Memo to PACSC

February 7, 2025

A message from James W.E. Rush, Vice-President, Academic and Provost.

Thank you for your memo regarding the Provost's Advisory Committee on Staff Compensation (PACSC) Recommendation, in accordance with Policy 5, Salary Administration, University Support Staff, dated January 24, 2025.

I understand that the PACSC has met several times to discuss a compensation recommendation and that during these meetings, relevant information such as market data and other compensation arrangements on campus were considered in preparing the proposal.

In summary, you have presented the following terms in the Staff Compensation Recommendation for my consideration:

  1. Term of agreement: May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026 (Term).
     
  2. Increases:

    a) On May 1, 2025, increase the salary ranges by 3.6%.

    b) On May 1, 2025, increase base salaries by 3.6% for eligible employees who were hired into a regular ongoing staff position prior to January 1, 2025. This will be the same percentage increase for all eligible employees regardless of pay position on April 30, 2025.
     
  3. The University will continue to contribute $250,000 per annum to the Staff Excellence Fund during the Term, which funds will be allocated through the current, established processes. Prior to the end of each fiscal year during the Term, the Chief Human Resources Officer and the President of the University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) will together review any unspent funds to determine if there are opportunities to allocate those funds in accordance with the fund guidelines before the end of that fiscal year.
     
  4. The Vacation Exchange Program which provides a one-time salary adjustment of 2% in exchange for one week (5 days for full-time regular employees) of vacation for each year of participation (with a declared retirement date of no later than the first of the month coincident with or following the month the employee turns 71), continues to be in place to April 30, 2034 for retirement on or before May 1, 2037.
     

After reviewing the proposed Staff Compensation Recommendation, I have approved the recommendation and have confirmed President Goel's support as well.

Thank you to the members of PACSC for your thoughtful consideration and diligence throughout this process.