The University is again investing in staff compensation as part of a continued commitment to foster recruiting, retaining and supporting outstanding employees.
Beginning with hikes to the minimum wage in 2022 through increases this semester, there will have been over 2,600 pay increases applied to staff positions outside of annual merit-based raises. That represents a total investment of more than $5.5 million to improve compensation for both exempt and non-exempt staff members campuswide.
These compensation adjustments include:
- More than $1.2 million invested toward minimum wage increases for certain non-exempt positions over fiscal years 2022 and 2023.
- More than $857,000 to increase compensation for public safety employees in 2023, including sworn officers in UAPD.
- Nearly $2.7 million invested in spring 2024 as part of the new compensation and classification plan.
- More than $800,000 this spring as part of the next phase of the compensation and classification plan.
“These latest compensation adjustments better position UA to retain and compete for talented staff who play vital roles in helping our students reach their greatest potential,” said Susan Norton, senior associate vice president and chief human resources officer.
A year ago, the new compensation and classification system meant pay increases for 18% of staff whose compensation fell below the new minimum for their new pay grades. Not all identified compensation needs were met the first year. Next month, over 500 staff will receive compensation increases and will be notified by letters from their division, college, school or department leaders.
“The latest raises represent the University’s ongoing commitment to address the issues highlighted when we rolled out the plan last year,” Norton said.
Norton emphasized that any future investments will be addressed through the University’s annual budget planning processes, pending funding availability.
“Compensation improvements are part of a long-term strategic initiative to invest in the University’s most important resource – our employees,” Norton said.