MADISON—University of Wisconsin System President Kevin P. Reilly on Friday provided information about employees requested by the co-chairs of the Legislature’s Joint Audit Committee.
The data collected for the Audit Committee indicates that 3.3 percent of UW System employees have rights to return to a faculty or academic staff position at the end of a limited appointment, a term in which an employee serves in an administrative role at the request of an appointing official.
Of the total 33,063 university employees, 1,092 serve in limited appointments and have a so-called “back-up” position either by contract or as required under Wisconsin Statutes.
“It’s important for Wisconsin citizens to be confident in how their public university system conducts day-to-day business in serving students and campus communities,” Reilly said, reiterating his call last week for a review of the university’s employment practices by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau. “Through reforms and ongoing reviews, we will strengthen how we attract top-quality employees, address personnel problems, and respect the rights of those who work in public university service. The Board of Regents and I will see to it that constructive changes are made.”
In his letter to the co-chairs, Reilly said he has already implemented changes to ensure greater oversight of contractual arrangements made by UW institutions. The Board of Regents will address its review of employment policies and practices at its September meeting.
Reilly provided the letter and information in response to a July 25 request by Audit Committee co-chairs Sen. Carol Roessler and Rep. Suzanne Jeskewitz, who expressed concerns about UW System employees with rights to return to another position following the end of a limited appointment.
“I look forward to a long-term, productive, and trustworthy relationship with the public and the Legislature,” Reilly said. “When I took office last September, I pledged that the UW System would be open and transparent in all that it does. I remain committed to those goals.”