Minutes of the University Committee
for April 20, 1999

The Committee met at 11:10 in 262 CART. Members present were Tim Fossum, Laura Gellott, Fran Kavenik, James Kinchen, and Lee Van Dyke. Also present were Larry Duetsch and Don Walter.

Professor Walter presented hypothetical examples in which the formula currently used for determination of merit pay increases is applied to people with identical merit ratings in departments with different average salaries. His examples showed that when the formula was applied to two people with the same salary and the same merit rating, the person in the department with higher average salaries would receive a larger merit increase. Members of the Committee expressed concern about this outcome and discussed whether such an outcome could be construed as desirable. It was agreed that the Committee should appoint a task force to consider the impact of the current formula and examine equitable modifications. The Committee proceeded to identify members of this task force and agreed to ask that the group complete their report early in the Fall semester.

Professor Walter left the meeting.

The Committee discussed ways in which the faculty might be given an opportunity to participate in the evaluation of campus administrators, particularly the Chancellor, the Provost, and the Deans. After some discussion of the form and process for such an evaluation, it was agreed to carry the matter over to the next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 12:15.