Cost of living pay increases are simply the latest in a long line of confusing, often muddled signs about the University of Kansas budget. On Sept. 19, The Kansan reported that Chancellor Robert Hemenway would receive a 2.5 percent pay increase for “cost of living and inflationary adjustment,” bringing his total potential compensation to $340,352 per year. Cost of living increases are an important part of retaining and rewarding skilled workers, and the Kansas Board of Regents is wise to make them available when they can.
Hemenway’s 2.5 percent pay increase is on par with what the state legislature provided in a grant for University employees, which the University decides how to allocate. Though the 2.5% percent increase is average, it’s hard to argue that someone already making more than $300,000 is terribly affected by inflation. In addition, the University provides the chancellor with a residence free of cost, with utilities included. The chancellor does pay for basic personal expenses, such as food.
It is concerning how these possible budget cuts and raises have been presented to the public. In July, Provost Richard Lariviere announced to the Lawrence Journal-World that the University would be asked to cut its budget by 7 percent during two years. The University could have held off raises for high profile, highly paid executives at their discretion until the specifics on the 2009 budget became clearer. If the cuts proved to be drastic, University officials could have taken reduced raises or even foregone them as a sign of solidarity with employees who might lose their jobs.
The University should tread carefully in addressing the obviously complex process of budget cuts and pay raises. Raising the salaries of highly paid University officials while expecting large budget cuts is insensitive and irresponsible. We hope the University will realize this and act on future budget issues with careful consideration for students, staff and faculty.
— Alex Doherty for the editorial board
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