The increasing gaps in faculty pay between private and public universities are threatening the ability of public universities to recruit and retain qualified faculty members, according to a report released this week.

The American Association of University Professors said in its report that large disparities between faculty salaries at the two university levels have led to core faculty member loss at many public universities.

"The issue can be viewed in two ways: as both a matter of university priorities as well as an issue of priorities on the state and even federal levels," said John Curtis, the association's director of research. "The state should be providing the funding for the best staff, faculty, researchers and graduate programs."

Over the last several decades, public institution funding has decreased as a result of the importance placed on higher education at the state and national levels, Curtis said.

"This has been a long-standing concern," said Thomas Palaima, a classics professor. "Every UT president has spoken about the need to increase salaries and benefits for the faculty and graduate students."

Private universities are often able to provide payment and benefits for faculty that public schools cannot, according to the report. Unlike many public universities, private institutions can provide higher salaries, partner benefits and even college tuition for the children of faculty members.

"In my experience, one of the things that is a major impediment to excellence here is the staff and faculty turnover," Palaima said. "We can often put together offers that make it very attractive for people to come here, but the low percentage of yearly increases causes those people to fall behind in comparison to what they could get at other institutions."

The faculty salary disparity is not a problem that UT can address on its own, Palaima said.

"I think it's partly a problem with the state and partly the University's problem for not making a strong enough argument to the relative parties and the state legislature," said Doug Bruster, an English professor. "You can't have an excellent institution without excellent funding."

Private institutions will likely maintain the upper hand over public schools in regards to faculty salaries because they do not have to rely on state funding.

People are drawn to UT for more than high salaries, said Vice Provost Neal Armstrong.

"The reputation of UT, the quality of the students and the benefits of being here in Austin are all aspects that encourage people to join us," Armstrong said.

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