue to provide a high-quality, accessible education for our students. I am grateful to all of you for helping us overcome the challenges presented by the pandemic.
Our operating budget for the next academic year includes a two-percent increase in the salary fund pool for all eligible faculty, staff, and professional employees who have received a “satisfactory” or better performance evaluation. For service employees, salary increases will be distributed in accordance with the method agreed upon through the Equal Representation Committee. In addition, the Board authorized the appropriate recurring salary increases for full-time faculty members who earned promotions this past year.
I know that a two-percent salary increase is a modest one, particularly given the current rate of inflation. That is why I am pleased to report that the Board approved my recommendation to once again provide Days of Beneficence to our employees in December 2022. Providing these extra days for you with family and friends is a tangible manifestation of our gratitude for your sustained commitment to our University. This year’s Days of Beneficence will occur on Tuesday, December 27, 2022; Wednesday, December 28, 2022; Thursday, December 29, 2022; and Friday, December 30, 2022.
In addition to approving our 2022: Days of Beneficence, the Board approved adding Juneteenth to our list of university holidays. Last year, Congress approved the observance of June 19—a date in history that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans—as a federal holiday. With the addition of Juneteenth to our holiday calendar, our University will provide 10 paid holidays per year beginning in 2023.
The Board also approved no increases to room and board rates for our students, and no increases to parking permits and fees for students and employees. The decision not to increase these costs for the second consecutive year demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that our University is an affordable place to learn, to live, and to work for all members of our campus community.
Thank you all for your service. I hope that you have a restful, productive, and safe Summer.
