Armiñana among CSU execs getting raises

<p>Sonoma State University President Ruben Armiñana is one of three dozen California State University executives in line for pay raises averaging almost 12 percent.</p><p>Armiñana's annual salary would would rise to $291,179, an increase of $28,113, under a salary schedule expected to get final approval today from university trustees.</p><p>The pay raises are part of a policy adopted by trustees to close a salary gap between CSU employees and those of comparable universities by 2011, said Claudia Potes-Fellow, a CSU spokeswoman.</p><p>The gap between CSU presidents and and those at the other universities is now 46 percent, Potes-Fellow said.</p><p>"The CSU competes fiercely with other universities and will not be able to compete if it continues to offer salaries below the national average," she said.</p><p>The raises are being enacted after students were hit this year with higher costs.</p><p>The annual cost of attending Sonoma State University is now $3,900, including a $252 student fee increase included in this year's state budget.</p><p>"I think it is a big concern that the cost of education is going up," said Whitney Diver, president of SSU's student government. "The bigger picture is that education isn't necessarily affordable for everyone anymore. The state university is supposed to be affordable; it is the people's university."</p><p>Armiñana was the subject of a faculty no-confidence vote last spring but university trustees gave him a strong endorsement at the time.</p><p>The salary increases and five-year compensation policy are expected to be approved today by CSU trustees meeting in Long Beach.</p><p>Under the new schedule, which is retroactive to July 1, CSU Chancellor Charles Reed would make $421,500, an increase of $44,500.</p><p>San Francisco State President Robert Corrigan would receive $298,749 a year, up $27,159, and Humboldt State President Rollin Richmond would receive $297,870 a year, up $27,079.</p><p>The campus presidents also are eligible for housing and auto allowances.</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Bob Norberg at 521-5206 or bob.norberg@pressdemocrat.com.</p>