WKU News

Colleagues:

Final data from the comprehensive compensation analysis project initiated in 2019 is complete, and representatives from Human Resources and Segal have engaged in preliminary conversations with constituency groups across campus. To that end, we want to provide you with an update on the ongoing work regarding employee pay analysis and total compensation package. 

Results from the analysis indicate that the salaries of some employees fall below the minimum salary of their designated pay range. In addition to funding the 1.5% salary increase implemented January 1, 2022, we also set aside a pool of funding in the FY22 budget to begin addressing gaps, such as this, revealed by the compensation analysis. This morning, all faculty and staff received notification of their assigned pay range. Additionally, employees whose salary fell below their pay range’s minimum and who have been designated to receive a salary increase in the first phase of adjustments were notified of the changes to their salary.

This is an incredibly important first step, but our work is not finished. We have asked the Budget Executive Committee (BEC) to prioritize a compensation increase pool in the FY23 budget. The BEC will determine the allocation strategy, which may include cost of living increases, as well as funding to address pay gaps and inversion, remedy compression, and reward performance. While we cannot accurately predict future year budgets, employee pay remains a top priority for us, the entire President’s Cabinet, and our Board of Regents.

Our commitment to caring for employees extends beyond salary. Other benefits, including paid time off, play an important role in building a competitive total compensation package.  Following conversations with divisional leaders across campus, today we announce the following additions to our paid holiday schedule, effective immediately: 

• University offices will close for the two days of WKU’s Fall Break each year.
• University offices will close for three days (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) each year during WKU’s Spring Break.

For your planning purposes, WKU’s paid holiday schedule, including these five additional days, can be found here. We hope that you value the break from daily routines to collectively refresh and recharge. As a reminder, WKU’s summer operating hours will resume May 9, 2022.

WKU is a special place because of your personal contributions and your extraordinary work. Thank you for your dedication to our students and to WKU’s continued success. 

Sincerely,

Timothy C. Caboni

President

Bud Fischer

Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Susan Howarth

Executive Vice President for Strategy, Operations and Finance