Northern Illinois University employees could get salary hike

DEKALB, Ill. (AP) - Northern Illinois University's acting president says she plans to request a 3 percent salary increase for university employees.

Acting President Lisa Freeman plans to make the request to the university's board of trustees at a meeting in October, the Daily Chronicle reported. Eligible employees would include those hired before the end of 2016 and not currently under an open contract with a bargaining unit.

"I want to emphasize that although this is a good thing, we wish we could do more, but it's a start," Freeman said.

Freeman also said in a public address Wednesday that the university needs a "longer-term strategy to address merit for faculty and other employment classifications."

Freeman also announced that she'll contribute $25,000 to the foundation to help fund student scholarships.

"We believe in the potential of our current and future students," Freeman said.

Freeman was appointed as acting president in June following the resignation of former President Doug Baker, who stepped down amid a state investigation accusing him and other administrators of mismanagement when it comes to hiring consultants. The university plans to select a permanent president by July 2019.

Freeman said she's proud to lead the university through the next two academic years.

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Information from: The Daily Chronicle, http://www.daily-chronicle.com