Dean Jones says:

"Perhaps...But at this point you are an 'unproven entity.'  If you were an eminent scholar wanting to move here from a 'Big-Name University' then I could see paying you a salary at the 99th percentile.  But you aren't; you are just starting your career.

Tell you what:  I am willing to adjust my offer a bit. I'll raise the nine-month salary to the 57th percentile and lower the number of days per week that you teach to three.  And I'll fund TWO conference trips for you for the next two years.

Here is the new contract package I'd like to offer you:

**TWO guaranteed trips to conferences each year for two years

**$1,000 for software to analyze data

**$10,000 for hardware (i.e., special computer processor and other equipment)

**A nine-month salary at the 57th percentile

**Required to teach three summer sessions, none of which count toward your teaching load

**Three-day a week teaching schedule."

How will you respond?

1.  I accept your generous offer!

2.  I'd like THREE conference trips, please.

3.  I requested the 99th percentile, and you offered the 57th percentile.  Why don't we 'split the difference' and settle on the 77th percentile?