Compensation Task Force

May 14, 2004

Colleagues, The Compensation Task Force, formed in December 2003, is nearing completion of the first draft of its report. Initially, it was my desire to distribute the report of the Compensation Task Force in early February. As you know, the Task Force requested additional time. I continued to believe that the report could be available prior to Commencement. The target for completion and distribution of the report was important. One of the primary reasons was my concern that in the past too many key issues or decisions involving faculty and staff were delayed until summer, without the opportunity for input or interaction.

I appointed the Task Force with four specific charges:

€ Recommend the appropriate external peer group for future compensation comparisons that should be used across all constituencies.

€ Determine the level of parity that exists among FDU’s faculty, non-union staff, and senior administration as it relates to both internal and external peer groups.

€ Evaluate progress made toward reaching the goals outlined in each of the 2001 studies.

€ Recommend a course of action that will create a sense of fairness in the compensation of these three groups.

I have been exceptionally pleased and impressed with the dedication, perseverance and professionalism of the team. The members have moved skillfully through each charge.

Unfortunately, the complexity and breadth of issues required more time than anticipated. In fact, the group continues to work through this week. Also, a meeting has been scheduled with the Board Executive Committee on Monday, May 24th, to review the initial draft.

When the report is completed, I will ask the Task Force to distribute the draft to the community via e-mail. I want to assure you, however, that no action will be taken until next fall.