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title: "Faculty and Department Head Merit Salary Increase Criteria"
canonical: "https://facultystaff.clas.uconn.edu/space/CFSKB/28970385437/Faculty%20and%20Department%20Head%20Merit%20Salary%20Increase%20Criteria"
format: markdown
---
**Established:** August 8, 2019  
**Last updated:** August 20, 2026 

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The Dean’s merit pool recognizes exceptional faculty contributions that advance the <u>[University’s](https://boardoftrustees.uconn.edu/university-mission-statement/)</u> and <u>[College’s](https://clas.uconn.edu/about/)</u> missions. Discretionary salary increases awarded through the Dean’s Office are intended to recognize and encourage achievements that go beyond satisfactory performance and make significant contributions to University and College priorities.

Priority areas include, but are not limited to:

- Enhancing innovative and interdisciplinary research and scholarship.
- Strengthening undergraduate education, including providing unique experiential learning opportunities.
- Strategically advancing graduate student mentoring and training.
- Engaging in service and community outreach, particularly in ways that impact the welfare of Connecticut and strengthen our relationship with its citizens.

To be considered for the Dean’s merit pool, faculty must document relevant activities and accomplishments from the past year in the Faculty Activity Reporting system

The Dean’s merit pool is intended to recognize exceptional contributions. Satisfactory performance is recognized through negotiated across-the-board salary increases.