East Tennessee State University

TO:                  All Employees 

FROM:            Dr. Paul E. Stanton, Jr., University President 

SUBJECT:      Salary Increases for July 1, 2007 

DATE:             June 14, 2007

 

I am very happy to announce that we have received final guidance concerning the Tennessee State Legislature’s approval of a 3% across-the-board (ATB) salary increase for State employees.  The following guidelines for implementing this increase were provided by the Tennessee Board of Regents: 

·    The 3% increase will be distributed across-the-board to all unrestricted and restricted regular full and part-time employees, and participants in the post-retirement service program.

·    This increase does not apply to adjunct faculty, temporary employees, medical school residents, graduate assistants, student workers or University School faculty.

·    Unless specifically excluded by statute or on terminal leave, all eligible persons employed as of June 30, 2007 shall receive the 3% ATB increase.

·    Reclassifications, degree changes, etc. effective prior to or on July 1, 2007, are to be applied before the 3% ATB increase. Faculty promotion increases are also to be applied before the increase.  

·    The matching amount for the 401(k) has been increased to a maximum of $50 per month effective July 1, 2007.  The matching amount may be between $20 and $50 per month.

·    Longevity payments remain at $100 per year of creditable service up to a maximum of 30 years of service

·    Federal minimum wage rates will increase from $5.15 an hour to $5.85 an hour effective July 24, 2007.  Although the effective date is July 24, 2007, we will make the increases effective July 16, 2007, to be consistent with our payroll schedule. 

In addition, ETSU will adjust both our administrative/professional and classified/support staff salary schedules by 3% effective July 1, 2007.  These increases are an important step in helping us maintain competitive salary schedules for our employees. 

I am also pleased to announce that in addition to the 3% ATB, the university will be providing a salary pool for equity adjustments equivalent to 2% of total salaries.  This pool represents the maximum amount allowable under TBR guidelines and will be distributed in accordance with our approved salary equity plan.  Please note that this 2% pool will not be applied across the board.  The equity adjustments will be presented to the TBR in September.  Individuals receiving equity adjustments will be notified of the amount following TBR approval.  All equity adjustments will be applied retroactively to July 1. 

It has been many years since we have had sufficient funding to provide an overall salary pool of 5% that helps us address the needs of all employees as well as being able to address equity issues.  I appreciate your dedicated service and commitment to making ETSU the best regional university in the country. 

Please contact the Office of Human Resources at 95825 if you have additional questions or concerns.