Most Vanderbilt staff members will find a little extra in their next paycheck in recognition of their efforts to see the institution through an extraordinarily challenging year.

 “Because of the nation’s unprecedented economic downturn a year ago, we asked our staff to make sacrifices so that Vanderbilt could weather the storm without compromising our educational, health care and research missions,” Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos said.

He noted that departments across the university reduced their budgets and that no annual pay raises were awarded. As a result, the university was able to avoid mass layoffs and continue to advance its mission.

“While the entire Vanderbilt community sacrificed over the past year, I recognize that many employees might have experienced more difficulty than others,” Zeppos said. “This extra pay is a way to say ‘thank you.’”

Richard McCarty, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, said the efforts of staff throughout the institution helped Vanderbilt avoid many of the issues that other universities faced over the past year. “During this time, we came together as one university, and recognizing this united effort throughout the institution is important, and I am pleased we could do so this year,” he said.

“The efforts and sacrifices of our people during a very difficult year are the key reason we are able to continue all of our exciting work with confidence, and I could not be more grateful,” said Dr. Jeff Balser, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine.

Vanderbilt regular staff with an annual base rate of pay less than $100,000 are eligible for the extra pay. Temporary staff and those who have been employed less than six months as of June 30, 2009, or are on final performance improvement counseling status are ineligible. The payment is subject to tax withholdings and other legally mandated deductions.

Those employed on or before July 1, 2008, and have been employed full-time continuously for at least one year as of June 30, 2009, will receive $500 in their next paycheck on or after Nov. 30, 2009. Regular part-time staff will be eligible for $250. In contrast, those employed on or before Jan. 1, 2009, who have worked continuously for at least six months as of June 30, 2009, will receive $250 if they are full-time and $125 if they are part-time.

Staff eligible for the extra pay will receive an e-mail communication from the chancellor early next week.