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NMC set to enforce rankings to resolve salary disparities
The Northern Marianas College is set to unveil a proposal endorsing a “Faculty Ranking System” that will guide how it pays its faculty members.
NMC president Dr. Sharon Y. Hart described the faculty workforce as a critical element in determining the success of an institution and this new ranking system will boost the morale and competitiveness of educators in its fold.
NMC currently has 31 full-time faculty members.
Under the proposed $7.9 million budget for fiscal year 2015, the college proposes to allocate some $200,000 to adjust the compensation of faculty members.
“Part of our budget proposal is the $200,000 for this faculty ranking system that we’re developing. Because it will be a competitive process, this will go to the board for final approval,” she explained.
Under the new system, faculty members will be classified into professors, assistant professors, associate professors, and instructors, among others. For a faculty member to avail of the salary set for a particular category, he/she must satisfy the criteria and mechanism approved by the college.
Hart said among the criteria that may be evaluated are “community involvement” as well as “researches” and “grants” that members may have completed and obtained. It was disclosed that the approach will be patterned after the system being implemented at both the University of Guam and Guam Community College.
Hart said the new system will bring fairness and address disparities in the compensation of NMC faculty members.
“This is more of a recognition of our faculty members, especially those who have been in the institution for many years and yet are earning less,” said Hart.
Hart vowed that NMC will look for ways and move forward with the plan even if its budget proposal is shot down by the Legislature.
The Board of Regents approved Wednesday to adjust personnel salaries to or above a level equal to 85 percent of the average of its peer institutions. The present wages of employees were described as uncompetitive, contributing to the difficulty of hiring needed personnel.
