Virginia university faculty air doubts over resignation - 0 views
started by Lindsey Ramos on 21 Jun 12
started by Lindsey Ramos on 21 Jun 12
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started by Lindsey Ramos on 21 Jun 12
The Faculty Senate Executive Council's resolution added to the chorus of criticism over the announcement on Sunday that university President Teresa Sullivan would step down as of August 15, just two years after she took office.
Sullivan stated in a statement that she and the Board of Guests had "a philosophical difference of opinion," and faculty members in current days have demanded more facts from the university's governing board.
The blowup in between faculty and the governing board over Sullivan's departure has highlighted the secrecy and impenetrable internal politics of 1 of the nation's most prestigious public universities, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 in Charlottesville.
For its element, the Board of Visitors stated on Wednesday there had been "ongoing dialogue with the President more than an extended period of time" about the university's lengthy-term nicely-becoming before her exit was announced.
"We comprehend how deeply the entire University loved ones feels a sense of loss and distress at what appeared to be an abrupt turn of events," University Rector Helen Dragas wrote in a statement on behalf of the board.
"However, constant with sound employment practices, it is the policy of the Board to preserve confidential matters of disagreement and these relating to evaluation of progress against mutually agreed upon objectives," she mentioned.
Messages left for Sullivan and Dragas were not quickly returned on Thursday.
Earlier this week, 33 department chairs and program directors signed a letter protesting the resignation. They described Sullivan, the university's 1st female president, as "an extraordinary academic leader, with superb administrative skills, the heart of a faculty member, and evident strength of character."
The group urged the board to "reopen discussion" with Sullivan and the faculty, saying the "opaque choice" to replace her would threaten the perception of the university.
"It was a full surprise," stated English department chairwoman Cynthia Wall, who signed the letter calling for clarification. She mentioned department heads had been "quite optimistic about the way (Sullivan) was heading the university."
The letter followed a statement by the Faculty Senate Executive Council, which said its members were blindsided by the resignation and located the board's explanation "inadequate and unsatisfactory." Find Out About The New Orleans Zoo
The executive council met in an emergency session on Thursday to vote on its resolution, which the group mentioned received unanimous help.
The Board of Guests will meet in a closed session on Monday to discuss candidates for the interim president position. Dragas has stated the board expects to have a temporary leader in spot in time for the new school year.
Sullivan previously served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Michigan. Her predecessor at the University of Virginia spent 20 years in the post.