University Puts Payroll Figures Online in Wake of Compensation Criticism

UC officials released last year's payroll information online yesterday, nearly a year after news reports revealed inappropriate pay practices in the university's upper echelons.

The data covers 2005-06 fiscal year payroll for top university officials at the UC Office of the President, UC medical centers and the 10 campuses.

The report discloses not only an administrator’s base pay, which is the salary associated with the particular position, but also details total gross pay for the fiscal year, which includes any bonuses or pay earned in any work done outside of the university.

For example, Chancellor Robert Birgeneau's salary was $397,500 last year, but he earned a total of $406,416 with other sources of income included.

The move for greater disclosure of executive compensation information comes after the San Francisco Chronicle filed a request for the disclosure of the data.

Nearly one year ago, the Chronicle reported that UC officials received $871 million during 2004-2005 in bonuses, reimbursements and other forms of compensation, prompting moves towards increased transparency within the university.

"The University has expended enormous effort this past year identifying and implementing needed reforms to its compensation-related policies and practices," said Regent Gerald Parsky in a statement. "While much has been accomplished, there remains more to do, and we remain committed to doing everything we can to maintain the public's trust."

While internal audits conducted in the past year have revealed wrongdoing, Parsky said analysis released yesterday concluded that the added compensation given to officials in the form of bonuses or other perks is ultimately needed to retain talented leaders in the UC system.

"Many of the findings confirm UC's need to pay competitive compensation and benefits and acknowledge that compensation levels for many employee groups continue to lag the market, significantly so in many cases," he said.

Tags: