Re: Frustration and Communication

[Mike Sherrick]

bearheel wrote:
----- Original Message ----- 

So I'm stumped.  What do other Forum members know or think are the possible reasons that no one is talking?  (I'm not looking for a David Letterman list here, although that might be fun, but instead I wonder if they're still negotiating, or if it's a matter of personnel law, or if it's wait for a new Ad, or ????)

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Excellent questions.  Let me speculate.  First, university presidents rarely make decisions without an advisory committee, especially when they must make a decision about something outside their area of expertise.  So, although it is pure speculation on my part, I suspect that their is some kind of ad-hoc committee advising Pres Zimpher.  Second, the recommendations of these committees are confidential until received by the President, and maybe after that.  I have been on a couple of such committees at my university myself (although nothing so high profile as Huggs contract) and all committee members are constantly reminded of the need for secrecy.  Having said that, however, academics are notorious gossips, and juicy info usually gets out.  My main point, however, is that protocol prohibits Zimpher, Goin, etc. from making anything public until it's a done deal.  Frustrating for us, but that's the way it is.  Are they waiting for a new AD?  Maybe, but I don't think so.  If anything, I would guess that Goin is especially keen on leaving with everything in tip-top shape, and he wouldn't want to dump anything on his successor.  (Besides, that would delay things much too long.)
Unfortunately, we really just don't know what is going on, if anything, and we don't know what went on when they failed to reach an agreement a few months ago.  My speculation, however, is that some kind of discussions, advisory committees, whatever, are taking place. 

Mike in Newfoundland

Mike Sherrick
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