President Alexander Gonzalez provided a short-term solution that could give up to 146 instructors stipends to supplement their salaries, buying junior faculty and the collective bargaining process some time to begin addressing the base salary issues directly.

In the memo that was sent out Friday, Gonzalez stated that the campus has no authority to increase base pay for faculty unless there is a promotion or a modification in the market article in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Ranging from $300 to $5,400, faculty is in position to apply for a one-time payment based on their various academic efforts, such as those that promote pedagogy or scholastic creativity, Gonzalez outlined in memo to faculty Faculty Senate Chair Cristy Jensen.

Stipend applications from full-time tenured or those near it can be filled out as early as the summer session.

“It’s a start,” said Mary Carlin, assistant professor in public policy and administration.

Carlin said the university is trying to make up the difference of the pay disparity while finding a long-term solution for the base pay of faculty. Carlin said she understands she will be eligible for the stipend, but she’s not clear on the application process.

The amount of the stipend will depend on the year of the hire and current salary, giving instructors with lower salaries a larger stipend. The university could dish out more than $372,000 to cover the stipends.

Not only will salaries be supplemented, but Gonzalez stated “there will be monetary recognition for the workload needed to develop the portfolio necessary for the tenure or promotion.”

Gamaliel Ortiz can be reached at [email protected]