Less than 10 percent of UW-Platteville’s share of a controversial retention and recruitment fund ended up going toward newly hired faculty during the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years.

According to UW-P budget information, out of the $219,300 UW-P received from the UW System recruitment and retention fund, only $20,500 went to newly hired faculty or research academic staff. Five individuals were given money from the fund in addition to their starting base salary, with the largest distribution to one individual being $10,000 over the biennium.

Graphic by Andrew Reuter

The Criminal Justice Department offered contracts for tenure-track positions to two people in the spring, Thomas Caywood, chair of the department, said. However, the two candidates backed out of the offers in May. One cited personal reasons and the other received a better offer from a community college.

Caywood said that in 2007 the position of department chair was available, but that candidate also turned down the offer for salary reasons.

“This is a problem when you don’t have a pay scale,” Caywood said. “It seems like we’re pitting each other against other faculty members. I think a pay scale would help that.”

A tenure-track position was filled in the Psychology Department this year Elizabeth Gates, Psychology Department chair, said. However, it was preceded by failed searches the previous three years for academic staff positions. Salary concerns were one of the reasons for the failed searches.

Gates said there is always a risk of faculty and staff members seeking opportunities in clinical work or as statistical consultants, both areas where they can make more money.

After the first three searches, the Psychology Department was given permission to hire for a tenure track position, Gates said. Sean Shiverick was selected for the position.

“We are thrilled to have him,” Gates said.