The majority of higher-education institutions did not increase senior-level staff salaries for the first time in more than 25 years, according to a survey released Monday by the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources.

Of the 1,280 institutions surveyed, who reported 2009-10 salaries for 280 selected positions, a small number noted salary decreases.

The median raise was 0 percent; last year’s was 4 percent. Both percentages were better than the inflation rate, which was negative for 2009-10.

The only group of administrators who saw an increase were assistant deans, who received an overall increase of 1.1 percent at private colleges.

— by Michelle Hillenbrand