July 9, 2009--We are pleased with the Commission on Industrial Relations (CIR) ruling. Obviously the ruling indicates that the evidence that we presented was compelling and well substantiated. Clearly, UNO faculty salaries have lagged behind our peer institutions. The decision by the Special Master has now been confirmed by the CIR. We support pay systems throughout the university that will place faculty at least at the midpoint of their peer institutions. This is the same rationale by which senior administrators were granted additional raises in the fall of 2008 and it the basis of the CIR ruling. Our negotiated settlement for increased life insurance coverage was another step in the direction of catching up with our peer institutions. This benefit will be in effect for all University of Nebraska employees in January 2009. We believe that the increased salaries and benefits will help UNO to be more competitive in recruiting and maintaining top notch faculty that enhance higher education and also contribute to research and service that adds so much to our economy and to the good life of Nebraska.