photo by: Contributed by the University of Kansas

Barbara Bichelmeyer

The University of Kansas has finally released its contract with its new provost, detailing what benefits she will receive as the No. 2 in charge at KU.

The Journal-World requested the contract on Dec. 6, the day KU announced its appointment of Barbara Bichelmeyer, currently provost at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, as its new provost and executive vice chancellor. KU spokesman Joe Monaco said the contract was not finalized at that point and that he would send it to the Journal-World when it was finalized.

The contract, however, was actually signed by Bichelmeyer the day before, on Dec. 5.

In an email on Monday, Monaco said that while the contract was drafted and signed on Dec. 5, “there were details in it that needed to be communicated to, or confirmed by, the various units and departments mentioned throughout the document.”

The contract confirms what Monaco told the Journal-World on Dec. 6: Bichelmeyer’s salary is $425,000. This comprises a nine-month faculty base, three months of additional summer salary and an administrative supplement of $100,000.

The contract also notes that Bichelmeyer’s position is an “at-will” appointment. Should Bichelmeyer, 59, decide to step down and return to full-time faculty status, she would be able to serve as a professor in the School of Education, and her salary would reflect that change.

Bichelmeyer’s position, which begins Feb. 24, is subject to continuation at the discretion of Chancellor Douglas Girod.

Also of note in the contract:

• KU will cover Bichelmeyer’s moving expenses to Lawrence, so long as she moves within the first year of her appointment. The contract suggests, however, that Bichelmeyer inform herself of the various state regulations governing the payment of moving expenses.

• Bichelmeyer will have access to six tickets to men’s basketball games, all of which may be paid for with the funds of the Provost’s office. Two tickets are for personal use and four are for official university guests. She will also receive two passes to Girod’s suite for home football games.

• KU will provide Bichelmeyer $7,000 annually for a car allowance. Monaco said he believed that money could be put toward the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle.

• Bichelmeyer will receive a taxable benefit of $50 per pay period for her cellphone.

• Bichelmeyer may take 22 vacation days and 12 sick days each year.

Here’s a copy of Bichelmeyer’s contract:

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