Faculty Salary Compression: A Model for Response

Elizabeth Reilly, University of Akron School of Law
Chand Midha, University of Akron Dept. of Statistics
Thomas Calderon, University of Akron School of Accountancy
Richard Steiner, University of Akron Department of Statistics

Abstract

This paper describes a process used by The University of Akron to address salary compression. The process allocates salary adjustment resources to disciplines based on relative salary ratios derived from benchmarks. Amounts earmarked for specific disciplines are then distributed to departments for allocation to individual faculty based on merit. The process also invokes concepts of fairness and equity, and includes a component distributed to productive faculty members based on rank and experience. Outcomes, challenges, and implications of the process are examined.