Many faculty members said they have neutral or low morale as a result of their treatment at NIU, according to a survey.

However, 30 percent reported their morale is very or somewhat high.

The survey was conducted by NIU’s branch of the American Association of University Professors. The results are from the completed responses of more than 170 NIU faculty members, said economics Professor Jack Skeels, who presented the findings at the Feb. 7 NIU Faculty Assembly meeting.

NIU employs more than 1,200 full- and part-time faculty.

The majority of faculty polled said they are very or moderately satisfied with their last raise. NIU faculty received average increases of more than 9 percent granted by the state legislature.

However, more than one-third of those polled said they are somewhat or very dissatisfied with the increase.

When deciding raises, almost half of those polled said cost of living raises should be given priority over considerations about a teacher’s merit and other considerations coming second, the survey said.

Journalism Professor Hallie Hamilton said his morale is neutral.

“What bothers me most is the steady increase of concern about research at the expense of education and service,” Hamilton said.

In other money matters, more faculty members see greater salary inequities at NIU between college departments than between NIU and salaries at other universities, according to the survey.

Almost 60 percent said they have not received enough information explaining NIU’s new pay equity plan, and over half said they moderately or strongly disagree with the plan.

The plan was approved in February 1989 by the NIU Faculty Assembly.