Faculty and staff to receive one percent raise

Despite national economic hardships, staff and faculty will receive a one percent raise this year. The raise is smaller than in the past, but professors are not showing great concern.

“It’s tough times,” Walt Will, professor of computer sciences, said. “We’re in a recession. I can handle it.”

William Craft, dean of Luther, explained the seemingly small raise by referring to the nationwide financial situation.

“The sharp economic downturn made the usual progress in faculty salaries difficult to achieve,” Craft said. “In fact, among American colleges and universities, raises of any kind at all were unusual this year.”

The change in staff salary is a simple one percent increase, but for faculty it is a bit more complex. There was a one percent increase in the faculty wage pool, which is translated into personalized raises by the faculty salary scale. The salary scale was created by the faculty and has four ranks: instructor, assistant professor, associate professor and full professor. Promotions through the levels take about 6-10 years, with a set increase each year depending on the current level.

Salary raises are also governed by the Faculty Interests Committee, a group of elected faculty responsible for matters relating to the faculty such as: benefits, sabbaticals, development and professional duties. Faculty can also earn up to five percent more than the set amounts to reward great achievements or distinctions. Conversely, faculty can have their salaries docked by up to three percent if there is concern over the person’s performance.

Salary decisions are usually finalized by the Board of Regents in May. However, this year’s decision was delayed in response to the uncertain economy and the need for accuracy in revenue projections.

According to 2008-2009 data collected by the American Association of University Professors, Luther’s annual salary for full professors is approximately $80,200 for men and $79,900 for women.

Peer institutions vary both above and below Luther’s salaries. St. Olaf College (Minn.), pays its male full professors approximately $92,900 and its female full professors $83,900, while Wartburg pays its men $69,000 and its women $65,000.