The University of South Alabama Board of Trustees today approved a 6 percent average salary increase for USA employees. The increase will take effect Oct. 1, 2000, the beginning of the University’s fiscal year, and is contingent upon the Alabama Legislature’s final approval of the 7.4 percent budget increase it has proposed for USA.

The University is the second-largest employer in Mobile County, with more than 5,800 employees.

“These well-deserved raises are the result of high productivity by USA’s employees and increased state funding supported by Gov. Don Siegelman and the Mobile area’s legislative delegation,” University President Gordon Moulton said, noting that USA employees did not receive a raise last year.

In other action, the trustees approved the appointment of a sub-committee - representing University faculty, trustees and the city of Mobile - to select an outside firm to look at the Mobile area’s potential level of support for football at USA.

The trustees also heard a progress report on USA’s new $8 million library project, and received on behalf of the University an original work of art from internationally renowned sculptor and USA graduate Tina Allen.

South Alabama will hold spring commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 6, at 2 p.m. at the Mitchell Center. USA will award 2,205 degrees this academic year.