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1) Our Fearlessly Forward Strategic Plan is officially launched. I was excited to see over 500 employees attend the kickoff event on campus. We did some great work that day, and I’m eager for our year one implementation plans to take shape. We’ll be discussing our implementation and progress throughout the year, so you will continue to hear updates.
In addition to campus, we have shared details of our plan with the Cape Girardeau business community at the Cape Chamber First Friday Coffee. I also had the opportunity to visit with business, community, and government leaders in Sikeston, Kennett, and Poplar Bluff. The reaction from the communities we serve has been very positive, and I think will lead to even stronger partnerships that benefit our students. We will also share the plan during upcoming events in St. Louis.
2) One of our New Investment Opportunities (NIO) included in this fiscal year’s operating budget was to begin to implement the compensation study conducted this past spring semester. Employees who were found to be below what the study said was the minimum for the position will see a pay adjustment. These employees will be notified by their supervisor or division leader in September, followed by a letter in the mySEMO portal. Pay increases will be effective October 1. I am so pleased we can take this first step in addressing salary for employees.
3) While we’re discussing salaries, another NIO included in this year’s budget was to fund a 2% cost of living increase (COLA) for University employees. As I’ve visited with departments over the summer, I shared that it is our understanding that SEMO was one of only two institutions statewide who gave employees a COLA. The other institution funded the increase at 1%; we were at 2%. People are the lifeblood of an institution, and it’s my professional goal that employees get a COLA each year. That may not be a goal I’ll always be able to achieve, but I am very happy we got it done this year during what was a very challenging budget process.
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