While it’s important to thank faculty and show appreciation for their hard work and dedication, it’s not always feasible to demonstrate this appreciation through salary increases. When budgets are already tight, it may be impossible to accommodate the extra costs.
This doesn’t mean, however, that there's no way to thank faculty. Instead, it means that seminary leaders may need to get creative. A few years ago, In Trust published an article with some ways to say “thank you” when money is tight.
Some of the possibilities:
- Offering flexible schedules and relaxed sabbatical policies, acknowledging that time is an important commodity for faculty.
- Inviting faculty to name their own “perk,” such as release from a committee assignment.
- Providing technical support to faculty who are asked to teach online courses.
- Seeking input from faculty regarding the allocation of development funds.
- Arranging one-on-one meetings between the president and each faculty member to listen to their concerns and needs.
Miller also addresses the importance of administration being open and honest with faculty as to the reasons they cannot provide salary increases. Everyone appreciates transparency and sincere efforts to improve their work life.
I wonder: what are some ways you have shown appreciation for faculty? How have they responded to these efforts?
If you are a affiliated with a member school of the In Trust Center, you can read Miller’s article in full here.
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