Notre Dame leaders to reduce own pay to help students

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — The University of Notre Dame has implemented a voluntary program for senior leaders to take pay reductions, as much as 20%, with the savings being redirected toward student financial aid. 

“In this crisis, we must do everything we can to ensure that no accepted or current students fail to enroll or return because they don’t have the money,” said University President Reverend John Jenkins.

The school will place all savings in a special Student Emergency Relief Fund, which would then be directed to students whose families face hardships stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The University’s three executive officers, deans, vice presidents and athletic department leaders have been asked to reduce their salaries from 5 to 20%, with a special payroll deduction plan beginning on July 1 and continue through June 30, 2021.

Notre Dame says nearly half of its students received financial help last year from need-based scholarships, with the median amount per student at $40,000, which is about 75% of tuition costs. 

“I commend Father Jenkins and Notre Dame’s other leaders for making personal sacrifices to address the needs of our students during this crisis,” said John J. Brennan, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees. “They epitomize those dedicated individuals who’ve contributed to the greater good throughout the history of Our Lady’s University.”