On Wednesday, the Emerald reported the University faculty’s salaries are only
86.2 percent of the average compensation across the nation (“Faculty pay not on par with other higher-eds,” ODE May 18). Professors at the University receive about
20 percent less pay than comparable positions at comparable schools.
The reason for this disparity? As so often happens when Oregon’s budget gets tight, education takes one of the biggest hits.
In 2001, when Oregon experienced an economic recession, Salem lawmakers decided to save money by decreasing state allocations to universities. In 2003, with budget problems still at hand, the legislature again threw a punch to collegiate education, freezing salaries for all state employees. That decision, of course, affected University professors.
The results of such a long-standing pay disparity (University professors have long received a below-average salary since at least 2000) are quickly making themselves clear. Department heads report a decreased ability to hire new, assistant professors, and some report that the quality of University academics is falling as a result of disgruntled faculty.
Administrators hope that eventually, University professors’ salaries will only be
5 percent below the national average. Of course, it might help to use a little more sense in budget allocation. In theory, instead of fundraising for sporting arenas and bigger buildings, the university could channel some of the energy to raise cash for the people who matter most.
Unfortunately, it is also unclear whether the state of Oregon is making professors a top priority. As one of the largest and most popular state universities, bringing in many students from out of state as well, it is in the best interest of the state to take note of the faculty salary situation. Keeping these professors happy and well-compensated is essential to creating a harmonious and productive University campus — certainly more so than the construction of a new sports arena. Our school can’t afford to lose teachers, nor can we afford to decrease the stability and learning environment of our campus.
We hope, in the future, Oregon lawmakers and University administrators will take a good, long look at University of Oregon professors and affirm what we already know: These faculty members are essential to our educational institution, and their pay should reflect that.

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