Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1940 [PAGE 118]

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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T h e appropriations to the University for the current biennium were as follows: General appropriation bill $14 149 632 Special appropriation for equipment of Medical and Dental Unit 350 000 Special appropriation (in special session) for new classroom building to replace University Hall 700 000 Total $15 109 632 If the recommendations herein submitted are approved the budget for the coming biennium would be as follows: F o r operating expense (salaries, supplies, equipment, etc.) $16 696 630 F o r permanent improvements 3 100 000 Total $19 796 630 T h e sources of revenue from which these appropriations would come, with comparative figures for the current biennium, are as follows: 1937-1939 I939-I94I From State tax revenues $11 204 102 $15 269 996 From Federal grants 295 530 326 634 University income and revolving fund. . 3 700 000 4 200 000 Total $15 199 632 $19 796 630 I desire to comment briefly on the various items making up the increase in the operating budget. A. For selective salary increases $400 000 Although considerable progress has been made in salary adjustments in the past two years, salary scales at the University are still inadequate to provide suitable reward for individual development and achievement and to protect the University against undue inroads by other institutions and public bodies. It must be remembered that during the period of 1931 to 1935 practically no salaries were increased yet during that period many members of the faculty especially among the younger groups, were steadily growing in their ability and usefulness. Consequently, there is an accumulated deficiency that has not yet been fully met in the way of salary recognition. T h e average salaries of all ranks of the faculty are below those that are paid in some of the leading institutions of the country, including some of our state institutions. The minimum salary of full professor is only $3,750. T h e average salary of instructor is $2,004, of associates $2,584, and of assistant professors $3,062. No person is appointed to the rank of instructor who does not have a doctor's degree or its equivalent in professional experience. These salaries are below those paid in the better high schools of the State. It is impossible for us to attract and hold the best young teachers with such a scale of salaries. B. For special salary recognition of distinction in teaching and research $200 000 While the maximum salary paid in the University for persons of special distinction is about as good as that paid in the majority of other leading institutions, the number of salaries in the upper brackets is materially below the equivalent numbers in other leading institutions. It is important for the University to have funds by which it can recognize exceptional merit and distinction in a way comparable to the recognition given in other institutions. T h a t we are not now able to do to an adequate extent. Salaries of administrative officers are below those paid in a number of other leading universities, including some state universities. These are the reasons why added funds are badly needed for further improvement of salaries. T h e total amount asked for this purpose (under items A