Cost of living salary adjustments coming soon for eligible Augusta University employees

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and the 2021-22 state legislature have approved a $5,000 cost-of-living adjustment for eligible state employees, effective April 1.

The pay adjustments, which will be paid to University System of Georgia employees who are regular, full benefits-eligible with a standard work week of 30 hours or more, will be paid following the intent of the legislation and in compliance with guidance from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget and the USG. There may be exceptions to the eligibility population, based on unit structure and funding.

“Augusta University appreciates this commitment to our employees and their well-being by Gov. Kemp, the General Assembly, and the state of Georgia. This increase supports our faculty and staff, whose commitment and hard work to support our education and research efforts have been unwavering during the pandemic,” said Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD. “As we strive to be people conscious in all we do, I trust that this adjustment will help many on our campuses.”

Who is eligible?

The $5,000 salary increase is for active, regular, full benefits-eligible faculty and non-academic staff at Augusta University. The increase will be prorated based on full-time equivalency. Employees not receiving benefits, including temporary workers and those working less than 30 hours per week, are not eligible for the increase. There may be additional exceptions to the eligibility population based on unit structure and funding.

When will the payments be issued?

Eligible employees paid bi-weekly will see the increase and one-time supplemental payment in their April 22 paychecks. Eligible employees paid monthly will see the change in their April 30 paychecks.

How will the increase be distributed?

For eligible employees to receive up to a $5,000 increase — prorated based on FTE — for FY22, a salary adjustment will be awarded before June 30, the end of this fiscal year, in the following manner:

• In April, eligible individuals employed by the state between July 1, 2021, and April 1, 2022, will receive a one-time pay supplement of up to $3,750 based on their FTE and number of pay periods worked.
• The $5,000 increase to base salary will be processed into the system and the remaining balance of up to $1,250 will be included in the normal pay schedule for April, May, and June.
• The ongoing increase to base salaries for FY23 will be applied and appropriately distributed across the pay calendar.
• The one-time payment is subject to all applicable FICA taxes, federal income tax, and state income tax.

More information about the payments will be provided as soon as it becomes available. Contact Augusta University Human Resources for more information.