7.1.26

Dear Faculty & Staff —

Following President Killeen’s June 18 announcement, this message confirms the 2% merit-based salary program for the 2026-27 academic year. The 2% merit-based salary program is to be distributed at the discretion of the unit head. Division heads will identify the unit head for each area based on operational responsibility.

Distribution of the salary increases should be based on merit-based factors, including the employee’s 2026 performance evaluation. As noted in President Killeen's message, the 2% figure represents an average allocation for each unit and should not be interpreted as a uniform increase for all employees. Managers will have discretion to differentiate increases based on performance and contributions. As a result, some employees may receive increases above 2%, while others may receive smaller increases.

Employees are eligible for an increase unless the following circumstances apply:

1. The employee began their employment at UIS on or after April 1, 2026 (these individuals were not eligible for the most recent performance review cycle)
2. The employee received a permanent promotion with a salary increase and/or a permanent off-cycle increase on or after April 1, 2026
3. The employee is an Open-range Civil Service employee who started working for UIS before April 1, 2026, and is still within their probationary employment period
4. The employee is on a Notice of Non-Reappointment that is not related to a reclassification from Academic Professional to Civil Service
5. The employee received an Unacceptable, Needs Improvement or Non-Meritorious as a final ranking on their 2026 annual evaluation
6. The employee has submitted their intent to resign or retire effective Aug. 15, 2026, or earlier
7. The employee has participated in the 2026 Voluntary Separation Plan
8. The employee is student staff; in a temporary position including Adjunct Faculty, Extra Help and Academic Hourly employees; or a retiree rehire

Pay increases for faculty and staff in bargaining units will be determined by negotiations with the bargaining representative and/or applicable collective bargaining agreements.

As in past years, units will be provided a salary increase worksheet later this month. Units should use that worksheet to submit their increase requests. For those who qualify, the merit-based salary program will be effective Aug. 16 for all eligible employees. Please direct any questions to Human Resources at uishr@uis.edu.

Thank you,

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield