HALIFAX – A report released today by the Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers (ANSUT) reveals that university administrators have seen pay increases much larger than other members of the university community, with some salaries increasing as much as 50 per cent since 2004. The total cost of administrator salaries increased by 27 per cent between 2004-05 and 2010-11.
“While faculty, as well as staff and students, have continually been told that we need to bear the cost of government funding cuts, senior administrators have had free rein to negotiate significant pay increases, as well as substantial perks and bonuses without transparent criteria,” said Chris Ferns, ANSUT President. “Our universities are publicly funded institutions, and we should be able to expect public oversight to ensure that funding is going to the core mission of universities, teaching and research.”
The report finds that while faculty and staff saw salary increases in the area of 0 to 4 per cent annually between 2004-05 and 2010-11, administrators including presidents, vice-presidents, associate or assistant vice-presidents, deans, and directors saw annual increases as high as 18 per cent. The report also reveals benefits afforded to administrators not enjoyed by other university employees, including significant bonuses and large lump sum payments in lieu of leave. Universities are also directing more resources to administrators in the areas of fundraising, communications, public relations and international recruitment and operations.
While universities are now required to post the salaries of all employees making more than $100,000, this report investigates the trends in compensation for senior administrators over a seven year period. The report was compiled with information from a series of requests filed through the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPOP) last fall, and looks at eight institutions in the province: Acadia University, the Atlantic School of Theology, Cape Breton University, Mount Saint Vincent University, NSCAD, St. Francis Xavier University, Saint Mary's University and Université Sainte-Anne. Despite the fact that FOIPOP legislation stipulates that the information be provided within 30 days of the request, several of the institutions took several months to comply.
“This report is evidence of the need for more regulations on how public money is spent at our universities, and for a broader review of university governance structures,” continued Ferns.
Founded in 1997, the Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers represents eight faculty associations in Nova Scotia. Its members include more than half the full-time faculty and librarians in the province, as well as contract academic staff at several institutions.
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For further information:
Kaley Kennedy, Researcher, (902) 293-9683 (cell)
Chris Ferns, President, Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers, (902) 457-6223 (office)
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