Update on COLAs The University is preparing an analysis requested by the NSHE Chancellor to address the funding gap between state appropriated funding and the costs associated with professional COLAs.

June 13, 2023
Morrill Hall sits on the south end of the University of Nevada, Reno quad, a large lawn area surrounded by trees and a walking path.

Update on COLAs

The University is preparing an analysis requested by the NSHE Chancellor to address the funding gap between state appropriated funding and the costs associated with professional COLAs.

June 13, 2023

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

A highly encouraging and positive development of the past legislative session was the emphasis that was placed on the value of State of Nevada employees. Many of the budget decisions that were made were in recognition of the unwavering commitment we see each day on our campus by our faculty and staff. You’ve come together to do whatever has been needed to further our institutional mission. I cannot thank you all enough for your commitment to our students and the mission of our University.

Since the state’s budget was finalized last week, there have been a number of questions regarding the status of Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for our institution. As we reported late last week at the close of this past legislative session, A.B. 522, the “pay bill,” passed with a COLA for classified staff of 12% in FY 24 and 4% in FY 25, and professional staff and faculty of up to 12% in FY 24 and 4% in FY 25. The legislature, however, funded only a portion of the COLA, appropriating only 61.45% of the total cost of the COLA to the University. Although this was a very significant outcome for the 2023 Nevada State Legislature and for all state employees, there is still a great deal of work that needs to be done to determine the best funding mechanisms to provide the COLA.

Today, NSHE Chancellor Dale Erquiaga provided an update regarding what steps will be taken in the coming days by the Board of Regents. According to Chancellor Erquiaga, a future special Board of Regents meeting will be held, likely in the next few weeks. In preparation for that meeting, Board leadership and the Chancellor have asked NSHE institutions to prepare an analysis of options to fund the gap between state appropriated funding (61.45% for the University) and the costs associated with a professional employee COLA of up to 12%. The University is currently preparing the analysis that has been requested by the Board and the Chancellor.

Once more updates are available, we will share them with you. Although this is a time-consuming process, we want our employees to know that we are giving this process thoughtful and careful examination of the funding models that will provide these well-deserved COLAs in the most prudent manner possible.

The work that all of you do matters. On behalf of the University, I wish to thank you. You are all important and valued members of our campus community.

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President

June 13, 2023