Dear Saint Mary’s Community,
Following the remarkable celebrations of our undergraduates and graduates at commencement at the end of the academic year, I want to take this opportunity to express my ongoing appreciation for the invaluable contributions you make to our students’ lives. As I prepared for commencement, I was deeply moved by the remarkable community that has supported and lifted each student. Your unwavering dedication, a cornerstone of every student’s journey, is a testament to your commitment and I join with our Board of Trustees in thanking you.
With the valuable leadership from the Board of Trustees, the administration has been evaluating a potential salary increase during the past few months. I am grateful to the Board for authorizing a substantial investment in our community, reflected through an increase in wages and benefits for the following year. This comes at a time when we acknowledge the financial challenges that our industry faces while also recognizing that we are more resilient due to the talents that you have provided to Saint Mary’s.
To be clear, not everyone will receive an increase, and increases will vary significantly based on market assessments and other specific details. We have aimed to recognize each employee’s essential contributions, striving for equity and fairness in our decisions. Colleges and Universities Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) data was used to quantitatively compare positions based on full-time equivalent enrollments, endowments, geographic region, and type of university (public and private). When reflecting on potential increases, the following factors were considered in determining individual salary increases:
- How the employee’s pay compares to market benchmark data from the Colleges and Universities Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR)
- The employee’s tenure, performance, and overall contribution to the organization
- How the employee’s role compares to similar positions across the university and to those above and below it in a hierarchy
- Whether the employee was recently hired or promoted at market value in the past 18 months
- Internal equity and performance as vetted by VPs and Deans
I greatly appreciate the extensive and diligent research done to develop market salary comparisons. After initial reviews, finance and human resource representatives consulted with vice presidents, deans, and unit leaders to understand individual roles and responsibilities, striving for internal equity and fairness. I also want to express my gratitude for your patience and understanding during this process. While salary adjustments typically occur in January, we believe our urgency and commitment to you should reflect our enrollment focus for the new academic year, with all adjustments in July 19 paychecks.
Fernando Rosas, assistant vice president for human resources, has extended a Zoom meeting invitation for vice presidents and unit-level leaders at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Friday (6/28) and Monday (7/1) to communicate the following steps and process for conversations regarding salary adjustments. Salary overviews will be distributed to vice presidents and deans on July 2. Supervisors will have the opportunity to meet with their reports during the weeks of July 1 and July 8. Human Resources will distribute MN wage notices July 15.
Please be assured that I deeply value your dedication and commitment to Saint Mary’s University. I hope this increase is one small step in acknowledging that you are an esteemed member of our university community. May God bless you this upcoming academic year.
Live Jesus in our Hearts Forever!
Father Burns