2025-11-11T22:55:00+00:00 2024-12-31 346565596 ERNST & YOUNG US LLP 560 MISSION STREET SAN FRANCISCO CA 941052907 990 2024-01-01 942992642 Samuel Merritt University SAMU 9162866665 450 30TH STREET SUITE 2840 OAKLAND CA 94609 CHING-HUA WANG president 2025-11-12 true Eva Nitta P01286320 4158948000 2025-11-12 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z CHING-HUA WANG 450 30TH STREET SUITE 2840 OAKLAND CA 94609 134762793 false X WWW.SAMUELMERRITT.EDU X 1984 CA Samuel Merritt University educates students to become highly skilled and compassionate health care professionals who positively transform the experience of care in diverse communities. 19 18 1051 62 0 8137086 8289955 91453088 99627074 12645105 25251441 1667795 1594323 113903074 134762793 8956586 10770338 0 61640135 63355089 0 2442858 37022083 34971892 107618804 109097319 6284270 25665474 566034361 595616621 270054587 275679159 295979774 319937462 SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY EDUCATES STUDENTS TO BECOME HIGHLY SKILLED AND COMPASSIONATE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS WHO POSITIVELY TRANSFORM THE EXPERIENCE OF CARE IN DIVERSE COMMUNITIES. false false 82930309 10770338 99627074 SEE SCHEDULE O 82930309 true true false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true false true false false false false false false false false false true true true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 187 0 true 1051 true false false false false false false false false false false false false X 19 18 false false false false false false false true true false false false true true true true true true true true false false CA X X TONY BARAGHIMIAN 6613836253 3300 WEBSTER STREET SUITE 322 OAKLAND CA 94609 Ching-Hua Wang President 60.0 0.0 X X 921283 0 68502 Alvin McLean Regent & Chair 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Amber Luther Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Anna Kiger Regent & Chief Nursing Officer (THRU 06/24) 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Brad Barber Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Caroline Cabias Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Christine Helwick Regent (from 6/30/24) 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Conrad Vial Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Dennis O'Connell Regent & Vice-Chair 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Elizabeth Chaney Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Eric Roberts Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Jeff Gerard Regent (from 9/24/24) 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Katherine Schapiro Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Kevin Hart Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Lisa Zuffi Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Melanie Bell-Mayeda Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Mercedes Chavira Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Neptaly Aguilera Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Saul Rosenbaum Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Shefali Parikh Regent 5.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Dave Lawlor Executive Vice President & Treasurer 60.0 0.0 X 819243 0 97332 Albert Frisone Former VP for University Advancement and Communication (from 1/1/24 to 1/8/24) 60.0 0.0 X 386378 0 5743 Brian Clocksin Provost Executive Vice President, Academic/Student Affairs 60.0 0.0 X 436567 0 81041 Emily Prieto-Tseregounis Chief of Staff, VP of Exernal Affairs 60.0 0.0 X 314042 0 54275 Eric Stamps Former Dean and Professor of Podiatric Medicine (from 1/1/24 to 9/27/24) 60.0 0.0 X 228143 0 22558 Evaon Wong-Kim Former Dean of Health Sciences (from 1/1/24 to 7/20/24) 60.0 0.0 X 178122 0 39305 Gina Squara VP for Strategic Growth & Marketing 60.0 0.0 X 275673 0 32467 Mark Razzante Interim Dean, College of Podiatric Medicine (from 9/30/24) 60.0 0.0 X 183733 0 29995 Steven Rush Dean of Nursing 40.0 0.0 X 275977 0 15360 Joseph Janakes Program Director 40.0 0.0 X 323663 0 71712 Kevin Hamby Assistant Professor 40.0 0.0 X 304344 0 59515 Nila Hollis Director of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program 40.0 0.0 X 253008 0 0 Orophenia Bollinger Assistant Professor 40.0 0.0 X 292993 0 50518 Seanny Min Assistant Professor 40.0 0.0 X 266575 0 29575 5459744 0 657898 175 false true false STRADA T5T6 MANAGER LLC 201 SPEAR STREET SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 2799781 HOOD & STRONG LLP 60 S MARKET STREET SAN JOSE CA 95113 AUDIT 274300 NOVUS LAW FIRM INC 621 CAPITOL MALL SACRAMENTO CA 958144724 LEGAL 252416 Marcus Penn - 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Schedule D, Part X, Line 2 FIN 48 (ASC 740) footnote The University is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), though it is subject to tax on income unrelated to its exempt purpose, unless that income is otherwise excluded by the Code. The University has also been recognized by the California Franchise Tax Board as exempt from California franchise and income taxes under Section 23701(d) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. The University has processes presently in place to ensure the maintenance of its tax-exempt status; to identify and report unrelated income; to determine its filing and tax obligations in jurisdictions for which it has nexus; and to identify and evaluate other matters that may be considered tax positions. The University follows guidance that clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, including issues relating to financial statement recognition and measurement. This guidance provides that the tax effects from an uncertain tax position can only be recognized in the financial statements if the position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained if the position were to be challenged by a taxing authority. The assessment of the tax position is based solely on the technical merits of the position, without regard to the likelihood that the tax position may be challenged. The University has determined that there are no material uncertain tax positions that require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements. Schedule D, Part XI, Line 4(b) Other revenues in form 990 not in audited financial statements Scholarship and Related Expenses - 10770338 Schedule D, Part XII, Line 4(b) Other expenses in form 990 not in audited financial statements Scholarship and Related Expenses - 10770338 true true true true true true true false false false false false false false false true false true Schedule E, Part I, Line 3 RACIALLY NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY THROUGH BROCHURES AND APPLICATIONS. Schedule E, Part I, Line 6(a) FINANCIAL AID OR ASSISTANCE FROM A GOVERNMENT SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY RECEIVES GOVERNMENT AID THROUGH FEDERAL STUDENT AID PROGRAMS. true Affinity FNPDNP Scholarship 1 17439 Clinical Leadership Scholarship 76 1326621 Dean's Scholarship of Podiatry 47 121250 FNPOnline Advance Your Practice Scholars 143 386790 HCAI Psych Mental Health Nurse Grant 1 20000 Michelle Le Memorial Scholarship 2 2502 Social Work Scholarship 43 246518 HRSA Nursing Workforce Scholarship 31 411880 The Hope Scholarship 14 62157 The Hope BSN Scholarship 168 763000 Psych Mental Health Scholarship 7 20800 President Podiatry Scholarship 8 45000 Regents Scholarship 2 17500 RNBSN Kaiser Permanente Scholarship 131 653861 RNBSN SMU Scholarship 161 229879 RN to BSN Scholarship 146 749357 Sutter Employee Discount 73 371176 Samuel Merritt Scholarship 453 1835396 SMU Alumni Scholarship 138 354733 SMU Alumni FNP Scholarship 45 162165 SMU Faculty Benefit-(Faculty Benefit Scholarship) 12 97810 Hanes Burkart Quasi POD Scholarship 2 3989 Sharon C. Diaz Scholarship 25 98500 Special Purpose Scholarship 418 937865 Endowment Fund Scholarship 581 1834150 Schedule I, Part I, Line 2 Procedures for monitoring use of grant funds GRANT FUNDS ARE GIVEN TO FULFILL THE ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION AND ONLY FOR 501(C)(3) PURPOSES. REGULAR CHECKIN MEETINGS ARE HELD WITH THOSE THAT RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS TO MONITOR USE OF GRANT FUNDS. FOR GRANT FUNDS PERTAINING TO FINANCIAL AID, STUDENT FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS ARE REVIEWED ANNUALLY BY THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE IN ORDER TO ENSURE GRANT FUNDS ARE AWARDED APPROPRIATELY BASED ON THE INDIVIDUAL AWARD CRITERIA. THE STUDENT ACCOUNTS OFFICE APPLIES FINANCIAL AID AWARDED THROUGH GRANTS DIRECTLY TO A STUDENT'S ACCOUNT TO REDUCE THE STUDENT'S TUITION. X X X X X true true false false false false false true false Ching-Hua Wang President 706723 0 180000 0 34560 0 68502 0 0 0 989785 0 0 0 Dave Lawlor Executive Vice President & Treasurer 594121 0 200000 0 25122 0 68974 0 28358 0 916575 0 0 0 Steven Rush Dean of Nursing 272138 0 0 0 3839 0 15360 0 0 0 291337 0 0 0 Emily Prieto-Tseregounis Chief of Staff, VP of Exernal Affairs 273437 0 40000 0 605 0 23000 0 31275 0 368317 0 0 0 Brian Clocksin Provost Executive Vice President, Academic/Student Affairs 374477 0 60000 0 2090 0 52683 0 28358 0 517608 0 0 0 Eric Stamps Former Dean and Professor of Podiatric Medicine (from 1/1/24 to 9/27/24) 225578 0 0 0 2565 0 22558 0 0 0 250701 0 0 0 Gina Squara VP for Strategic Growth & Marketing 254834 0 20000 0 839 0 22254 0 10213 0 308140 0 0 0 Mark Razzante Interim Dean, College of Podiatric Medicine (from 9/30/24) 183430 0 0 0 303 0 5722 0 24273 0 213728 0 0 0 Evaon Wong-Kim Former Dean of Health Sciences (from 1/1/24 to 7/20/24) 176090 0 0 0 2032 0 39305 0 0 0 217427 0 0 0 Albert Frisone Former VP for University Advancement and Communication (from 1/1/24 to 1/8/24) 386145 0 0 0 233 0 3554 0 2189 0 392121 0 0 0 Orophenia Bollinger Assistant Professor 291533 0 0 0 1460 0 21345 0 29173 0 343511 0 0 0 Joseph Janakes Program Director 315348 0 0 0 8315 0 44177 0 27535 0 395375 0 0 0 Kevin Hamby Assistant Professor 299662 0 0 0 4682 0 30342 0 29173 0 363859 0 0 0 Seanny Min Assistant Professor 265168 0 0 0 1407 0 10626 0 18949 0 296150 0 0 0 Nila Hollis Director of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program 252569 0 0 0 439 0 0 0 0 0 253008 0 0 0 Schedule J, Part I, Line 3 Arrangement used to establish the top management official's compensation SUPPLEMENTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS RETAINS ULTIMATE DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OVER ALL ELEMENTS OF COMPENSATION TO ASSURE THAT ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSES ARE APPROPRIATELY BEING SERVED. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE USES CREDIBLE DATA SOURCES AND MAINTAINS AN OBJECTIVE "ARM'S LENGTH" DECISION-MAKING PROCESS, ENSURING THE INTEGRITY OF THE UNIVERSITY'S EXECUTIVE PROGRAMS AND CONSISTENCY WITH THE ORGANIZATION'S OVERALL MISSION. SEE SCHEDULE O NARRATIVE FOR PART VI, LINE 15 FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPENSATION APPROVAL PROCESS COMPLETED BY SAMUEL MERRITT. Schedule J, Part I, Line 4a Severance or change-of-control payment Albert Frisone received severance payments of $294,146 during the tax year. Schedule J, Part I, Line 4b Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan The University also offers a Non-Qualified Retirement Plan 457(B), eligible to highly compensated individuals as defined by the IRS. There is no University matching under this plan and employee contributions to the plan vest immediately. The University also offers a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) 457(F) for two of its officers. The plan is designated as a non-qualified deferred compensation plan and is exempt from filing and audit requirements under Title I of ERISA. Schedule J, Part I, Line 7 Non-fixed payments THERE ARE NO SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE SPOT AWARD, AVERAGE AMOUNT OF SPOT AWARDS TEND TO NOT EXCEED 5% TO 15% OF GROSS ANNUAL SALARY. ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN (AIP): THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAN IS TO FOCUS EXECUTIVES ON SPECIFIC, SHORTER-TERM GOALS THAT ARE CRITICAL TO THE ACHIEVEMENT OF AFFILIATE, OPERATING UNIT AND SYSTEM-WIDE OBJECTIVES THAT DRIVE OVERALL ORGANIZATION PERFORMANCE. IN ALL CASES, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD DETERMINES ACHIEVEMENT OF ORGANIZATION GOALS AND MAKES FINAL AWARD DETERMINATION WHICH MAY RESULT IN A REDUCTION OF AWARD IF APPROPRIATE. ALL SENIOR EXECUTIVE AWARDS ARE REVIEWED FOR COMPENSATION REASONABLENESS AND APPROVED BY THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE PRIOR TO PAYMENT. A California Municipal Financing Authority 201563466 13048VF37 2022-12-01 140088561 To construct new Oakland, CA campus. false false false A 0 0 149987596 0 2120004 0 2126715 0 0 127467931 13954500 5392211 false false true true A false false false false false false 0.0 0.0 0.0 false false 0 false true A false true false false false false 0 false false false 0 false false true A true Schedule K, Part V Different Procedures to Undertake Corrective Action Issuer name: California Municipal Financing Authority Total proceeds represents unspent proceeds from issuance plus interest earned on unexpended proceeds. Other spent proceeds represent the annual interest payments on debt paid. Capitalized interest from proceeds represents the portion of annual interest expense incurred on bonds less interest earned on unexpended debt proceeds less bond premium amortization. Form 990, Part III, Line 1 MISSION STATEMENT Samuel Merritt University educates students to become highly skilled and compassionate health care professionals who positively transform the experience of care in diverse communities. Form 990, Part III, Line 4a SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY, ORIGINALLY FOUNDED IN 1909, IS A FULLY ACCREDITED HEALTH SCIENCES INSTITUTION LOCATED IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA WITH CAMPUSES IN SACRAMENTO, SAN MATEO, AND FRESNO. THE UNIVERSITY ALSO OFFERS SELECT DEGREES ONLINE. VALUES: A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WHERE WE CHALLENGE OURSELVES AND OUR STUDENTS TO THINK CRITICALLY, SEEK MASTERY AND ACT COMPASSIONATELY. A COLLEGIAL ENVIRONMENT WHERE WE ARE FAIR, RESPECTFUL AND BEHAVE WITH INTEGRITY. A COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE WE PARTNER WITH ONE ANOTHER AND WITH OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY. AN INNOVATIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE WE TAKE REASONED RISKS AND MOVE NIMBLY. A RESULTS-ORIENTED ENVIRONMENT WHERE WE PROVIDE AND EXPECT EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND SERVICE. PROGRAMS UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM: THE UNIVERSITY OFFERS A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN). IN ADDITION, SMU OFFERS AN ACCELERATED BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (ABSN) AND AN RN TO BSN BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE. GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS - MASTER'S LEVEL: SMU OFFERS SEVERAL MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMS: MASTER OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING - FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER, MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING - CASE MANAGEMENT, MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING - CLINICAL LEADERSHIP EDUCATION, MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK, MASTER OF HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, AND MASTER PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT. THE UNIVERSITY ALSO OFFERS TWO ENTRY-LEVEL MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING DEGREE PROGRAMS. POST-PROFESSIONAL GRADUATE DEGREES IN NURSING INCLUDE PROGRAMS IN NURSE ANESTHESIA (CRNA), CASE MANAGEMENT (CM), AND FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER (FNP). GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS - DOCTORAL LEVEL: THE UNIVERSITY OFFERS SEVERAL DOCTORAL DEGREES: DOCTOR OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE, DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY, DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE, AND DOCTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY. ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS: SMU OFFERS SEVERAL OF ITS DEGREES IN THE ONLINE MODALITY: MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (POST-PROFESSIONAL FNP), RN TO BSN BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE, AND DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE. FACULTY AND STUDENTS (FALL 2024) NUMBER OF FULL-TIME FACULTY: 170 STUDENT/FACULTY CLINICAL RATIO: 8.0 TO 1 SAMUEL MERRITT STUDENTS: TOTAL STUDENTS: 1,926 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: 735 GRADUATE STUDENTS: 1,191 MEN: 23 % / WOMEN: 77% ACCREDITATION: REGIONAL ACCREDITATION: WASC SENIOR COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY COMMISSION (WSCUC). SPECIALIZED ACCREDITATION: ACCREDITATION REVIEW COMMISSION ON EDUCATION FOR THE PHYSICIAN. FACILITIES: INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITIES 250-SEAT FONTAINE AUDITORIUM (NOT LOCATED IN FRESNO FACILITIES); JOHN A. GRAZIANO MEMORIAL LIBRARY INCLUDING STUDY ROOMS AND COMPUTER LABS (NOT LOCATED IN FRESNO FACILITIES); MOTION ANALYSIS RESOURCE CENTER (MARC) (NOT LOCATED IN FRESNO FACILITIES). OTHER LABORATORIES INCLUDE THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE, EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, ANATOMY, NURSING, PODIATRIC MEDICINE, BIOMECHANICS, PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS, AND HEALTH SCIENCES SIMULATION CENTER (HSSC). OTHER FACILITIES STUDENT LOUNGES, STUDY SPACE, AND EXERCISE FACILITIES (NOT LOCATED IN FRESNO FACILITIES). Form 990, Part VI, Line 1a Delegate broad authority to a committee The Board of Regents shall have the authority to organize itself an to form committees, as it deems appropriate. The Board shall have the following standing committees: Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Audit and Compliance Committee, and Podiatric Medical Education Advisory Committee. Each Committee shall have a charter approved by the Board defining its functions, membership, duties and powers. Each committee is supported and staffed by a member of the President's Cabinet appointed by the University President. Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b Review of form 990 by governing body THE INFORMATION AND DATA USED IN FORM 990 IS GATHERED, CALCULATED, AND COMPILED BY THE UNIVERSITY'S CONTROLLER. UPON COMPLETING THESE STEPS, THE INFORMATION IS FORWARDED TO THE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL. ONCE APPROVED, THE INFORMATION AND DATA IS UPLOADED ELECTRONICALLY TO THE UNIVERSITY ACCOUNTING FIRM'S DATA COLLECTION WEBSITE, FOR PREPARATION OF THE FORM 990. ONCE COMPLETED, THE FORM 990 IS FORWARDED TO THE CONTROLLER TO ENSURE THAT INFORMATION THAT HAD BEEN PROVIDED ELECTRONICALLY WAS ENTERED ONTO THE FORM 990 CORRECTLY. THE CONTROLLER AND THE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER REVIEW THE FORM 990 FOR COMPLETENESS AND ACCURACY. AFTER WHICH, THE FORM IS PRESENTED TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND COPIES ARE CIRCULATED TO THE BOARD OF REGENTS FOR REVIEW AND COMMENTS. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE FORM 990 IS FILED WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. THE FULL FILING COPY IS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE POSTING ON THE UNIVERSITY'S FINANCE OFFICE WEBSITE. Form 990, Part VI, Line 12c Conflict of interest policy PROCESS TO MONITOR TRANSACTIONS FOR CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: EMPLOYEES ARE EDUCATED ON THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND THE NEED TO MAKE DISCLOSURE AS PART OF ANNUAL COMPLIANCE EDUCATION. IN ADDITION, ANNUALLY A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS COMPLETED BY ALL DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES. ON THIS STATEMENT THE INDIVIDUAL WILL LIST A WIDE RANGE OF INFORMATION WHICH INCLUDES BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS, EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS, PROPERTY INTERESTS, AND THOSE OF RELATED PARTIES. IF THERE IS A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST RELATED TO A PARTICULAR TRANSACTION, THE INTERESTED INDIVIDUAL MUST DISCLOSE THE EXISTENCE AND NATURE OF THE RELATIONSHIP. THE BOARD CHAIR MAY APPOINT A DISINTERESTED PERSON OR COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE CONFLICT. THE BOARD MAY CONSULT WITH THE OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL AS NECESSARY. UNTIL THE POTENTIAL CONFLICT IS RESOLVED, THE BOARD CHAIR (OR COMMITTEE CHAIR AS APPLICABLE) MAY REQUEST THE INDIVIDUAL TO NOT PARTICIPATE DURING RELATED PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS. IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES INVOLVING AN ACTUAL CONFLICT, THE INTERESTED INDIVIDUAL SHALL LEAVE THE ROOM PRIOR TO THE BOARD'S FINAL DISCUSSION AND VOTE. Form 990, Part VI, Line 15a Process to establish compensation of top management official PROCESS FOR DETERMINING COMPENSATION: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS RETAINS ULTIMATE DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OVER ALL ELEMENTS OF COMPENSATION TO ASSURE THAT ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSES ARE APPROPRIATELY BEING SERVED. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE USES CREDIBLE DATA SOURCES AND MAINTAINS AN OBJECTIVE "ARMS LENGTH" DECISION-MAKING PROCESS, ENSURING THE INTEGRITY OF SAMUEL MERRITT'S EXECUTIVE PROGRAMS AND CONSISTENCY WITH THE ORGANIZATION'S OVERALL MISSION. IN ORDER TO ENSURE EXTERNAL COMPETITIVENESS, NATIONAL, CALIFORNIA AND LOCAL MARKET AREA COMPENSATION DATA COMPARISONS ARE REVIEWED. COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS INCLUDES: (A) BASE SALARY, (B) TOTAL CASH (BASE SALARY + ANNUAL INCENTIVE), (C) TOTAL DIRECT CASH (BASE SALARY + ANNUAL INCENTIVE + LONG TERM INCENTIVE) AND (D) TOTAL REMUNERATION (BASE SALARY + ANNUAL INCENTIVE + BENEFITS AND LONG TERM INCENTIVE). THIS ANALYSIS INCLUDES COMPARABLE ORGANIZATIONS AND GEOGRAPHIC CONSIDERATIONS. FOR THE MOST SENIOR EXECUTIVE POSITIONS, NATIONAL COMPARISONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS SIMILAR IN SIZE, SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY AS SAMUEL MERRITT ARE MOST APPROPRIATE SINCE IT IS A NATIONAL MARKETPLACE IN WHICH SAMUEL MERRITT COMPETES FOR EXECUTIVE TALENT. ON THE OTHER HAND, BECAUSE CALIFORNIA'S UNDERLYING COMPENSATION STRUCTURE IS HIGHER THAN NATIONAL DATA (ESPECIALLY IN THE BAY AREA), REGIONAL PAY ADJUSTMENTS MAY BE MADE. OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES OF THIS ORGANIZATION UNDERGO A REVIEW AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE APPROVAL ANNUALLY, AND SUCH APPROVAL IS RECORDED IN THE MINUTES. THE 2024 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION APPROVAL WAS COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 2024. Form 990, Part VI, Line 19 Required documents available to the public AVAILABILITY OF GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, COI POLICY & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: SAMUEL MERRIT UNIVERSITY POSTS ITS CURRENT AND PAST AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT SAMUELMERRITT.EDU. OTHER DOCUMENTS ARE ALSO LOCATED AT THIS WEBSITE INCLUDING THE MISSION STATEMENT, HISTORY, AND LINKS TO POLICIES. THE GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT THIS TIME.