A former NIU administrator received an annual salary increase that was more than double the average increase given to faculty and staff after he announced an October 1988 retirement.

William Parker, former NIU associate vice president for business and operations, received a 17.8 percent annual salary increase on July 1, 1988, from $65,148 to $76,775. The average increase for faculty and staff was 8.5 percent.

Parker announced his retirement to James Harder, vice president for business and operations, in early 1988, Harder said.

Parker’s retirement announcement did not affect his salary increase, Harder said.

Parker “received an increment when all other employees received an increment,” Harder said.

Although Parker’s salary increase was more than double the 8.5 percent average increase, Harder said Parker’s increase was fair.

“Not everyone receives an 8.5 percent increment, some people get less and others get more,” he said.

The 8.5 percent increase was a figure used to give the Board of Regents an idea of the amount of funds NIU needed to distribute adequate salary increases, Harder said.

On July 1, 1988, NIU employees that were employed by the university as of July 1, 1987 and were covered by contract with NIU, “received some kind of increment that was added to their base,” Harder said. The employees did not receive a salary increase during the 1987 academic year.

Each individual was evaluated by their supervisor and received an increment that was equal to the job they were doing, and some received an additional salary increase based on merit, he said.

The 17.8 percent salary increase that Parker received was partially based on merit, Harder said.

Harder said he evaluated Parker’s performance and presented the salary increase recommendation to NIU President John LaTourette, who approved the salary increase.

Parker’s retirement pay will increase as a result of his salary increment.

According to the Illinois State Universities Retirement System, retirement benefits are determined by figuring the employee’s average pay from the last 48 months of employment. Unused vacation funds also are figured into the retirement benefits.

A proposal was offered to Parker to remain employed by NIU during his retirement as a computer consultant, but “no action has been taken” on the proposal, Harder said.

The Northern Star has learned the proposal offered Parker about $15,000 a year to perform the consulting work, but Harder would not verify the information.

“As far as I know, (Parker) is retired and living in California,” Harder said.