On March 13, 2017, the Arizona Board Of Regents directed its outgoing chair, Greg Patterson, to negotiate a multiple-year employment contract with Dr. Robert C. Robbins for the top spot at the University of Arizona. That contract provides Robbins with an annual compensation package worth $988,000.
The compensation package shocked many students and taxpayers.
The Board is expected to approve the massive package and accept the tuition and fees increases sought for the 2017-18 academic year at Arizona State, University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona.
In response to the wide-spread outrage, the Arizona Board of Regents’ staff members will hold a pre-board meeting media briefing to discuss the upcoming board meeting at the University of Arizona April 6-7.
The term of the proposed contract between the board and Dr. Robbins is June 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020. The key proposed contract provisions are:
● Annual salary of $600,000
● Annual housing allowance of $70,000
● Participation in a cash balance defined pension plan at $108,000 (18% of base annual salary)
● Annual car allowance of $10,000
● Benefits and travel reimbursement comparable to other UA employees
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● Moving expense reimbursement in accordance with UA Financial Policies and Procedures 9.14 Relocation Policy for New Employees
● Employment-related benefits as available to all other UA administrators, including medical benefits, sick leave, vacation leave and retirement options
● Appointment to an Endowed Presidential Leadership Chair to be funded by private funds from the University of Arizona Foundation in the amount of $200,000 per year. This appointment is conditioned upon Dr. Robbins serving as the President of the University of Arizona
● Annual disclosure to the board of organizations with which Dr. Robbins is affiliated and any associated compensation
● Annual and multiple-year at-risk compensation to be assigned through a separate agreement entered no later than December 31, 2017. Dr. Robbins will also be eligible for at-risk compensation assigned after July 1, 2017 to the Enterprise Executive Committee.
● The board office is asking the board to appoint Robbins as the President of the University of Arizona effective June 1, 2017.
Related article: AZ Universities Want Students To Pay More, Propose Increases In Fees, Tuition