University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
PA-9: Employee Compensation

The Office of State Employment Relations (OSER) is charged with developing all compensation provisions for State of WI and UW System classified employees. http://oser.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=7653 The University of WI System has guidelines, laws, rules, policies and practices pertaining to salary setting and adjustments for limited term, appointees, faculty and academic staff. http://www.uwsa.edu/ohrwd/policies/upg4.pdf The Division of Compensation and Labor Relations (DCLR) of the Wisconsin State Office of Employment Relations maintains a labor market survey research program that investigates external market comparable data.

The UW-Stevens Point "Living Wage" Task Force used the Poverty In America Living Wage Calculator for Portage County WI. The Living Wage for one adult is $8.81. The Task Force estimated the Living Wage necessary for UWSP employees to be within the range of $9.36 to $10.95 depending on the assumptions used in the calculations. Using the single adult reference point it is safe to conclude that UWSP does pay a living wage in Central Wisconsin since the lowest starting wage by the Office of State Employee Relations is $11.40

The Office of State Employment Relations (OSER) sets the starting wage for job titles in all state agencies and UW institutions. Beginning July 1, 2013 the lowest starting wage within the system is $11.397 which is greater than all of the estimates for a single adult. The University contributes towards the cost of health and dental insurance. The Wisconsin Retirement System provides retirement (pension) benefits to UW employees. Upon retirement, layoff or termination with 20+ years of service, employees are eligible to convert unused sick leave hours into a dollar amount to pay State Group Health Insurance premiums. Classified permanent and project employees are eligible to earn paid leave time. The majority of UW-Stevens Point faculty members are paid less than the national average. UW-Stevens Point has begun addressing the shortfall in faculty salaries using revenue garnered from improving efficiencies, increasing student retention and, where necessary, reducing or eliminating existing programming.

The Office of State Employment Relations (OSER) sets the starting wage for job titles in all state agencies and UW institutions. Beginning July 1, 2013 the lowest starting wage within the system is $11.397 which is greater than all of the estimates for a single adult. The University contributes towards the cost of health and dental insurance. The Wisconsin Retirement System provides retirement (pension) benefits to UW employees. Employees working below 50% time pay 50% of the entire premium for their health plan. Classified permanent and project employees are eligible to earn paid leave time prorated based on appointment percentage.

Hourly pay rates for Limited Term Employees (LTEs) normally range from $8.00 to $12.00 per hour depending on the responsibilities of the job. The University contributes towards the cost of health and dental insurance; LTEs with one appointment must pay 50% of the entire premium for their health plan. LTE's are not eligible to earn paid leave.

Group health insurance is offered to short-term Academic Staff (includes Visiting Faculty) if they are expected to work at least 21% for at least six months (12-month employees) or 28% for at least one semester (9-month employees). Temporary faculty are eligible for paid leave. You are eligible for paid leave if you are enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System or are expected to work at least 21% in an annual appointment or 28% in an academic year appointment for at least one year. If you are less than 100% time, your leave hours will be pro-rated based on your appointment percentage. Paid leave is allocated on a fiscal year basis - the fiscal year runs from July 1 - June 30. Academic year employees are not eligible for Vacation and Personal Holiday.

Campus (Federal) minimum wage for student employees is $7.25/hour. Many student employment classifications pay higher. Federal Work Study is available for students with demonstrated financial need. For the most part, on-campus positions may use eligible Work Study students. Additionally, off-campus, non-profit agencies may submit a request for Work Study students to work at their place of employment. Compensation for Grad student employees could take the form of wages, or a combination of wages and other considerations such as tuition assistance. Student Assistants and Employees-in-Training are eligible for group health insurance if they work at least 33% time for at least six months (12-month employees) or one semester (9-month employees).