Harper College Compensation Study Project Briefings Contents • Introduction and Background • Competitive Analysis • Pay Structure Review • Summary • Appendix – Published Survey Sources – Published Survey Participants MERCER December 21, 2011 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Introduction and Background Market Pricing and Benchmark Jobs • What is market pricing? – The process of determining competitive pay levels for specific jobs in a defined external market • Why do it? – Assess pay levels – Ensure “fair” pay – Develop salary structures • Why is feedback important? – To ensure the best possible data is used within the analysis • Benchmark jobs typically represent: – Multiple functions and levels within the organization – High incumbent positions and/or key positions – Static and fairly consistent responsibilities (not changing dramatically from year to year) Benchmark positions are easily understood within the organization (internally) and the market (externally) MERCER December 21, 2011 3 Introduction and Background Benchmark Job List – By Employee Group CLASSIFIED 1 Accounting Associate 2 Accounts Payable Clerk II 3 Administrative Assistant AEE 4 Administrative Secretary car prog 5 Bilingual Secretary/Material Asst. 6 Child Care Assistant 7 Computer Operator 8 Copy Center Operator 9 Copy Center/Offset Operator 10 Executive Assistant EVP 11 Financial Aid Assistant Loans 12 Food Service Worker II 13 Human Resources Assistant ben 14 Information Receptionist car ctr 15 Instructional Technology Asst 16 Lead Payroll Clerk 17 Lead Student Account Rep 18 Library Assistant I circulation 19 Library Technical Assistant 20 Mail Clerk 21 OSFA Systems Coordinator 22 Program Assistant AED 23 Purchasing Assistant 24 Receptionist HPS 25 Records Assistant 26 Registration Assistant 27 Sales Associate 28 Secretary WCA 29 Senior Assess/Test Proctor 30 Sr. Records Clerk 31 Student Account Representative 32 Telephone Operator MERCER SUPERVISORY/MGMT 1 Accountant 2 Benefits & Comp Specialist/Mgr 3 Business Manager 4 Chief of Police 5 Community Relations Manager 6 Coordinator Campus Set Up 7 Coordinator of Registration 8 Custodial Foreman 9 Custodial Supervisor 10 Dir, of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations 11 Diverse Workforce Recruiter 12 Environmental Health & Safety Mgr. 13 ERP Systems Tech Mgr. 14 Financial Aid Assoc/Client Services 15 Financial Aid Associate 16 HR Manager, Employee Relations 17 Internal Communications Mgr 18 Maintenance Foreman 19 Manager, Purchasing 20 Media Relations Specialist 21 Mgr Client Support 22 Mgr Student Systems Dev & Support 23 Mgr, Applications Support DB Ressources 24 Mgr, Budget/Acct & Operational Analysis 25 Mgr, Dining/Conference Services 26 Mgr, Institutional Research 27 Mgr, Oracle Applications DBA 28 Mgr, Retail Services 29 Supervisor, Child Learning Ctr. 30 Supervisor, Tutoring Center 31 Systems & Employment Spec/Mgr 32 Web Content Manager December 21, 2011 ADMINISTRATORS 1 Director, Career Ctr. & Women's Program 2 Assoc Exec Dir Foundation/Dir Major Gifts 3 Chief Advancement Officer 4 Chief Communications Officer 5 Chief Human Resources Officer 6 Chief Information Officer 7 Controller 8 Dean, Academic Area MS 9 Dean, Continuing Education 10 Dean, Resources for Learning 11 Dir Disability Services & 504/ADA Coordinator 12 Director, Academic Advising & Counseling 13 Director of Institutional Research 14 Director Student Recruitment & Outreach 15 Director, Athletics & Fitness 16 Director, IT Enterprise Systems 17 Director, Marketing Services 18 Director, Physical Plant 19 Director, Student Activities 20 Director, Student Financial Assistance 21 Exec VP Finance/Administrative Services 22 President 23 Provost 4 Introduction and Background Benchmark Job List – By Employee Group PRO -TECH 1 Academic Research Analyst 2 Account Executive 3 Admissions Associate 4 AED Specialist NNL 5 Athletic Trainer 6 Business Info Analyst (5) 7 CE Coordinator music 8 Chem Lab Tech 9 Coordinator Instructional Media Production 10 Curriculum Content Graphic Illustrator 11 Data Research Analyst 12 Desktop Integration Analyst 13 Graphic Designer Prod Spec. 14 Inventory & Logistics Spec. 15 Lab Assistant Graphic Arts 16 Local Area Network Specialist 17 Network Specialist 18 Operations Analyst 19 Program Spec/Grant Writer 20 Programmer/Analyst 21 Project Manager 22 Recruiting Specialist 23 Registered Nurse 24 Research Analyst 25 Staff Interpreter 26 Tech Installation Specialist 27 Web Developer, Lead 28 Writing Center Specialist MERCER IEA-NEA 1 Custodian 2 Custodian w/ lead 3 Campus Set-Up Crew 4 Groundskeeper 5 Painter 6 Maintenance Mechanic 7 Carpenter 8 Electrician 9 Plumber 10 Certified Pool Engineer 11 Utilities Mechanic 12 Stationary Engineer13 13 HVAC Mechanic 14 Maintenance Helper 15 Utilities Helper 16 Warehouse/ Driver ADJUNCT 1 Adjunct 2 Counselor 3 Librarian OTHER 1 Captionist 2 Tutor ICOPS 1 Police Officer 2 Police Officer w/ lead or supervisory 3 Police Officer w/ training duties 4 Police Officer w/ rank differential 5 Community Service Officer 6 Community Service Officer w/ dispatch 7 Dispatcher December 21, 2011 5 Introduction and Background Data Sources Collected • Three primary sources of data were used for the market pricing study: peer college disclosures, peer municipality disclosures and published surveys Peer Colleges Local Municipalities Published Surveys Data was requested and collected from the following participants: Data was requested and collected from the following municipalities: The study incorporated data from the following survey vendors: • College of Dupage • Elgin • Lake County Community College • Palatine • College and University Personnel Associates (CUPA) • Village of Lake Zurich • Mercer • Village of Hoffman Estates • Towers Watson • Town of Barrington • Employer’s Group • Mount Prospect • American Library Association • Joliet Community College • Moraine Valley Community College • Oakton Community College • Schaumburg • Elgin Community College • Triton Community College MERCER . December 21, 2011 Refer to the appendix for the specific surveys utilized in the study as well as participant lists. 6 Introduction and Background Understanding the Statistics Lowest = Highest = 32,000 32,750 32,900 33,000 33,500 33,800 34,200 34,250 35,000 35,500 35,750 75th %ile Median (50th %ile) 25th %ile 34,625 33,800 32,950 Mean = Cases (n=) 33,877 11 • The 25th and 75th, percentiles reflect the dispersion of the data • The 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles divide the data into quarters • The 25th and 75th percentiles are sometimes called the 1st and 3rd quartiles 50th %ile = • The 50th %ile (or median) is the primary statistic utilized in the competitive analysis MERCER December 21, 2011 7 COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS Competitive Analysis Executive Summary • Harper College has a competitive total remuneration pay program that is consistent with their compensation philosophy Compensation • Harper’s pay ranges are competitive – “Competitive” means within +/- 10% of market (96% of market on average) • “Market” includes comparisons to – – – Peer colleges Local municipalities Published salary surveys which include data for both education and general industry organizations in the Palatine area • On average, Harper employees are paid at 109% of their range midpoint which translates to 106% of market • While the pay structure and employee pay are competitive on average, the competitiveness of individual jobs and individual employees varies greatly, both above and below market MERCER Benefits • Harper’s health plans are strongly competitive to the market when compared nationally to colleges and universities as well as the peer group of local community colleges • Harper is also strongly competitive to market relative to Life and LTD as compared to the peer group of local community colleges. Harper’s LTD plan is superior to peers in that it does not require disability benefits to be paid out of the pension plan first (unlike the majority of peers) • Refer to separate report provided for full detail of benefits competitiveness December 21, 2011 9 Competitive Analysis Distribution of Base Pay Market Indices by Job • Overall, of the 129 benchmark positions*, 51 positions (40%) were within a market competitive range of 10%, 63 (49%) were above the 10% range, and 15 positions (12%) were below the 10% range Harper Base Pay to Market (by Job) 25% Market Competitive Range 22% % of Benchmark Jobs 20% 15% 15% 11% 9% 10% 9% 9% 9% 7% 5% 4% 3% 3% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% -50% or -30% to -25% to -20% to -15% to -10% to -5% to - Within More -50% -30% -25% -20% -15% 10% 5% 5% to 10% 10% to 15% to 20% to 25% to 30% to 50% or 15% 20% 25% 30% 50% More Variance to Market Median *Note: 4 Positions were excluded from this analysis due to vacancy and 10 positions were benchmarked for comparative purposes only (and thus no Harper pay data was available) MERCER December 21, 2011 Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding 10 Competitive Analysis Market Variances by Employee Group • The chart below shows how the different employee groups compare to the market median for actual pay (dark blue) and range midpoints (light blue) – All groups are within or above a competitive range Market Median Employee Group Variance to Market Median 120% 96% 100% 113% 111% 109% 106% 112% 108% 104% 95% 98% Variance to Market Midpoint 92% 90% Market Range of +/- 10% 80% 60% 40% 20% IC O PS EA N ec hn /T fe ss io na l IE A/ ic a l n tio st ra Ad m in i y/ M Pr o er vi so r Su p C la ss ifi ed an ag em St a ff en t 0% Employee Group Base Pay Variance MERCER December 21, 2011 Midpoint Variance 11 Competitive Analysis Classified Staff Employee Group • In aggregate, actual pay is competitive relative to the market composite (106% of market median) but there is variation by job (85% to 146%) and by employee • Pay ranges are within the + / – 10% definition of competitive at 96% of the market median Benchmark Job Title Food Service Worker II Executive Assistant EVP Instructional Technology Asst Lead Payroll Clerk Accounting Associate Computer Operator Administrative Assistant AEE Sr. Records Clerk OSFA Systems Coordinator Lead Student Account Rep Copy Center/Offset Operator Administrative Secretary car prog Program Assistant AED Registration Assistant Financial Aid Assistant Loans Bilingual Secretary/Material Asst. Purchasing Assistant Human Resources Assistant ben Student Account Representative Accounts Payable Clerk II Senior Assess/Test Proctor Records Assistant Secretary WCA Library Technical Assistant Copy Center Operator Child Care Assistant Telephone Operator Library Assistant I circulation Receptionist HPS Information Receptionist car ctr Mail Clerk Sales Associate Grade # of Ees Avg. Base Rate (000's) Current Midpoint (000's) FS2 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 3 1 7 1 1 1 1 15 1 1 1 1 15 5 1 6 1 1 1 4 2 1 1 10 1 1 3 2 10 3 5 2 1 $28.6 $51.9 $52.5 $54.5 $56.8 $51.2 $47.7 $52.1 $38.8 $42.8 $52.1 $44.9 $47.6 $47.6 $40.1 $39.7 $46.9 $47.5 $35.1 $40.9 $41.6 $36.8 $41.2 $38.5 $34.2 $41.6 $33.4 $35.6 $34.2 $30.9 $31.0 $33.5 $24.5 $46.9 $46.9 $46.9 $46.9 $46.9 $43.0 $43.0 $43.0 $43.0 $43.0 $39.4 $39.4 $39.4 $39.4 $39.4 $39.4 $39.4 $39.4 $39.4 $39.4 $36.2 $36.2 $36.2 $33.2 $33.2 $33.2 $33.2 $33.2 $27.9 $27.9 $27.9 Market Median (Education) (000's) $22.8 $60.2 $56.6 $46.0 $40.9 $35.6 $43.8 $53.0 $40.9 $39.7 $39.2 $40.7 $44.5 $41.6 $40.9 $44.8 $38.6 $38.2 $38.0 $35.7 $35.6 $40.3 $37.0 $33.3 $35.6 $33.9 $31.8 $29.8 $29.6 $29.6 $29.0 $25.8 Market Median (Peer) (000's) -$60.5 -$44.7 $42.4 $51.3 $45.3 --$39.2 -$38.9 $41.0 $40.5 $48.4 -$43.3 $47.6 -$42.0 $37.8 $38.5 $32.4 $29.3 $36.7 $34.8 $30.7 $28.6 $26.6 -$36.8 -- Market Median (Local) (000's) $22.8 $61.6 $67.6 $49.9 $44.8 $42.6 $52.9 ---$32.2 $51.8 ----$45.0 $41.0 $41.2 $39.3 --$45.2 $44.1 $29.3 -$34.4 -$31.5 $31.5 $27.0 $28.5 Compa- Ratio Market Index Composite Market Data (000's) Base Rate / Current Midpoint Base Rate / Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Market Median Market Median Market Median Market (Education) (Peer) (Local) Composite $22.8 $60.7 $62.1 $46.3 $42.6 $45.2 $46.8 $53.0 $40.9 $39.4 $35.7 $42.6 $41.9 $40.8 $46.5 $44.8 $42.5 $43.6 $39.6 $39.8 $37.3 $38.9 $36.8 $34.0 $34.6 $34.6 $31.9 $28.9 $28.6 $30.6 $32.4 $27.2 117% 111% 112% 116% 121% 109% 111% 121% 90% 100% 121% 114% 121% 121% 102% 101% 119% 120% 89% 104% 105% 102% 114% 106% 103% 125% 101% 107% 103% 110% 111% 120% 110% Overall 126% 86% 93% 118% 139% 144% 109% 98% 95% 108% 133% 110% 107% 114% 98% 89% 121% 124% 92% 115% 117% 91% 111% 115% 96% 123% 105% 120% 116% 104% 107% 130% 110% -86% -122% 134% 100% 105% --109% -116% 116% 117% 83% -108% 100% -97% 110% 96% 127% 131% 93% 119% 109% 125% 129% -84% -108% 126% 84% 78% 109% 127% 120% 90% ---162% 87% ----104% 116% 85% 104% --91% 87% 117% -97% -109% 98% 115% 118% 103% 126% 86% 85% 118% 133% 113% 102% 98% 95% 109% 146% 106% 113% 117% 86% 89% 110% 109% 89% 103% 112% 95% 112% 113% 99% 120% 105% 123% 120% 101% 95% 123% 106% Market Ratio Current Midpoint / Market Composite 107% 77% 75% 101% 110% 104% 92% 81% 105% 109% 120% 93% 94% 97% 85% 88% 93% 90% 100% 99% 106% 93% 98% 106% 96% 96% 104% 115% 116% 91% 86% 103% 96% More than 20% deviation from market median index Note: The Food Service Worker was benchmarked but this job is on a separate structure for food service. This was the only job benchmarked on this structure, and as a result, Mercer does not have sufficient information available to separately assess the ranges for the entire structure. MERCER December 21, 2011 12 Competitive Analysis Supervisory/Management Employee Group • In aggregate, actual pay is within the + / - 10% of market definition of competitive (109% of market median) but there is variation by job (80% to 163%) and by employee. Actual pay is more competitive relative to the education and peer groups (109% and 119% respectively), than compared to the local market (90%) • Pay ranges are competitive at 95% of the market median. There is variation by job and employee Market Index Benchmark Job Title Grade # of Ees Dir, of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations Business Manager Mgr, Oracle Applications DBA ERP Systems Tech Mgr. Mgr, Applications Support DB Resources Mgr Client Support Mgr Student Systems Dev & Support HR Manager, Employee Relations Mgr, Retail Services Mgr, Budget/Acct & Operational Analysis Internal Communications Mgr Environmental Health & Safety Mgr. Chief of Police Community Relations Manager Mgr, Institutional Research Benefits & Comp Specialist/Mgr Media Relations Specialist Systems & Employment Spec/Mgr Maintenance Foreman Web Content Manager Financial Aid Associate Mgr, Dining/Conference Services Manager, Purchasing Coordinator of Registration Custodial Supervisor Supervisor, Tutoring Center Diverse Workforce Recruiter Accountant Financial Aid Assoc/Client Services Coordinator Campus Set Up Custodial Foreman Supervisor, Child Learning Ctr. Overall CFN5 CFN5 15 14 14 14 14 14 14 13 13 13 13 13 13 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 10 10 10 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 Avg. Base Rate (000's) Current Midpoint (000's) $83.2 $88.8 $126.4 $94.3 $109.8 $96.1 $97.5 $81.7 $102.6 $93.3 -$92.8 $92.2 $71.8 $80.1 $80.5 $72.3 $80.6 $80.6 $77.1 $48.0 $69.2 $68.7 $80.6 $80.2 $80.6 $56.1 $62.3 $44.0 $46.6 $56.5 $49.4 $74.1 $74.1 $98.2 $85.9 $85.9 $85.9 $85.9 $85.9 $85.9 $74.9 $74.9 $74.9 $74.9 $74.9 $74.9 $62.6 $62.6 $62.6 $62.6 $62.6 $62.6 $62.6 $62.6 $62.6 $62.6 $62.6 $52.3 $52.3 $52.3 $50.4 $50.4 $50.4 Market Median (Education) (000's) $84.0 $61.7 $111.8 $120.0 $97.2 $95.7 $95.7 $82.3 $78.1 $96.0 $89.2 $84.9 $79.5 $73.2 $63.3 $77.0 -$83.1 $75.0 $71.6 $40.9 $66.6 $66.5 $64.7 $60.9 $56.6 $60.5 $48.5 $40.9 $49.9 $49.8 $44.7 Market Median (Peer) (000's) $60.9 ---$82.2 $97.2 $94.4 $63.0 -$68.5 -$78.4 $99.9 $61.3 $60.4 $58.7 $49.2 -$60.2 $66.4 $41.8 -$61.1 $56.7 $45.3 $65.4 -$55.0 $40.7 $49.4 $56.4 $63.2 Market Median (Local) (000's) -$77.5 $119.4 $115.5 $119.4 $109.1 $109.1 $91.8 -$107.4 $86.1 $100.4 -$101.1 -$100.6 -$109.0 $84.8 ---$70.1 ----$57.8 ----- Composite Market Data (000's) $66.6 $69.6 $115.6 $117.8 $95.2 $99.8 $98.4 $75.0 $78.1 $85.1 $87.7 $85.5 $94.8 $74.2 $61.1 $73.8 $49.2 $96.1 $70.0 $67.7 $41.5 $66.6 $64.7 $58.7 $49.2 $63.2 $60.5 $54.1 $40.8 $49.5 $54.8 $58.6 Base Rate / Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Market Median Market Median Market Median Market (Education) (Peer) (Local) Composite 99% 144% 113% 79% 113% 100% 102% 99% 131% 97% -109% 116% 98% 127% 105% -97% 108% 108% 117% 104% 103% 125% 132% 142% 93% 129% 108% 93% 113% 110% 109% 137% ---134% 99% 103% 130% -136% -118% 92% 117% 133% 137% 147% -134% 116% 115% -112% 142% 177% 123% -113% 108% 94% 100% 78% 119% -115% 106% 82% 92% 88% 89% 89% -87% -92% -71% -80% -74% 95% ---98% ----108% ----90% 125% 128% 109% 80% 115% 96% 99% 109% 131% 110% -109% 97% 97% 131% 109% 147% 84% 115% 114% 115% 104% 106% 137% 163% 128% 93% 115% 108% 94% 103% 84% 109% Market Ratio Current Midpoint / Market Composite 111% 106% 85% 73% 90% 86% 87% 115% 110% 88% 85% 88% 79% 101% 123% 85% 127% 65% 89% 92% 151% 94% 97% 107% 127% 99% 86% 97% 128% 102% 92% 86% 95% More than 20% deviation from market median index Note: Two jobs were benchmarked which are on a separate structure for CFN. These were the only two jobs benchmarked on this structure, and as a result, Mercer does not have sufficient information available to separately assess the ranges for the entire structure. MERCER December 21, 2011 13 Competitive Analysis Administrative Employee Group • In aggregate, actual pay exceeds the + / - 10% definition of competitive (113% of market median) but there is wide variation by job (95% to 143%) • In aggregate, pay ranges are competitive relative to the market composite (111% of median) but there is wide variation by job (93% to 158%) Benchmark Job Title President Exec VP Finance/Administrative Services Provost Chief Communications Officer Chief Advancement Officer Chief Human Resources Officer Controller Chief Information Officer Dean, Resources for Learning Director, Marketing Services Director, Physical Plant Dean, Continuing Education Director, IT Enterprise Systems Dean, Academic Area MS Director Student Recruitment & Outreach Director of Institutional Research Dir Disability Services & 504/ADA Coord Director, Academic Advising & Counseling Assoc Exec Dir Foundation/Dir Major Gifts Director, Student Financial Assistance Director, Athletics & Fitness Director, Career Ctr. & Womens's Program Director, Student Activities Overall Grade # of Ees Avg. Base Rate (000's) Current Midpoint (000's) 11 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 $248.4 $186.3 $191.5 $144.9 $162.1 $140.0 $144.9 $144.9 $114.5 $128.1 $112.0 $114.4 $133.0 $110.0 $106.9 $106.3 $83.0 $92.0 $115.1 $88.0 $89.3 $90.5 $91.5 -----$145.7 $145.7 $145.7 $113.6 $113.6 $113.6 $113.6 $113.6 $113.6 $101.4 $101.4 $101.4 $90.6 $90.6 $90.6 $90.6 $90.6 $90.6 Market Median (Education) (000's) $221.0 $194.9 $153.3 $139.5 $158.4 $138.0 $128.9 $137.7 $118.3 $114.0 $109.8 $105.4 $113.2 $100.1 $101.0 $92.5 $79.2 $101.1 $96.9 $82.1 $79.9 $74.1 $70.5 Market Median (Peer) (000's) $230.6 $165.0 $152.6 $106.3 -$108.6 $107.8 $154.5 $121.1 $81.8 $100.8 $107.1 $102.5 $116.9 $68.8 $94.7 $59.1 $88.6 -$89.1 $84.1 $68.9 $86.4 Market Median (Local) (000's) -$199.5 ---$152.4 -$142.4 ----$115.5 ----------- Compa- Ratio Market Index Composite Market Data (000's) Base Rate / Current Midpoint Base Rate / Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Market Median Market Median Market Median Market (Education) (Peer) (Local) Composite $228.2 $181.1 $152.7 $114.6 $158.4 $126.9 $113.1 $147.3 $120.4 $89.9 $103.0 $106.7 $108.4 $112.7 $76.8 $94.2 $64.1 $91.8 $96.9 $87.4 $83.1 $70.2 $82.4 -----96% 99% 99% 101% 113% 99% 101% 117% 97% 105% 105% 82% 102% 127% 97% 99% 100% 101% 102% 112% 96% 125% 104% 102% 101% 112% 105% 97% 112% 102% 109% 117% 110% 106% 115% 105% 91% 119% 107% 112% 122% 130% 108% 108% 113% 126% 136% -129% 134% 94% 95% 157% 111% 107% 130% 94% 155% 112% 140% 104% -99% 106% 131% 106% 116% -93% ---92% -102% ----115% ----------99% 109% 103% 125% 126% 102% 110% 128% 98% 95% 143% 109% 107% 123% 98% 139% 113% 129% 100% 119% 101% 107% 129% 111% 113% Market Ratio Current Midpoint / Market Composite -----115% 129% 99% 94% 126% 110% 106% 105% 101% 132% 108% 158% 99% 93% 104% 109% 129% 110% 111% More than 20% deviation from market median index • The Director of Disability Services was excluded from the structure analysis given that it is an outlier (market median is more than 10% below the current range minimum). Mercer recommends this job be reviewed in further detail to ensure job matching is appropriate MERCER December 21, 2011 14 Competitive Analysis Professional/Technical Employee Group • In aggregate, actual pay exceeds the + / - 10% definition of competitive (112% of median) but there is wide variation by job (81% to 159%) and employee. While actual pay is higher relative to the education and peer groups (119% and 123% respectively), it is at market when compared to the local market (100% of the market median) • Pay ranges are in aggregate at market (98% of the market median) Benchmark Job Title Grade # of Ees Avg. Base Rate (000's) Current Midpoint (000's) Network Specialist Lab Assistant, Graphic Arts Account Executive Project Manager Web Developer, Lead Business Info Analyst (1-5) Coord Instr Media Production Inventory & Logistics Spec. CE Coordinator music Programmer/Analyst Local Area Network Specialist Desktop Integ Analyst (1-5) Curr Content Graphic Illustrator Admissions Associate Tech Installation Specialist Program Spec/Grant Writer Operations Analyst Registered Nurse Academic Research Analyst Data Research Analyst Research Analyst Writing Center Specialist Graphic Designer Prod Spec. Staff Interpreter Athletic Trainer Chem Lab Tech AED Specialist NNL Recruiting Specialist Overall 8 8 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 11 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 4 -$45.7 $77.0 $85.1 $85.1 $80.9 $85.1 $78.0 $78.0 $71.8 $78.0 $59.7 $71.6 $70.1 $67.2 $65.7 $62.8 $68.1 $52.7 $52.7 $52.7 $65.7 $60.9 $70.1 $53.8 $58.6 $57.7 $53.0 $42.2 $42.2 $70.9 $70.9 $70.9 $70.9 $70.9 $65.0 $65.0 $65.0 $65.0 $59.7 $59.7 $59.7 $59.7 $54.7 $54.7 $54.7 $54.7 $54.7 $54.7 $54.7 $54.7 $54.7 $54.7 $54.7 $50.2 $50.2 Market Median (Education) (000's) $59.2 $40.3 $86.1 $78.7 $78.1 $77.2 $67.4 $80.6 $73.7 $61.8 $60.7 $73.6 $60.1 $53.2 $42.4 $54.6 $61.8 $52.1 $51.0 $51.0 $51.0 $46.2 $45.1 $45.0 $41.4 -$46.2 $44.9 Market Median (Peer) (000's) $69.2 ---$57.8 $74.5 ---$68.4 --$47.9 $53.5 -$53.3 -$53.7 $62.4 --$40.7 $52.8 $43.7 $54.1 $47.7 -$46.7 Market Median (Local) (000's) $65.9 $45.4 -$92.3 $99.2 $84.6 ---$73.5 $64.5 -$70.2 -$60.5 --$69.7 ----$52.6 ------ Compa- Ratio Market Index Composite Market Data (000's) Base Rate / Current Midpoint Base Rate / Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Market Median Market Median Market Median Market (Education) (Peer) (Local) Composite $65.9 $42.9 $86.1 $85.5 $73.2 $77.7 $67.4 $80.6 $73.7 $68.0 $62.6 $73.6 $56.5 $53.5 $51.5 $53.6 $61.8 $57.3 $59.6 $51.0 $51.0 $42.1 $50.8 $44.0 $50.9 $47.7 $46.2 $46.2 -108% 109% 120% 120% 114% 120% 120% 120% 110% 120% 100% 120% 118% 113% 120% 115% 124% 96% 96% 96% 120% 111% 128% 98% 107% 115% 106% 113% -113% 89% 108% 109% 105% 126% 97% 106% 116% 129% 81% 119% 132% 159% 120% 102% 131% 103% 103% 103% 142% 135% 156% 130% -125% 118% 119% ----147% 109% ---105% --149% 131% -123% -127% 84% --161% 115% 160% 100% 123% -114% 123% -101% -92% 86% 96% ---98% 121% -102% -111% --98% ----116% -----100% -107% 89% 99% 116% 104% 126% 97% 106% 106% 125% 81% 127% 131% 131% 122% 102% 119% 88% 103% 103% 156% 120% 159% 106% 123% 125% 115% 112% Market Ratio Current Midpoint / Market Composite 64% 98% 82% 83% 97% 91% 105% 81% 88% 96% 104% 81% 106% 112% 116% 102% 89% 96% 92% 107% 107% 130% 108% 124% 107% 115% 109% 109% 98% Note: Because Desktop Integration Analyst (1-5) spans multiple grades, Grade 3 was used for the purpose of this analysis More than 20% deviation from market median index • The Network Specialist was excluded from the structure analysis given that it is an outlier (market median is more than 10% above the current range maximum). Mercer recommends this job be reviewed in further detail to ensure job matching is appropriate MERCER December 21, 2011 15 Competitive Analysis IEA/NEA Employee Group • In aggregate, the pay ranges and actual pay are competitive at 108% and 104% of the market median, respectively. There is some variation by job and employee Compa- Ratio # of Ees Benchmark Job Title Warehouse/ Driver Utilities Mechanic Campus Set-Up Crew Painter Maintenance Mechanic Maintenance Helper Custodian w/ lead HVAC Mechanic Groundskeeper Custodian 1 0 6 4 10 0 2 9 1 5 Target Avg. Base Market Step Rate (000's) Amount $43.7 -$36.9 $41.2 $63.2 -$41.9 $67.6 $40.9 $40.9 $35.9 $40.5 $21.7 $38.2 $56.1 $37.1 $38.7 $56.1 $34.7 $36.6 Market Median (Education) (000's) $30.1 $42.3 $42.4 $43.7 $42.3 $34.8 $30.5 $49.5 $36.0 $27.7 Market Median (Peer) (000's) ---$42.4 $58.2 $32.1 $39.0 $73.0 $40.1 $37.3 Market Median (Local) (000's) $32.8 $60.4 -$60.7 $60.4 $47.4 -$58.7 $41.4 $31.4 Composite Market Data (000's) Base Rate / Current Target Market Step $31.5 $51.4 $42.4 $47.3 $54.8 $36.6 $36.9 $63.5 $39.4 $33.4 122% -170% 108% 113% -108% 121% 118% 112% 118% Overall Market Index Market Ratio Base Rate / Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Target Market Market Median Market Median Market Median Market Step / Market (Education) (Peer) (Local) Composite Composite 145% -87% 94% 150% -137% 137% 114% 148% 125% ---97% 109% -107% 93% 102% 110% 102% 133% --68% 105% --115% 99% 130% 104% 139% -87% 87% 116% -114% 106% 104% 122% 108% 114% 79% 51% 81% 102% 101% 105% 88% 88% 110% 104% • Mercer recommends additional review of the set-up crew position as the market composite is more than 10% above the range maximum. However, actual employee pay is below the + / - 10% of market definition of competitive (87% of the market median). The majority of incumbents in this job are in a grandfathered step rate which is higher than the current range • Additional market rates for comparison only are shown below: Benchmark Job Title Electrician Plumber Carpenter Stationary Engineer Utlities Helper Certified Pool Engineer MERCER Market Median (Education) (000's) $61.1 $51.3 $50.5 $46.2 $34.8 $32.2 Market Median (Peer) (000's) ------- December 21, 2011 Market Median (Local) (000's) $64.8 -$55.8 -$47.4 $50.1 Composite Market Data (000's) $63.0 $51.3 $53.2 $46.2 $41.1 $41.2 16 Competitive Analysis IEA/NEA Employee Group • The table below shows differences in market rates for the IEA/NEA jobs when comparing union versus non-union organizations • Harper pay is competitive relative to the union organizations at 108% of the market median Harper Job Title Harper Average Pay Warehouse/ Driver Utilities Mechanic Campus Set-Up Crew Painter Maintenance Mechanic Maintenance Helper Custodian w/ lead HVAC Mechanic Groundskeeper Custodian $43.7 -$36.9 $41.2 $63.2 -$41.9 $67.6 $40.9 $40.9 All Institutions (Median Base 000's) $29.4 $51.0 -$39.1 $51.0 $41.6 $27.5 $46.9 $27.8 $25.0 All Union Institutions (Median Base000's) $30.2 $65.4 -$53.4 $65.4 $53.9 $33.7 $65.2 $36.8 $30.6 Union All Orgs / Union All Orgs / Harper Avg Pay All Non-Union Non-Union All Non-Union All / Union Edu Institutions (Median Orgs Orgs Market Base - 000's) $29.3 103% 103% 145% $49.7 132% 128% ---$39.4 136% 137% 77% $49.7 132% 128% 97% $40.6 133% 130% $25.5 132% 122% 125% $46.2 141% 139% 104% $27.2 135% 132% 111% $23.2 132% 122% 134% 131% 128% 108% Note: Data represents Mercer survey data only (other published survey vendors utilized in this study did not report data by union representation) • Jobs that were benchmarked for additional market comparisons are also provided below: Benchmark Job Title Carpenter Electrician Plumber Stationary Engineer Certified Pool Engineer Utlities Helper MERCER All Institutions (Median Base 000's) $48.0 $57.6 $49.3 -$28.8 $41.6 All Union Institutions (Median Base 000's) $64.6 $65.3 $68.2 -$35.2 $53.9 All Non-Union Union All Orgs / Union All Orgs / Institutions (Median Non-Union All Non-Union All Base - 000's) Orgs Orgs December 21, 2011 $44.7 $54.1 $46.7 -$26.7 $40.6 145% 121% 146% -132% 133% 135% 113% 138% -122% 130% 17 Competitive Analysis ICOPS Employee Group • In aggregate, actual pay is competitive at 92%, but competitiveness varies. Harper is competitive relative to the education data and peer colleges (107% and 100% of market median, respectively), but lags the market relative to local municipalities at 72% of the market median – For the police officer position, actual pay is competitive (107% of market median) and pay ranges are at market (99% of market median) – For the community service officer position, actual pay and pay ranges are just outside the competitive range (89% of market median) – For the dispatcher position, actual pay and pay ranges are below competitive (77% and 80% of the market median, respectively) Market Index Benchmark Job Title Police Officer Community Service Officer Dispatcher Avg. Base Rate (000's) Current Midpoint (000's) $53.6 $33.6 $32.3 $49.4 $33.4 $33.4 Market Median (Education) (000's) $39.0 $34.4 $37.8 Market Median (Peer) (000's) $45.2 $35.9 $38.9 Market Median (Local) (000's) $70.7 $44.7 $51.8 Composite Market Data (000's) $50.0 $37.7 $41.8 Overall Base Rate / Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Market Median Market Median Market Median Market (Education) (Peer) (Local) Composite 137% 98% 86% 107% 119% 94% 83% 100% 76% 75% 62% 72% 107% 89% 77% 92% Market Ratio Current Midpoint / Market Composite 99% 89% 80% 90% More than 20% deviation from market median index Note: Local data above represents local municipality data rather than published survey data. Published survey data was not available for these positions • Mercer confirmed that the police departments of all 7 peer colleges employed sworn officers with full police authority. Additionally, Mercer used benchmarks for armed and certified police officers only from the published surveys • Additional market rates for comparison only were collected: MERCER Benchmark Job Title Police Officer w/ lead or supervisory Police Officer w/ training duties Police Officer w/ rank differential Community ServiceDecember Officer w/ 21,dispatch 2011 Market Median (Education) (000's) $42.9 $42.9 $42.9 $37.8 Market Median (Peer) (000's) $56.2 ---- Market Median (Local) (000's) $72.1 $72.1 $72.1 $44.7 Composite Market Data (000's) $56.8 $57.5 $57.5 $41.3 18 Competitive Analysis Adjunct Employee Group • Adjunct faculty pay is very competitive relative to the peer organizations at 111% of the market median, 147% of an extended group of 2-year organizations, and 74% as compared to private 4-year colleges providing data: Market Index Pay Rate per Credit Hour Harper Median Range Rate Peer Colleges (Median) Extended Sample (2 Year) Extended Sample (4Year) $931 $839 $635 $1,253 Harper Harper Harper Median Rate Median Rate Median Rate / Peer / Ext. 2 Year / Ext. 4 Year 111% 147% 74% Note: Robert Morris University excluded from table above, as they pay based on a 10-week term (rather than per credit hour). The rate per term is $500 - $1,000. • The organizations providing data for the extended samples are shown below. These comparisons are provided for reference only and are not intended to represent a peer group. Additional data has been requested from other universities, but this represents all data received to date: – Public 2-year organizations: Parkland College, Heartland Community College, Morton College, Waubonsee Community College, Illinois Central College, Carl Sandburg College, Lake Land College and McHenry County College – Private 4-year organizations: Robert Morris University, Loyola University, Roosevelt University and Aurora University • Harper adjunct rates are highly competitive relative to the range reported by the CUPA survey for adjunct faculty pay for 2-year institutions. The median minimum to maximum range reported was $569 - $778, based on approximately 130 organizations who reported data nationally. For 4-year institutions, the median range reported was $740 - $1,000 per credit hour for undergraduate instruction, based on approximately 450 organizations who reported data nationally MERCER December 21, 2011 19 Competitive Analysis Adjunct Employee Group • Counselor and librarian annual pay is highly competitive based on the market results. However, there is significant variation within the Peer group and among different organization types reported in published surveys. Further research to explain these differences is warranted Market Index Benchmark Job Title Librarian Counselor MERCER Avg. Range Rate (Hourly) $39.96 $39.96 Market Median (Education) (Hourly) $29.28 $27.31 Market Median (Peer) (Hourly) $36.38 $37.76 Market Median (Local) (Hourly) $29.42 -- Composite Market Data (Hourly) $32.87 $35.15 December 21, 2011 Base Rate / Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Market Median Market Median Market Median Market (Education) (Peer) (Local) Composite 136% 146% 110% 106% 136% -- 122% 114% 20 Competitive Analysis Other • Captionist and Tutor pay is highly competitive relative to the market results Market Index Avg. Base Rate (Hourly) Benchmark Job Title Captionist Tutor $28.00 $20.63 Market Median (Education) (Hourly) $22.21 $22.21 Market Median (Peer) (Hourly) -$9.84 Market Median (Local) (Hourly) --- Overall Composite Market Data (Hourly) $22.21 $12.93 Base Rate / Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Avg Base Rate / Market Median Market Median Market Median Market (Education) (Peer) (Local) Composite 126% 93% 109% -210% 210% ---- 126% 160% 138% Note: Tutor average base rate is based on the average of the 2010/2011 tutoring pay scale; the captionist rate represents the average rate of employees • Mercer noted significant differences between the peer data reported and the education data for the tutor position which may warrant further investigation MERCER December 21, 2011 21 SUMMARY In Summary: Key Messages • Harper’s benefits program is strongly competitive • Harper’s pay ranges are competitive (96% of market) • On average employee pay is competitive (106% of market) • No employees are paid below their range minimum • Pay varies by Employee group but on average all groups are within or above the + or – 10% definition of “competitive” • While pay is competitive on average, pay for individual employees and jobs vary greatly • Next steps include further review of: – Benchmark jobs with range midpoints significantly above or below market – Individual jobs and employees paid significantly below and above market MERCER December 21, 2011 23 APPENDIX Published Survey Sources • The following published surveys were used to collect compensation data for all positions: – College and University Personnel Associates (CUPA): 2010 Administrative Compensation Survey – College and University Personnel Associates (CUPA): 2010 Mid-Level Administrative Professional Salary Survey – Mercer, 2011 US Global Premium Executive Remuneration Suite (GPERS) – Mercer, 2011 US Benchmark Database – American Library Association: 2010 ALA –APA Salary Survey – Employers Group: 2010 The National Information Technology and Engineering Compensation Survey – Towers Watson, 2010 Top Management Compensation Survey – Towers Watson, 2010 Top Office and Business Support Compensation Survey – Towers Watson, 2010 Survey Report on Professional Administrative Services Personnel Compensation – Towers Watson, 2010 Survey Report on Technician and Skilled Trades Personnel Compensation – Towers Watson, 2010 Survey Report on Information Technology and e-Commerce Personnel Compensation – Towers Watson, 2010 Survey Report on Supervisory Management Compensation – Towers Watson, 2010 Survey Report on Middle Management Compensation – Towers Watson, 2010 Survey Report on Professional Specialized Services Personnel • Participating organizations are provided on the subsequent pages for the CUPA and Mercer surveys. Other surveys have similar participant profiles and full participant listings are available upon request. MERCER December 21, 2011 25 CUPA Survey Participating Associate’s Institutions Aims Community College City Colleges of Chicago Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science Alamo Community College District Central Office Cleveland State Community College Greenville Technical College Alexandria Technical College Clovis Community College Harrisburg Area Community College Anne Arundel Community College Cochise College Heartland Community College Anoka Technical College Coconino Country Community College Hennepin Technical College Anoka-Ramsey Community College College of DuPage Hibbing Community College, Arapahoe Community College College of Southern Nevada Highland Community College Arizona Western College Collin County Community College District Hillsborough Community College Asheville - Buncombe Technical Community College Colorado Community College System Holyoke Community College Austin Community College Colorado Mountain College Houston Community College System Summary Bellevue College Columbus State Community College Howard College Bismarck State College Community College of Allegheny Country Illinois Central College Black River Technical College Community College of Philadelphia Inver Hills Community College Bossier Parish Community College Community College of Rhode Island Itasca Community College Brookdale Community College Community College System of New Hampshire James A. Rhodes State College Brookhaven College Cottey College John Wood Community College Broward College Cuyahoga Community College Johnson Country Community College Bucks County Community College Dakota County Technical College Joilet Junior College Bunker Hill Community College Dallas County Community College District Office Kalamazoo Valley Community College Butler Country Community College Davis Applied Technology College Kansas City Kansas Community College Cascadia Community College Dean College Kirkwood Community College Cedar Valley College Del Mar College Kirtland Community College Central Arizona College Delaware Tech & Com College System Summary L.E. Fletcher Technical Community College Central Lakes College Delgado Community College Lake Region Sate College Central New Mexico Community College Eastfield College Lake Superior College Central Ohio Technical College Edison State Community College Lakeland Community College Central Virginia Community College El Centro College Lamar State College-Orange Central Wyoming College El Paso Community College Landmark College Century College Flathead Valley Community College Lane Community College Chattanooga State Community College Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Latter-Day Saints Business College Chipola College Georgia Perimeter College MERCER December 21, 2011 26 CUPA Survey Participating Associate’s Institutions Los Angeles Community College District Office North Hennepin Community College Richland Community College Louisiana Delta Community College North Idaho College Ridgewater College Louisiana State University at Eunice North Lake College River Parishes Community College Lower Columbia College Northampton Country Area Community College Riverland Community College Marymount College Northeast State Technical Community College Roane State Community College Mercer County Community College Northern Essex Community College Rochester Community and Technical College Maricopa Cty Cmty Col District System Summary Northern Wyoming Community College District Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Mesabi Range Community and Technical College Northland Community and Technical College Saint Cloud Technical College Mesalands Community College Northshore Technical College Saint Louis Community College Center Metropolitan Community College Northwest Florida State College Saint Paul College Northwest State Community College Salt Lake Community College Northwest Technical College San Jacinto College System Summary Northwestern Business College Santa Fe College Northwestern Michigan College Santa Fe Community College Nunez Community College Schoolcraft College Oakland Community College Seminole State College of Florida Oakton Community College Sinclair Community College Oklahoma City Community College Snow College Olympic College South Central College Ouachita Technical College South Texas College Owens Community College Morgan Community College Southern State Community College Palm Beach State College Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Mott Community College Pellissippi State Community College Southwest Tennessee Community College Mount Wachusett Community College Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Spartanburg Methodist College Mountain View College Peralta Community Colleges District Office St. Vincent's College Mt. Hood Community College Pine Technical College State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota New Mexico Junior College Pittsburgh Technical Institute Tarrant County College District New Mexico State University at Alamogordo Portland Community College Treasure Valley Community College New Mexico State University at Carlsbad Rainy River Community College Trocaire College Normandale Community College Reading Area Community College Tulsa Community College North Central Texas College Richland College University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Miami Dade College Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical Minnesota State Community and Technical College Minnesota West Community and Technical College Missouri State University - West Plains Monroe Community College Montana State University - Great Falls College of Tech. Montgomery County Community College Moraine Park Technical College North Dakota State College of Science MERCER December 21, 2011 27 CUPA Survey Participating Associate’s Institutions University of Hawaii Community College University of Hawaii Hawaii Community College University of Hawaii Honolulu Community College University of Hawaii Kapiolani Community College University of Hawaii Kauai Community College University of Hawaii Leeward Community College University of Hawaii Maui College University of Hawaii Windward Community College Valencia Community College Vermillion Community College Virginia Community College System Office Volunteer State Community College Walters State Community College Washtenaw Community College Weatherford College Wenatchee Valley College Western Nebraska Community College Western Nevada College Western Technical College Westmoreland County Community College William Rainey Harper College Yavapai College MERCER December 21, 2011 28 Mercer Benchmark Database Survey Participating Education Institutions Austin Community College Knowledge Learning Corporation - Champions The Ohio State University Babson College Knowledge Learning Corporation - Children's Creative Learning Centers The University of Arizona Bentley University Knowledge Learning Corporation - KinderCare Learning Centers The University of Texas System Boston College Laureate Education, Inc. Bridgepoint Education, Inc. The University of Texas System - University of Texas Health Science Center Laureate Education, Inc. - College of Santa Fe Capella Education Company Laureate Education, Inc. - Kendall College The University of Texas System - University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Career Education Corporation Laureate Education, Inc. - Laureate Higher Education Group Transylvania University Laureate Education, Inc. - Laureate Higher Education Group University at Buffalo Laureate Education, Inc. - Laureate Latin America University of Alabama at Birmingham Laureate Education, Inc. - National Hispanic University University of Central Florida Laureate Education, Inc. - New School of Architecture and Design University of Houston Dallas County Community College District DePaul University Laureate Education, Inc. - Walden University University of Louisville DeVry, Inc. Learning Care Group, Inc University of Michigan Drexel University Los Angeles Community College District University of Minnesota Education Management Corporation Los Angeles Unified School District University of Minnesota - Crookston Educational Testing Service (ETS) Loyola University Chicago University of Minnesota - Duluth Emory University Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Minnesota - Morris Georgetown University Medical College of Wisconsin University of Notre Dame Georgia Institute of Technology Mount Holyoke College University of Pennsylvania Hampshire College National-Louis University University of Southern California Harvard University New York University Washington University Houston Independent School Northern Arizona University Weill Cornell Medical College Indiana University Northwestern University Westwood College Jefferson County Public Schools Randolph-Macon College Wheaton College Kent State University Stanford University William Marsh Rice University Knowledge Learning Corporation Texas State University-San Marcos Yeshiva University Baylor College of Medicine Carleton College Carnegie Mellon University College of DuPage College of William & Mary Cornell University The University of Chicago Tufts University University of Illinois at Chicago The Johns Hopkins University MERCER December 21, 2011 29 Mercer Benchmark Database Survey Participating Chicago Institutions Access Community Health Network Jones Lang LaSalle - Americas Akzo Nobel, Inc. Kohler Company - Interiors Group American Medical Association Laureate Education, Inc. - Kendall College Barry Callebaut USA LLC Loyola University Chicago Bovis Lend Lease - Chicago Lyric Opera of Chicago Bovis Lend Lease - MultiSite MillerCoors LLC Chicago Transit Authority National Futures Association Classified Ventures, LLC Navigant Consulting, Inc. CME Group Inc. Northern Trust Corporation CNA Financial Corporation OSI Industries, LLC - Chicago Campus Facility DePaul University PrivateBancorp, Inc. Envestnet, Inc. Quest Diagnostics - Wooddale Equity Residential Rush University Medical Center Equity Residential - Equity Corporate Housing S&C Electric Company Exelon Corporation Sidley Austin, LLP Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago SMART Technologies Corporation Fox Networks Group - Big Ten Network The Boeing Company Freeman Companies - Freeman Electrical The Options Clearing Corporation GATX Corporation The University of Chicago GKN America Corporation The University of Chicago Medical Center Grant Thornton LLP TTX Company Harris Associates L.P. U.S. Foodservice - SYMPC Chicago Harris N.A. Union Tank Car Company Health Care Service Corporation United States Cellular Corporation Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. University of Illinois at Chicago Hu-Friedy Manufacturing Company, Inc. Veolia Water North America Huron Consulting Group William Blair & Company, LLC Hyatt Hotels Corporation Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company James Hardie Industries, SE Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company - North America Jones Lang LaSalle Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company - US YMCA of the USA MERCER December 21, 2011 30