Classified staff question provost's salary procedures

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat "It is absolutely untrue that we would consider taking money from a staff allocation to supplement the salaries of faculty." Paul Sypherd UA provost

The story on faculty pay drew immediate response from University of Arizona classified staff who questioned the practices described by UA Provost Paul Sypherd.

Sypherd posted a letter in Lo Que Pasa online Friday, and purchased a full-page ad in the Wildcat Tuesday, explaining that his comments were misinterpreted. He also distributed a letter explaining his remarks during Monday's Faculty Senate meeting.

Sypherd's report showed the UA lost 91 faculty and sought-after recruits to other universities that offered higher salaries. The story discussed ways the UA could accumulate funds to make its faculty pay more competitive.

Sypherd, responding to a question about using funds designated for staff for faculty, said, "We have in the past used money specified for 'staff' in just that way, and would continue that in the future."

Patricia Perkins, president of the council that represents all UA classified staff, said earlier this week the group would investigate Sypherd's comments and possibly take action.

"The concern is requesting money for staff and using it for faculty," Perkins said.

"It is absolutely untrue that we would consider taking money from a staff allocation to supplement the salaries of faculty," Sypherd said in the Wildcat ad.

Anthony C. Braza can be reached via e-mail at Anthony.C.Braza@wildcat.arizona.edu.