Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1956 [PAGE 72]

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1954]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

69

RECOMMENDATION FROM THE JOINT COUNCIL ON HIGHER EDUCATION FOR SALARY ADJUSTMENTS (o) The Joint Council on Higher Education, representing the six state-supported institutions of higher education in Illinois, has requested that member institutions present to their respective governing board the following recommendation: "The Joint Council on Higher Education, being fully aware of the financial situation confronting the State of Illinois, and desiring to make no requests that are not completely defensible, nevertheless, unanimously recognizes the urgent need for salary adjustments lest the quality of instruction and research in the institutions suffer materially. "This urgent need for salary adjustments has grown out of the following factors: A. Salaries in Illinois colleges and universities have fallen behind those of comparable institutions in other states. B. Our colleges are falling behind competitively in the recruitment and retention of qualified staff. C. The status of the teacher has suffered in comparison with other professions. D. Salary levels have not kept pace with increases in the cost of living. "The Council agrees that funds for salary adjustments should be applied with consideration for blanket increases but primarily on the merit principle." The Provost and Comptroller participated with me in the consideration of the above proposal, and I voted in favor of it. It is presented for the information of the Board. Recommendations as to the specific policy of the University of Illinois will be presented in connection with the 1955-57 biennial budget.

This report was received for record.

RECOMMENDATION FOR SALARY INCREASES FOR 1 9 5 5 - 5 7 BIENNIUM (10) I have previously advised the Board of the importance of securing funds for upward adjustments in staff salaries during the biennium 1955-57. To establish a basis for preparation of the biennial budget, and after consultation with various groups concerned, I submit the following recommendations: That the sum of $3,200,000 per year be sought to provide for (a) salary increases approximating 10 per cent to be applied "across the board" to raise salary standards at the beginning of the biennium except that persons with two years or less service at the University will not automatically receive such increase, and (b) additional funds for increases on a merit basis to remove inequities. That the sum of $2,100,000 per year be sought and, if available, be allocated for ( a ) continuation of the prevailing wage rates of employee groups under this policy; (b) providing increases for negotiated and related groups, such as nurses, where increases are warranted; and (c) providing increases for all other employees approximating 10 per cent "across the board" plus adjustments required to meet competition and to remove inequities. A statement supporting these recommendations is also presented and a copy is hereby given to the Secretary for record.

On motion of Mrs. Watkins, these recommendations were approved.

APPROPRIATIONS FOR MINOR NONRECURRING PROJECTS (11) I recommend that the following appropriations be made from the General Reserve Fund to be assigned by the Dean or Director for purchase of equipment or minor remodeling purposes involving expenditures of $1,000 or less for each item, and on authority of the President for expenditures in excess of $1,000: Liberal Arts and Sciences $ 8 000 Agriculture 7 000 Engineering 5 0O° Commerce and Business Administration 2 000 Education 2 000 Fine and Applied Arts 2 000 Physical Education 1 000 Veterinary Medicine 1 000 University Extension I OOO Library and Library School (all campuses) 3 000 Chicago Professional Colleges (to be assigned by Administrative Committee) 35 °°o