Contract Talks

Many institutions are in the season where next year’s contracts are being sent out to current faculty members.

In most years, this is also the time when some faculty members will head to see their deans or provosts to negotiate for extra pay. Such conversations may be few and far between this year: When so many folks are losing their jobs or forgoing raises or even retirement contributions at other institutions, it’s hard to make a case for individual increases even at relatively stable institutions.

What advice might you offer faculty members who want to negotiate their salaries during this difficult economic season?