Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State University's governing board on Friday approved a new staff salary schedule that reflects a 2 percent across the board pay raise.

"Continued growth in enrollment and prudent budget planning permit the university to provide this increase," said university President Dan Bradley. "Improving compensation is an important part of our efforts to recruit and retain great employees, and I am pleased that we are able to increase salaries despite continuing financial challenges."

The increase for employees in good standing will be effective Oct. 26 for hourly staff and Nov. 1 for salaried employees. While not covered by the schedule the board approved, faculty will also receive a 2 percent across-the-board increase. Persons hired prior to June 30 are eligible for the increase. Employees will see the increase reflected in paychecks as of Nov. 15 for those paid bi-weekly and Dec. 1 for those paid monthly.

Bradley reported to trustees that more than 1,100 of Indiana State's 1,500 benefits eligible employees have signed up for a new wellness program that involves the completion of an online questionnaire and biometric screening. The screening includes checks of weight, height, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels.The program is designed to identify health problems and risks in time to address them before they become severe. Participating employees will receive a $30 per month discount on health insurance premiums in 2014.

"The ‘On the Way to Wellness' initiative will undoubtedly reduce medical costs for employees and the university while helping improve awareness of personal health issues," Bradley said. "Over time, the program's services will result in improved health for our employees."

Health screenings had been scheduled to end on Friday, but have been extended until Oct. 10 due to high demand.Trustees will be asked in December to approve health coverage rates that reflect the wellness incentive discount along with a $50 per month surcharge for tobacco users.

Trustees on Friday endorsed the proposed donation to the university of property west of U.S. 41. The board granted the university treasurer authority to negotiate with The Sherwin Williams Company and sign an agreement for the donation of 2.66 acres of property containing a former MAB paints factory. The property is near the site where the university's long-range facilities master plan calls for the eventual construction of a new football stadium.

Media contact and writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu