Wednesday, February 12, 2003 News-Gazette Opinions Guest Commentary
Last year, Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois decided to give President James J. Stukel a 6.3% raise (amounting to $19,500). The main reason for this increase was that the BOT determined that the University President should be among the top 3 amongst all Big Ten Presidents in terms of compensation. Unfortunately, it appears that the BOT does not want to give the rest of the academic professionals similar respect.
Academic professionals (AP's) are the 2,500-plus workers who facilitate the operations of the University of Illinois. We are researchers, technicians, teachers, programmers, physicians and specialists in our chosen fields. We serve in 231 departments. Without us, the University would not run.
Unfortunately, because we work in the academic field, we tend to have lower salaries than our private-sector counterparts. We also have constant questions about salary raises. APs do not receive a yearly cost-of -living increase. APs receive what are called "merit raises" Generally, no logic exists on how much each AP receives as a raise, or if they receive one at all. Sometimes, this surpasses cost-of-living. Usually, it does not. It means that although APs might make more money each year, that money is worth less than the money earned five years ago. Instead of getting ahead, most APs are falling behind.
As a Research Specialist, I work in the department of Crop Sciences studying diseases of soybeans. I consider my job to be a relevant and important aspect in the field of agriculture. I enjoy doing what I do and feel I am making a positive contribution to the reputation of the University as a leader in agricultural research. My immediate superior has established a conducive, working environment and is a pleasure to work with. The benefits are fair. My only complaint is that my current salary does not keep up with my non-AP counter parts at UIUC and elsewhere. I am among the lowest-paid fulltime salaried workers.
This year, the APs of UIUC were put on a pay freeze. Money was available for all other workers for raises (even in this budget crisis), such as clerical and maintenance, but not for AP's. Other workers enjoy union representation and the benefits of a binding contract, but AP's do not. AP's are joining together to address salary concerns, a lack of due process for grievances and job security issues (among others) through the Association of Academic Professionals. Currently however, we are at the mercy of what the State of Illinois and the BOT chooses to provide for us.
It seems that extra money is always available for those who work in the upper administration or who serve as athletic coaches. The BOT claims to be "reluctant" to raise wages of administrators and coaches, but they always do it. I am an experienced worker with a Bachelor's and Master's degree from a reputable university…the University of Illinois. Am I, as an AP, worth less than the other people who work at UIUC? Are the other AP's, most of which with similar experience and qualifications, worth less than everyone else? In this budget crisis, it would be understandable if everyone at the University shouldered their share of burden, but when those at the top continue to receive generous raises while most AP's must sit stagnant, something is definitely wrong.
Steven J. Bauer is a research specialist in the department of crop sciences at the University of Illinois' Urbana campus, where he has worked for the past 4 1/2 years. He is a member of the Association of Academic Professionals, which is affiliated with the Illinois Education Association/National Education Association.
Last modified Fri Feb 14, 2003 by DSL