Human Resources

The time period used in determining final rate of earnings is defined in statute (40 ILCS 5/15-112):

For an employee who is paid on an hourly basis or who receives an annual salary in installments during 12 months of each academic year, it is the average annual earnings during the 48 consecutive calendar month period ending with the last day of final termination of employment or the 4 consecutive academic years of service in which the employee's earnings were the highest, whichever is greater.

For any other employee, it is the average annual earnings during the 4 consecutive academic years of service in which his or her earnings were the highest. The academic year is the 12-month period starting on the first day of the employer’s fall term.