Tenured and tenure-track faculty member salaries are the focus of a current salary study being conducted by the Office of the Provost.

This study is being completed with the assistance of an outside firm that specializes in such studies. The work comes out of the memorandum of understanding between the university and United Academics, the union representing University of Oregon teaching and research faculty.

“Salary equity was actively discussed during the bargaining process,” said Missy Matella, senior employee and labor relations director. “We agreed with United Academics that engaging a consultant to conduct a salary study was the next step in continuing our discussions on salary equity.”

The purpose of the study is to assess pay equity relating to gender, race and ethnicity to determine whether any pay differences exist that are not explained by legitimate factors such as experience and work performance. With United Academics’ help, the university conducted a competitive process to select a vendor, Berkeley Research Group LLC, to conduct the study. Its analysis will provide the Office of the Provost with findings and recommendations.

A faculty salary equity study work group was formed to help ensure that data collection and the review process is conducted in a collaborative manner. The work group will assist by answering questions about the university, its academic department structure and general practices regarding faculty salary. It is advisory to the provost and provides feedback and comment as needed.

“We value the important role salary equity plays in attracting and retaining talented faculty,” said Scott Pratt, executive vice provost. “The findings of this study will provide valuable information and recommended actions we can take to maintain equitable compensation practices.”

The faculty salary study is underway. Salary data is currently being reviewed and analyzed. Findings and recommendations are expected to be provided to the provost sometime in late summer. The Office of the Provost will develop an action plan in response to the study’s findings in the fall.

Additional information about the study can be found on the faculty salary equity study webpage. Updates and new information will be posted to the webpage as they become available.