A Message from the President

January 19, 2022

Bowie State University Employees to Receive 2022 Pay Increases

I am pleased to share the good news that the Maryland Department of Budget and Management has authorized salary increases for state employees as part of Governor Hogan’s FY 2022 budget. The enhancements will apply to all University System of Maryland employees as announced by Chancellor Jay Perman on Jan. 14.  Enhancements will include funding for cost of living adjustment (COLA) and merit increases as well as a one-time bonus to be distributed in January 2022.  Additional COLA and merit increases are planned for July 2022.

Bowie State will implement the January wage adjustments in accordance with the following guidance from the USM:

Cost of Living Adjustment

A 1 percent cost of living adjustment shall be provided to all regular Faculty and Staff to include Contingent I, Contingent II and Long-term Contractual Faculty. The COLA is effective the first full pay period in January 2022.

Merit Increases

Merit increases will be based on the employee’s past performance during an evaluation period ending no later than the end of FY 2021 (June 30, 2021). Employees must have received at least a “Meets Standards” rating (or its equivalent) to qualify for a merit increase. Merit increases are effective the first full pay period in January 2022.

  • Regular and Contingent II Non-exempt and Exempt staff members who were hired prior to June 30, 2021 and received a “Meets Expectations” will receive a 2.5% increase. 
  • Faculty and Long-term Contractual Faculty who received a “Meets Expectations on their annual review and hired prior to June 30, 2021 will receive a merit increase.

Employee Bonus

A one-time bonus of $1,500 shall be provided to all regular Faculty, Staff, Contingent II staff and Long-term Faculty. The bonus shall be processed by the last pay period beginning in January 2022.

$15 Minimum Wage

In December 2021, the Board of Regents approved an amendment to the Nonexempt Salary Structure increasing the minimum wage in each pay range to at least $15 per hour effective the first full pay period in January 2022. I am pleased to note that Bowie State employees were already earning at or above this minimum wage.

I want to thank all Bowie State University faculty and staff for your dedication and commitment to our students and the mission of this great university. You are an important and valued member of this community.