Since our budget discussions in December, there have been a number of developments which will impact this year’s CPM.  At the moment we have $843,740 in resignations and retirements.

 

            First, Botany hired a position that was promised by UW as an EPSCOR match.  Startup for this position, which was considerable, is being paid fully by EPSCOR as is the first year of the salary.  However, we must pick up the salary in the second year.  Thus, a reduction in funds available for hiring in the coming year of $60,000.

 

            Second, the Botany hire had a spouse who teaches Statistics.  The Statistics department is clearly one that is understaffed—only 58 percent of courses hours are taught by tenure track faculty or extended term APs.  Therefore, I approved this position as spousal support—the first year salary is being funded from a variety of sources but it too must be picked up in the second—therefore, another $60,000 reduction.

 

            Third, Deb McGriff has resigned as Director of African American Studies and we do not have a qualified replacement.  Thus, I have authorized a search.

 

            Fourth, as you know Fred Homer passed away earlier this month.  This has put Political Science down three from its normal contingent.  Therefore, I authorized a search to replace Fred.

 

            Fifth, after extended negotiations, which have not totally concluded, Zoo has secured the acceptance of a very high profile ecologist.  Because of previous obligations this person would come to UW until the fall of 2007 which creates flexibility in our part-time budget.

 

            Finally, Chemistry has been successful in one of its searches but prospects are very dim for the second.  Here again, this would reduce the pressure on our part-time budget by freeing up salary funds and startup commitments.

 

            If there are no additional resignations or retirements we are looking at 6 or 7 positions that would be available through CPM.  Also, you may recall that the University has requested additional faculty lines.  The Governor recommended 9 new positions.  If the Legislature approves the Governor’s budget request, it is possible that we would receive several of these new lines.

 

            A final budget note.  Recall that over the last two years we have received an increase in our support budget of about $150,000.  This amount was generated from increased enrollments and increases in tuition.  Because enrollments are down, increases in additional support budgets will be less than previous years according to Phil Harris.  To be clear, this is not a decrease in our support budget—it is a decrease in increases we were hoping to receive.

 

Let me know if you have questions.

 

Ollie