Update on Faculty Pay Equity Program

December 21, 2020

Members of the Rutgers Faculty,

Good afternoon. We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to take this opportunity as we all head into the holiday break to provide an update about our pay equity program for full-time faculty.

Shortly after returning to work after the first of the year, the University will be issuing the first pay equity determinations that are based on the program we developed pursuant to our contract with the AAUP-AFT. It is our expectation that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, this initial series of determinations will be provided in January. Please know that in instances where the review process supports a pay equity adjustment, such pay increases will be retroactive to the date that the request for a review was submitted.

The process of developing and fully implementing a new and innovative faculty pay equity program has been arduous. The intricacies of higher education generally and the unique complexities of Rutgers itself, across multiple campuses, spanning a vast array of disciplines and against a nationwide landscape that is equally varied and complex, all contributed to making this a difficult, challenging, and time-consuming process. The pandemic only made matters worse.

The process that began more than a year ago has taken longer than any of us would have expected or wanted. However, the university has been committed to spending the time and resources necessary so that every faculty member who has come forward to request a review of pay receives a thoughtful, transparent, and comprehensive evaluation and a fair and equitable determination. Although the process has taken time, a structure has been developed that will allow for more expeditious reviews going forward.

Rutgers is committed to supporting its world-class faculty, even during a time of pandemic and financial emergency, and we are all invested in academic excellence.  We owe this to our students and the communities we serve. Key to that effort is promoting equitable and inclusive policies and practices. The Faculty Pay Equity Program is reflective of these commitments.

We wish you a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday. We thank you for your grace, patience, and understanding during these difficult times.

Sincerely,
 
Jonathan Holloway
President and University Professor
 
Nancy Cantor
Chancellor, Rutgers University–Newark
 
Margaret Marsh
Interim Chancellor, Rutgers University–Camden
 
Christopher Molloy
Chancellor, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
 
Brian Strom
Chancellor, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences