While the stagnant economy has hit some universities hard, others â?? including Ohio State â?? have managed to avoid major budget cuts. Thatâ??s created an opportunity for the â??havesâ? to poach faculty from the â??have nots,â? and some universities stand to lose a lot in this latest skirmish.
In response to raiding efforts, some universities have built up war chests to retain faculty. Last year, the University of California at Berkeley used a $113 million grant to help retain faculty. Wisconsinâ??s Legislature also put money toward keeping faculty in the state, appropriating $10 million last year to help retain faculty across the University of Wisconsin System.
The infusion of funds in Wisconsin came after more than 115 faculty members reported receiving outside offers in 2006, which was the highest number of offers reported in 20 years, the Associated Press reported.