Additional Merit Pay for Eligible Employees (December 2, 2024)

Dear Colleagues,
I hope you all enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday and the additional time off last week.

I am writing with news regarding additional pay for merit-eligible faculty and staff. I shared news of potential additional pay during the October Conversation with the Chancellor event.

There are numerous financial performance indicators that are considered for the development of our operating budget, and often these details are unknown until after our fiscal year starts.

I have often communicated that our university’s overall financial well-being is a shared responsibility. You have all had to sacrifice in leaner years when we had very modest salary increases. As I promised, when possible, we will also share our successes.

This year, due to the hard work of so many of us, enrollment was up slightly in many key areas, including full-time equivalent students. In recognition of your efforts, all merit-eligible employees with active appointments in January will receive a $1,000 one-time payment (prorated based on appointment fraction) with their last January 2025 paycheck. Student/temporary employees and bargained-for employees are not eligible for the payment.

While our enrollment situation is positive, regional public universities, in general, continue to face financial challenges and uncertainties. We all must continue our efforts to realize the performance metrics in our Go BLUEprint for Success strategic plan.

Thank you for your commitment to the university’s mission and for your many contributions in support of our students.

I hope to see you all at the holiday gathering on Wednesday.

With sincere appreciation, Go Dearborn!

Domenico Grasso
Chancellor