Tim,

Syracuse University used to charge the full fringe rate on salaries, no
matter what time of year and no matter what kind of appointment.
However, about 4 years ago we negotiated a tiered fringe benefit rate
that included a separate fringe rate for summer pay.  That rate includes
TIAA/Cref and social security withholding only, so it's significantly
less than the academic year rate.

We fought for a long time to get the tiered fringe rates, but it was
worth it.  We've also got a lower rate for graduate students who cannot
take advantage of the full range of benefits here. Faculty and students
believe the new system is much more equitable and no one accuses the
university of gouging anymore.

While that solution would probably be a long way off for you, I think
it's worth investigating with the powers at your institution.

-matt

Tim at Research Services - College of Arts and Sciences wrote:
>
> I have a faculty member who is questioning why he cannot accrue
> retirement beneifts on pay he receives in the summer.  A little
> background: Most of our faculty have contracts for a 9.5 month period.
> During the summer (which runs June 1 - Aug 16), they are eligible to get
> summer pay from grants. However, come May 31, their employment contracts
> essentially cease, not allowing them to accrue retirement on the pay
> they receive in the summer (there is a multiple deduction made prior to
> the end of the academic year to continue health benefits in the summer).
>
> A couple of  strategies have come to mind to resolve this issue. 1) Make
> a a 12 month employee or 2) defer the payment of summer salary to the
> academic year (after August 17), increasing the base of the faculty
> member's salary, thus allowing him to accrue retirement benefits.
>
> Are there any other institution's that are experiencing this? It's a
> question of what an individual faculty member wants opposed to what's
> set in institutional policy (my argument being that there needs to be a
> consistent policy for all). Also, would any of the above strategies
> work, at the expense of screwing up the effort reporting system?
>
> As always, thanks in advance for comments and suggestions. This list is
> such a valauble resource and has helped me tremendously.
>
> Tim
>

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