Salary survey under way

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A study of how college salaries compare across Michigan has been delayed until mid-September, when it may be used to determine future wages at Grand Rapids Community College, according to The Grand Rapids Press.

Municipal Consulting of Ann Arbor was hired by GRCC to conduct the study and said it is collecting information on wages and job descriptions from 13 colleges and two municipalities, The Press reported.

GRCC President Steven Ender has said that some of the college's salaries are "approaching being excessive and unsustainable," The Press reported. He said he will not propose salary cuts, but may seek to freeze some, the report said.

The Press reviewed GRCC salaries in 2007 and found that nearly half of full-time professors made more than $100,000 when base salaries and overtime were combined.

Professors in early 2008 agreed to a three-year contract providing a 2.25 raise the first year and 2 percent in the two subsequent years, while amending the overtime system, The Press reported.

Ender was hired last year with a base salary of $180,000, which he voluntarily cut to $176,400, putting the difference in a fund for needy students, The Press reported. His contract includes a $15,000 housing stipend, a $6,000 car allowance and a $25,000 expense account.

SOURCE:
The Grand Rapids Press, "GRCC salary study pushed back to mid-September," June 18, 2010
https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/06/grcc_salary_study_pushed_back.html

FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, "15 Specific Ideas to Move Michigan Forward," June 7, 2010
https://www.mackinac.org/12898