SMU HR Staff Compensation Study –Update #1
(June 2023)
SMU began a staff compensation study in March and is partnering with Segal, a human resource consulting firm with experience working with higher education institutions. We’ve made good progress so far, and the following is an update.
Our Progress to Date
- During April and May, Segal met with several stakeholders across campus to gain insight into our current compensation programs and policies. We’d like to thank the division and department leadership for taking the time to participate in this first stage of the process.
- We are now developing a draft total compensation philosophy, using this input and feedback. The philosophy will serve as a foundation of SMU’s compensation program and allow us to proceed to the next phases of the study: classification analysis and market assessment.
What’s Happening Next?
- The classification analysis is a collaborative process, led by Segal with assistance from SMU Human Resources, to update and revise job categories and job levels. The goal will be to create a structure that is uniquely relevant to SMU but is reflective of the broader higher education and general industry market, based on where we compete for talent. This work will take place from May through July.
- The market assessment phase is where we’ll look at the compensation provided by universities nationally and near SMU for positions similar to those at the University. Additionally, where appropriate, we’ll also look at salaries for similar staff jobs in industries outside of higher education. We expect this phase of the study to begin in July and wrap up in September.
We will provide additional updates as the study moves forward. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to Tracy Scott, Senior Compensation Specialist, at tracyscott@smu.edu.
