Dear Faculty and Staff:

I am pleased to announce that the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) has approved a 2.5% ($750 minimum) across-the-board (ATB) cost of living adjustment effective July 1, 2012.  Each eligible employee will receive an increase equal to 2.5% of their June 30, 2012 salary or $750, whichever is greater. This minimum payment will be pro-rated for part-time employees. 

Below please find an outline of the salary increases eligibility and the dates of their implementation.

• Employees in benefits eligible regular full-time and part-time positions who are on the payroll on or before June 30, 2012, and are not in a Performance Improvement Plan, will receive either a 2.5% increase or a minimum of $750 minimum (whichever is greater), across-the-board adjustment effective July 1, 2012. Increases for current faculty will take effect at the beginning of their Fall Semester Contract. These increases do not apply to adjunct faculty, temporary employees, graduate assistants, or student workers.
• Longevity payments will remain at $100 for each year of creditable service.  Employees must complete three years of State of Tennessee service to be eligible. The maximum number of years of service that may be recognized by these payments is 30 years which is equivalent to a $3,000 yearly payment.
• Continuation of the state matching payments to employees’ retirement 401(k) plans will also continue. The maximum amount that the University will match to employees’ personal monthly contributions is $50. 

While this pay plan was proposed as part of the Governor’s FY2013 budget, the University has actively participated in funding these pay increases.  We have worked consistently to improve salaries and wages for all of our employees. This most recent increase is in addition to the 3.0% ($750 minimum) ATB increase that was given in July 2011 and the one-time bonus of $1,000 that was awarded in October 2011.

Our commitment to our employees is steadfast, and we will continue to advocate for increased salaries and wages with the Governor, the Tennessee State Legislature and the Tennessee Board of Regents.  

On behalf of our students, I want to thank you for your continued dedication and hard work to the University of Memphis. Your many contributions have not gone unnoticed and are very much appreciated. 

If you have any questions regarding your salary increase, please contact the Department of Human Resources at hr@memphis.edu.

Sincerely, 

Shirley C. Raines, President