WVU Research Corporation FY2020 Compensation Program FAQ

What are the details behind the FY2020 Compensation Program?

As part of our continuing efforts to recognize, reward and retain top talent, WVU Research Corporation is rolling out a retention salary program. The program offers the opportunity to provide critical retention increases to employees who are highly critical to retain to ensure research and/or business continuity. The program also is designed to continue our focus on providing retention increases to those employees who are below 90% of their respective market position or range midpoint. As part of the FY2020 program, the Research Corporation also is also adjusting most staff pay ranges by an additional 1%.

I’ve heard a lot about “compensation ratio.” What does this mean?

A compensation ratio (compa-ratio) is a comparison of an employee’s pay versus similar positions within comparable organizations. An employee’s compa-ratio is determined by dividing his/her salary by the market rate or applicable range midpoint.

Base salary ÷ Market Rate/Range Midpoint = Compensation Ratio

Base Salary	Market Rate/Range Midpoint	Compa-Ratio
$25,000	$30,000	83.33%

25,000 ÷ 30,000 = 83.33%

Market competitive range for salary generally is defined as 90% – 110% of market. Further, a compa-ratio below 90% is identified as below market competitive pay. However, it should be noted there may be legitimate reasons (e.g., experience and performance) why some employees may be paid below 90% of market.

What are the eligibility requirements for the FY2020 Compensation Program?

WVURC employees must be in a benefits-eligible position at WVURC to be eligible for the FY2020 program. Employees also must have been an active WVURC employee on or before Dec. 1, 2019, and have an overall rating higher than "Development Needed" in their most recent performance review to be eligible. Further, employees must not be on active discipline (written warning or greater) to qualify for the program.

When will pay increases from the FY2020 Compensation Program become effective?

Any salary increases as part of the FY2020 program will become effective Feb. 16, 2020, and will be reflected on an employee’s paycheck on March 13, 2020.

Does my compa-ratio have to be less than 90% to be eligible for a retention increase?

No. The recommendation is for leaders to consider both employees who are paid below 90% of market value and those who are highly critical, high-performing employees who ensure academic and/or business continuity for an increase. Because resources are limited with this program and there is a need to address multiple areas, the program will not be limited only to those employees with a compa-ratio less than 90%.

When will employees find out if they are going to receive a salary increase?

Leaders and managers will begin communicating salary increases to selected employees starting on Monday, Feb. 26. Financial resources for the program will be limited, therefore targeted increases will be granted at the discretion of the dean or vice president for each college or unit based on available funds and the program guidelines.

Where can I find more information about compensation at WVU?

Employees should visit the WVURC HR website for more information.

Will I be eligible if I am in a grant-funded or partially grant-funded position?

Eligible employees who are in grant-funded positions or split-funded positions (i.e., positions funded by a combination of grant and facilities and administrative (F&A) funds) may be considered for the increase at the discretion of the principle investigator and the VP or Dean of the College or unit of the grant from which they are paid.

Who should I contact with questions about the FY2020 Compensation Program?

Employees may contact the Compensation team at 304-293-5700 ext. 6 or ClassComp-HR@mail.wvu.edu with general questions about the FY2020 Compensation Program.