Dear colleagues,

I am pleased to share that the University of Illinois System will have a 2% salary program for faculty and staff (academic professionals and civil service). This will take effect August 16.

Our faculty and staff are the strength of the system, and this salary program is an opportunity to express our appreciation for your commitment to excellence.

Consultation with our leadership, including university chancellors and vice presidents, shaped this year's program as part of our budget for the upcoming fiscal year. As a merit-based program, 2% represents an average for each unit, and it is expected that there will be a range of salary increases within them. On the basis of performance, some employees will receive increases above the average and others may receive a smaller increase.

Each university will also develop its own guidelines to address local compression, market, equity, and retention issues. Commitments for existing contractual agreements, promotions, and equity adjustments will also be honored as part of this program.

Pay adjustments for faculty and staff in bargaining units will be determined by negotiations with the bargaining representatives and/or applicable contract settlements and are not subject to unilateral adjustments unless authorized or permitted pursuant to the collective bargaining process.

Each university will implement the program for its faculty and staff. You will receive additional details from the three universities in the coming weeks.

I continue to be inspired by your dedication and contributions to our world-class system. We are a leader in teaching, research, innovation, and public service because of your efforts, and I look forward to seeing this continue in the year ahead.

Thank you for the many ways that you contribute to our success.

Sincerely,

President Tim Killeen