Dear Howard University Employees,  

Over the past year, it has been a humbling experience to see the great work and dedication of our University employees. You have continued to serve, inspire and perform effectively under unusual circumstances, and we have all benefited from your commitment to our students and community. Your work continues even as the economic environment has rapidly shifted.  

During the pandemic, we took the necessary steps to avoid group layoffs and furloughs of our staff, and we moved $80 million from our endowment to fully fund our employee pension plan. We also provide free health insurance coverage for every staff member who earns less than $35,000 per year. These are exceptional measures that set us apart from other local and national universities.  

Today, I am announcing the latest phase of employee pay increases.  

I am pleased to inform you that the University will implement a 3 percent average staff pay raise beginning in January 2022. The compensation increase is funded by $3 million from Howard University’s operating budget. The pay raise will impact full-time and non-unionized staff members as the union reserves the exclusive right to negotiate compensation packages on behalf of its members. All staff hired after June 30, 2021, as well as all staff receiving promotion or contractual pay raises in FY 2022, are excluded as they have already received a compensation benefit.  

We intended to implement pay raises for staff last year, but were prevented from doing so due to the uncertainty and financial difficulties imposed upon us by the pandemic. We are excited that our University’s endowment and financial posture continues to improve, positioning us to implement this latest round of pay increases. 

Competitive employee compensation supports the talent management and employee goals in the Howard Forward strategic plan. Our employee care strategy presents itself in a myriad of ways – affordable health care, continuing education and credentialing benefits, quality support in retirement and livable wages. Over the last several years, the administration enacted phased wage increases and launched the Workday platform to increase transparency in pay activity. 

 This raise is another step forward in a series that the University has taken since the pandemic to support our exceptional staff. Indeed, many institutions of higher education have yet to implement staff raises since the pandemic. We felt this was an important step not only to ensure the financial wellness of our staff but also to demonstrate our ongoing gratitude for the hard work and dedication that is instrumental to the functioning of our institution. 

This has been a challenging semester, and we have navigated various challenges collectively. Thank you for your continued commitment to our University. Please enjoy the upcoming holiday break with your families. 

Excellence in Truth and Service, 

 Wayne A. I. Frederick 
Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery 
President