Milestone Achievement in University Compensation: Completion of the Institutional Compensation Philosophy

Dear WesternU Community,

It is with great pride and appreciation that I share an extraordinary milestone in the history of Western University of Health Sciences. As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of equity, transparency, and excellence, we have officially completed the University’s first-ever Institutional Compensation Philosophy.

This achievement represents a significant step forward in our strategic efforts to strengthen compensation practices across the institution and to ensure that our faculty, staff, and administrators are supported through a framework that reflects both market realities and the values that define WesternU.

The completion of the Institutional Compensation Philosophy marks the successful fulfillment of the original charge provided to the Institutional Compensation Philosophy Committee (ICPC). Through thoughtful dialogue, extensive collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to shared governance, the committee successfully gathered and integrated the perspectives of faculty, staff, administrators, and governance representatives from across the University. Their work has established a sustainable, values-driven foundation that will guide compensation decisions and support institutional excellence for years to come.

The Essential Leadership of Human Resources

An initiative of this scope and significance requires exceptional leadership, coordination, and expertise. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Office of Human Resources for its pivotal role in guiding this effort from inception to completion.

Serving as the operational steward of this initiative, Human Resources worked in close partnership with the ICPC to ensure that the development of the Institutional Compensation Philosophy was informed by best practices, grounded in data, and reflective of the University’s mission and values. Their dedication, professionalism, and collaborative approach were instrumental in achieving this important milestone.

In addition, Human Resources continues to lead the broader Classification and Compensation Study in partnership with our external consultants, Mercer and ECG. As this work approaches completion, HR’s leadership remains critical in ensuring that both the newly established philosophy and the final recommendations of the study are sustainable, equitable, and aligned with WesternU’s core values of humanism, scholarship, and integrity.

Completing the Original Charge and Looking Ahead

With the successful completion of the Institutional Compensation Philosophy, the Institutional Compensation Philosophy Committee has fulfilled the charge for which it was originally convened. I extend my deepest gratitude to every member of the committee for their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to advancing this important work on behalf of the University community.

While the philosophy has now been established, its implementation, stewardship, and continuous improvement must remain embedded within WesternU’s longstanding commitment to shared governance. To ensure the ongoing success of this framework, the President’s Office has issued a new charge establishing a permanent Institutional Compensation Committee (ICC), which will assume responsibility for the long-term stewardship of the University’s compensation philosophy.

The ICC will serve as a standing advisory body and will be charged with the following responsibilities:

Compensation Philosophy Review and Alignment

• Conduct a formal review of the Institutional Compensation Philosophy at least once every three years.
• Recommend revisions as necessary to ensure continued alignment with the University’s strategic plan, mission, values, and evolving workforce needs.
• Monitor emerging trends and best practices in higher education compensation to support long-term institutional competitiveness.

Shared Governance and Advisory Support

• Serve as a joint advisory committee with balanced faculty and staff representation.
• Provide recommendations to Human Resources regarding university-wide base compensation programs and related compensation matters.
• Foster ongoing dialogue and transparency regarding compensation practices through a shared governance framework.

A Foundation for the Future

The completion of the Institutional Compensation Philosophy represents far more than the conclusion of a committee charge. It is a meaningful investment in the people who make WesternU exceptional and a reflection of our collective commitment to cultivating an environment where faculty, staff, and administrators can thrive.

Because of the thoughtful work of the ICPC and the exceptional leadership of Human Resources, WesternU now possesses a clear and transparent framework to guide compensation decisions, strengthen our ability to attract and retain outstanding talent, and reinforce our commitment to fairness, accountability, and institutional excellence.

As the Classification and Compensation Study reaches its final stages, the Office of Human Resources will continue to provide updates and implementation guidance to the University community.

On behalf of the University, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to this landmark initiative. Your dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit have helped create a lasting framework that will benefit WesternU for generations to come.

Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA
President
Western University of Health Sciences

Official WesternU Institutional Compensation Philosophy June 2026