Regent Policy Documents
SECTION 6: ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS
6-5 EXECUTIVE SALARY STRUCTURE
(Formerly 94-4)
Salary Guidelines for University of Wisconsin System Senior Executives
This salary policy is intended to reflect the duties and responsibilities borne by University of Wisconsin senior executive positions, the national market for higher education executives, and local Wisconsin conditions. This policy applies to Chancellors and Provosts or Vice Chancellors for Academic Affairs at the University of Wisconsin Institutions; and the University of Wisconsin System President, Senior Vice Presidents, and Vice Presidents.
I. Establishment of salary ranges for University of Wisconsin System senior executive positions
To reflect the national higher education market, peer salary data will be utilized. The 1984 faculty peer groups will be utilized as the salary peer groups for the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor positions at the University of Wisconsin Institutions. In addition, UW Chancellors have the authority to establish institution-specific peer groups if the established 1984 peer groups do not completely address institutional needs. For the University of Wisconsin System President, Senior Vice President and Vice President positions the salary peer group will be the following university systems, which are similar in size and composition to the University of Wisconsin System: University of California, California State University System, State University of New York, City University of New York, University of North Carolina System, University of Florida System, University of Maryland System, and the University of Texas System.
Because the cost of living is relatively lower in Wisconsin than many other states, the mid-point of the salary range will be set at 95% of the peer median as an approximation of the regional cost-of-living differential for Wisconsin. The salary range will be 90-110% of the salary range midpoint as defined above.
After review of peer salary survey information, salary ranges shall be adopted for the ensuing fiscal year by resolution of a majority of the full membership of the Board of Regents in open session by roll call vote at a regularly scheduled meeting.
These salary ranges do not guarantee individual salary rates. Individual salaries for University of Wisconsin System senior executives are based on performance.
II. Procedures for Board of Regents approval of salaries of University of Wisconsin System Senior Executives.
For continuing senior executives, salary increases awarded in conformance with the approved pay plan under Wis. Stats. § 230.12(3)(e) are considered and approved by the Board of Regents once a year, at the same time as salary increases are considered for all other University of Wisconsin unclassified employees. At any other time throughout the year, the Board may authorize salary increases to correct a salary inequity or to recognize competitive factors as allowed by law.
For newly hired Chancellors, the Board approves the starting salary at the time of hire. For newly hired Vice Chancellors and Provosts, Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents, the Board delegates to the University of Wisconsin President the authority to set starting salaries within the salary range approved by the authorization to recruit. The President further delegates to UW Chancellors the authority to approve new and interim Vice Chancellors/Provosts salaries that fall within the range approved by Board policy.
In addition, the Board delegates to the University of Wisconsin President the authority and discretion to make a base salary adjustment up to a specified level within six to nine months of the date of hire for the other senior executives. Exercise of the base salary increase is at the President's discretion based on the performance of the individual in his/her new position. This discretion provides the opportunity to reward outstanding performance during the initial period of employment.
History: Res. 5357 adopted 11/10/89 (Policy 89-7), rescinded and replaced with Res. 6664 5/94, amended by Res. 8736, 10/10/03, amended by Res. 9950, 07/15/11.
The Regent Policy Documents were adopted and are maintained pursuant to the policy-making authority vested in the Board of Regents by Wis. Stats. § 36. The Regent Policy Documents manifest significant policies approved by the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. This document is a ready reference for those charged with carrying out these policies. Unless noted otherwise, associated documents and reports may be obtained from the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Regents, 1860 Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, ph 608-262-2324. http://www.uwsa.edu/bor/policies/