Merit program guidelines announced
Posted by Kimber Crull
S&T’s finance and operations and human resources teams are pleased to share details about the upcoming merit program. This initiative is one of the many ways S&T recognizes performance and contributions to the university.
Through shared governance, the university continues to gather feedback to incorporate into these annual guidelines. The Department Chair Council, Faculty Senate, Staff Council and other key stakeholder groups are regularly engaged. Beyond the annual merit program, employee compensation continues to be monitored and improved across campus with a focus on positions that are most difficult to recruit and job families with the highest turnover.
For Fiscal Year 2027, the merit pool allocation to divisions will be a total of $3.3 million, calculated as 2% of the eligible salary expenditures for full-time, benefit-eligible positions. The eligibility criteria are outlined in the salary and wage guidelines. Individual allocation of these funds will be based on performance.
In general, eligible staff and faculty can anticipate an increase in the range of 1%-3% based on several factors, with performance being the most significant. For context, last year’s raise distribution figures are below.
FY26 Merit Program Distribution by Increase
| Increase Range | Faculty | Staff |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1% | 28 | 11 |
| 1.01-2% | 160 | 494 |
| 2.01-3% | 123 | 422 |
| 3.01-4% | 20 | 20 |
| Over 4% | 6 | 6 |
The chair or director will propose increases for individual staff and faculty for approval by unit and college leaders, division leaders and the chancellor.
The Strategic Impact Awards for staff were well received in 2025 and the program will return for FY27. There are a limited number of lump-sum merit awards for eligible staff members who have supported the strategic plan areas. The process to recommend staff for these awards is included in the salary and wage guidelines.
Deans and directors need to complete their reviews, make any adjustments, and submit their completed worksheets and justifications to the provost or respective vice chancellor by Friday, July 24.
Raises will take effect Sunday, Aug. 30, for bi-weekly paid employees, and on Tuesday, Sept. 1, for monthly paid employees.
Please contact your HR Partner with any questions.
Posted by Kimber Crull
