The CSU Board of Trustees approved a new compensation package for CSU presidents across California on Nov. 19; Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis was the only no vote.
They also removed the 10-percent increase provision that restricted salary increases for upcoming presidents to no more than 10 percent than what their predecessor earned.
These changes aim to attract talented candidates to lead CSU campuses.
According to a report by Segal, a human resources consulting firm based in San Francisco, “CSU’s executive compensation levels lag behind those of comparable public universities, underscoring the need for a competitive, equitable, and forward-looking compensation framework.”
Current CSU presidents received a pay increase ranging from 5 to 20 percent and will be applied retroactively to July. Some are also eligible for performance-based increases from 5 to 15 percent.
CSU Monterey Bay President Vanya Quiñones' base salary increased by $51,800 from $370,000 to $421,800 ($61,244 in deferred compensation) and she will be eligible for 5-percent performance-based increases.
The increases come at time the university system is cutting its budget. The California Faculty Association protested and rallied against the increases.
On Monday, Nov. 24, Assemblymember Dawn Addis, D-Morro Bay, expressed her disagreement with the board of trustees' direction. “At a time when the average Californian is fighting to make ends meet, I urge CSU presidents to reject these pay bumps and to prioritize bringing frontline teachers’ and staff salaries in line with the true cost of living in our state," Addis said.
“Every dollar diverted to inflated executive compensation is a dollar not invested in making higher education more affordable, accessible and equitable for the young students who depend on the CSU to build their future,” she added.
In 2023, the Board of Trustees approved a multi-year price tuition increase, a 6-percent annual increase, that took effect during the 2024-2025 school year.
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