Purdue faculty looking for a salary increase

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Purdue University faculty members are asking for a raise. University Senate Chair Patricia Hart said it’s needed to help recruit and retain well-qualified faculty members.

Hart adds that Purdue is not your typical destination location.

“There’s no ocean here, no mountains, and there aren’t all of the city amenities that some people like, so we really have to make the best possible case for why Purdue is a good home,” said Hart.

Hart said because Purdue is not located in an urban area, partner hires are not as readily available as other places. She addressed the issue at Monday’s University Senate meeting.

“We’ve been hearing loud and clear that the revenue stream is strong and the reserves are very solid, so what I have asked the president today is to articulate why we can’t have 3-4 percent,” explained Hart.

The president, Mitch Daniels, answered by telling faculty members the office of the provost will work to gather information about other Big Ten schools and additional schools that are considered Purdue’s peers. Daniels said it’s too soon to say how much of increase can be granted.

“We just don’t know yet. There are a lot of things to be seen. What will the state legislature do, for instance. But it’s coming along and it’s a natural time in the budget cycle, so this is a good time to talk about the subject and it’s a good time to concentrate on information that ought to be more broadly available,” explained Daniels.

Hart says it’s a step in the right direction.

“This isn’t really about emotions or about what people want, it’s about what we need to do business,” she added.

Health care coverage also came up in Monday’s meeting. Hart said as more of the burden of paying for health care is shifted onto the faculty, there’s a perception that there’s less spending money. She worries that can affect recruiting.

Daniels said the recently updated health care plans seem to be working just fine.