Dear faculty and staff,

As we head into November, a month to reflect and appreciate each other, I am writing to provide additional information about this year’s merit pay planning. As the chancellor shared during his forum in September, eligible faculty and nonclassified staff who meet performance standards will receive merit pay increases in their January 2026 paycheck.

Earlier this year, the CU Board of Regents approved a 2.5% pool increase for merit pay, retention, compression, and salary adjustments, if we met revenue thresholds, which we did when more than 13,488 students enrolled for the fall semester. Of the 2.5% allowed, 2.25% is being distributed as merit pay, with .25% directed toward retention, compression, and salary adjustments. More information on the award submission process and timing will be provided to your leadership team within the next couple of weeks.

All faculty categories (including adjuncts and lecturers) and staff who are eligible will receive a letter with the details of any salary adjustment before paychecks are distributed in January. Dual campus employees should check with their supervisors to verify if you are part of the Denver or Anschutz merit cycle. Classified staff received a state-mandated, across-the-board, base-building merit increase earlier this year and are not eligible for this pool of funding.

Warm regards and thank you for your contributions in support of CU Denver and our students. 

Ann Sherman
Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration