Following criticism of the UW System for holding \backup"" jobs for some UW administrators, a committee of the UW System Board of Regents agreed in West Bend, Wis., Thursday to draft immediate and long-term changes for UW employment practices.
""We've made big mistakes,"" Regent President David Walsh said. ""There are some instances in which we blew it. We've got to give more direction, and we've got to do it right.""
In regard to the backup position controversy plaguing the System, the Business and Finance Committee said it would consider demanding that the Board of Regents approve limited-term, appointed employees' transfers from one position to another.
Another consideration is to require a UW System review of all employment settlements as well as require a documented work plan for all employees looking to transfer to another UW job.
Also under the committee's consideration is a mandate for immediate investigations of UW employees accused of crimes. The committee planned to evaluate sick leave and vacation policies as well.
The changes the committee will propose today are the response to a litany of complaints legislators have charged against the university.
Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, was one legislator who scrutinized the management of UW employees facing felonies. The UW System has its own appeals procedure, independent from the traditional legal process, for employees charged with crimes. Suder said this practice is ineffective.
""They have their own rules-UW rules. They're not required by state statute to have a separate appeals process,"" he said.
Although Suder said he would like to see UW's appeal process disbanded, how much change the committee will actually recommend will be seen at today's meeting. While reiterating the importance of job security for UW employees, regents also voiced widespread support for a new procedure.
""I think we're on the right track,"" Regent Michael Spector said.
