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Respect “At TCU, it’s about you” “Learning to change the world” “It’s your choice” TCU has always marketed itself as a student-friendly institution by using phrases like those above in recruiting publications. And for the most part, it’s true. Regardless of the problems individual students may have with rising tuition or shrinking parking, it is obvious that if it were not for the students, TCU would not exist. Unfortunately, not everyone on campus is privy to the same preferred treatment. Currently, university staff work for a base wage of $7.25 an hour. At today’s Board of Trustees meeting, the Staff Assembly is requesting an increase in the base pay to either $7.50, $7.75 or $8 to help staff make ends meet. Now, this puts TCU in a bind. While it’s easy for us to suggest a change in wages, the money must come from somewhere. Chancellor Michael Ferrari and Carol Campbell, vice chancellor of business and finance, wouldn’t comment on the issue, but they’ve undoubtedly thought about it. It is important to understand that the annual minimum salary for staff is $15,080. According to the Texas Department for Human Services, anything less than $15,096 is below the poverty level for a family of two. The same salary would leave a family of three $3,940 below the poverty level, assuming only one family member worked. Regardless of where the money comes from, the obvious fact is a change is needed. TCU should treat the people within its system with respect, regardless of whether or not the glossy purple brochures are targeted towards them. |
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TCU Daily Skiff © 2002 |
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