Like other state employees, Metro State’s classified staff has not received a pay raise in four years.

However, the College’s 263 classified employees received a present from President Stephen Jordan just before the holidays. For the first time, Metro State gave each classified employee a $50 gift card that was redeemable at Target or Walmart.

“They really appreciated the gesture,” said Judith Zewe, associate vice president of Human Resources.

The gift card program is part of the College’s efforts to acknowledge the contributions of classified staff in light of state budget cuts and pay freezes.

Classified employees received eight hours of paid administrative leave either the Friday after Thanksgiving or the Friday before winter break. Last summer, classified staff learned they could can apply for an RTD Eco Pass and have the College pick up the tab.