An objective of Northwestern's pay plans is to pay for performance. Setting expectations goes beyond a job description that summarizes the typical duties. Every University job includes activities outside of the description. Each job holder must be alert to the supervisor's expectations for what is to be done. The evaluation of performance rests on the fulfillment of these expectations.
Pay is related to performance in two ways.
First, long-term exceptional performance is rewarded by a salary rate paid near the top of the salary range. Second, a single year's exceptional performance is rewarded by an increase in salary that moves a salary low in the range at an above average rate. Northwestern's salary ranges represent the average pay levels among other employers. The midpoints of our salary ranges today are set at the average pay in the market for jobs at each grade. Pay at the midpoint represents good performance that meets expectations and is paid the market rate for that work.