Merit Process

Merit Process

Your work and contributions matter — At the University of Richmond, merit is shaped by performance, where your pay falls within your salary range, and available budget. Together, these elements help ensure merit decisions are fair, competitive, and aligned with both individual contributions and market considerations. Explore below to learn more about the annual merit process.

Learn more about PerformanceLearn more about Compensation

How Performance, Compensation, & Budget Connect

Performance, compensation, and budget connect through the merit process. At the end of the performance cycle, your performance rating helps determine your merit increase.

When making merit decisions, merit planners consider several factors, including performance outcomes, position in the salary range, and available merit funding. Together, these elements help ensure merit increases recognize employee contributions and support fair and consistent pay practices.

The '26 Merit Process Timeline

The 2026 Merit process timeline for the University of Richmond
End-of-Year Performance opens on March 30 and closes on May 6. From May 18 to June 5, Merit Planners will be able to input merit allocations. On June 22, managers will receive their employees’ merit statements and will have until July 3 to have a conversation with their employees on their merit. Employees’ merit will be visible to employees starting July 6.

Resources for Merit, Performance, and Compensation

Resources for Performance

Resources for Check-Ins:

Resources for Effective Performance Conversations

Resources for Compensation

Compensation Strategy and Definitions

University of Richmond's salary structure

Staff Position and Compensation Change Policy

Resources for Merit

Merit Planner Training — Coming soon

Job Aids and Videos — Coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What is merit?
    Merit is a pay increase awarded based on your performance during the performance cycle. It recognizes your contributions and impact over the past year.

  • What is a salary range?

    Each role is assigned to a salary range with a minimum, midpoint, and maximum. The midpoint typically represents the market rate for that position.

     

  • How is performance evaluated?
    Performance is assessed during the annual performance cycle based on goals, behaviors, and overall contribution to the University of Richmond’s mission.

  • How does performance impact merit increases?

    Your performance rating plays a key role in determining your merit increase. Higher levels of performance may result in higher merit opportunities, recognizing strong results and contributions.

  • Does where I fall in my salary range matter?

    Yes. In addition to performance, managers consider where your current pay falls within your salary range.