June 16, 2014

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to inform you that the University of Illinois will provide a merit-based general salary program of 2.5 percent, effective with the new appointment year in August. The program was developed after consultation with the chancellors, provosts and vice presidents and will be applicable to all campus and University Administration employees, except for employees whose wages are set through the collective bargaining process. Because the salary program will determine raises based on merit and performance, a significant range of increases is expected within units.

A competitive employee compensation program is essential to recruit and retain the top faculty and staff who are the core of our excellence. It is among our highest priorities. Despite continuing uncertainty about the financial circumstances of the State, I am pleased that the careful stewardship of our resources has put us in a position to offer a reasoned salary program for our employees.

Thank you for everything that you do for the University of Illinois.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Easter
President, University of Illinois