Dear colleagues:

It’s our pleasure to share the news with you that a 4% merit-based salary program across the University of Illinois System will take effect Aug. 16 for faculty members and academic professionals, and Aug. 20 for civil service staff. This represents an increase from last year and continues to be an important priority in our budgeting process. 

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

Each of our three universities has also been asked to apply their own guidelines for separate programs to address 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 representative and/or applicable contract settlements and are not subject to unilateral adjustments unless authorized or permitted pursuant to the collective bargaining process.

The three universities will follow up with additional information on the salary program in the coming weeks.

Thank you for the many ways that you contribute to the quality, well-earned reputation, and ever-growing impact of our world-class universities. As always, we remain deeply grateful for your hard work, dedication and loyalty. 

Sincerely,

Tim Killeen

President

University of Illinois System