Dr. Moder said that even if this recommendation is not approved by the Faculty Council or the administration, then something should be done to address the morale problem. One suggestion would be to talk to the faculty about the difference in the amount of money allocated for raises in October as opposed to July. Dr. Horn asked what the faculty concern involved. Dr. Lawry replied that no one knows but the concern he has heard is that money is allocated in July. Dr. Halligan added that the budget process is now open to everyone.
Any faculty member can attend the budget hearings.
Dr. Lawry said that faculty are suspicious of budget figures since they can be manipulated. However, if you can show that improvements are being made in faculty salaries, with regard to the other Big Twelve Universities, then the faculty will be much happier. Dr. Halligan reported that gains have been made in overall average salaries during the last few years but there is still room to do more. Three years ago OSU said it wanted to be at the average of the Big Eight. That goal is close to a reality, but now the standard has been raised a little with the addition of the four new schools to make the Big Twelve.