Dec. 13, 2021: Employee recognition bonus
Dear Colleagues,
Together, we have faced unprecedented challenges in the wake of a global pandemic. As we conclude this semester, I want to offer our deepest gratitude for all you have been doing every single day to advance MSU’s vital mission.
Throughout this fall, the pandemic’s financial impacts have become clearer, and we are in a more stable environment than 18 months ago. As a result, we announced mid-year raises for faculty and academic staff to ensure members of most employee groups receive a base salary increase during the current fiscal year. In addition, in recognition of employees’ collective response under particularly challenging circumstances, we are providing three extra days off during the traditional winter break.
Today, I want to share news of additional recognition for your exceptional dedication and commitment to MSU.
Together with our Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce a $1,500 one-time recognition bonus for the following members of our MSU community:
- Regular and temporary faculty, academic staff and support staff employees*
- Research and post-doctoral fellows*
- Graduate teaching and research assistants*
*This includes those hired on or before Sept. 1, 2021, who continue to be employed on Jan. 1, 2022, and will be paid in the January pay period. Other specific details on eligibility and the logistics of the payment can be found in this FAQ.
I want to be clear this one-time recognition bonus is being paid from MSU reserves. We can take these actions because our short-term situation has further stabilized, making us confident we can utilize one-time reserves to fund this well-deserved bonus. It’s important to note, however, that we still face challenges to our recurring base budget from a number of sources, including changes in enrollment patterns during the past two years, as well as new costs from the pandemic, which we will continue to address during the next three to four years.
Finally, I also know there is great fatigue and stress in the campus community as we continue to confront this dynamic and ongoing pandemic. As I’ve listened to so many of you, it’s become clear that stronger caregiver support is needed as many are navigating significant personal challenges, in addition to substantial workloads. We’ve been anticipating federal action on this, but even without a policy at the national level, we must act at MSU. I have asked Human Resources and the Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs to work with key stakeholders to create a university-wide caregiver program. More on this will be shared in the weeks ahead.
In closing, I again want to offer my deepest appreciation to all of you who make a difference every day at MSU. We’ve experienced unprecedented challenges. But working together, we have served our students and communities here and around the world, advancing knowledge and transforming lives with true Spartans Will.
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. (he/him)
President