[Vision2020] From: Don Harter, article to post

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Please post the article below.  Thanks, 

 

Don Harter

 

 

 

June 22, 2005
 
Interesting Solutions to UI's Budget Shortfall
 
            Resulting from the University of Idaho's use of the "golden
parachute" during a financial crisis, an interesting situation evolved at
Auburn University (AU).  As reported in Vera White's excellent columns in
the April 8 and May 27 Daily News, faculty in the College of Agriculture had
been in limbo for weeks, asking department leaders and officials about the
whereabouts of Michael J Weiss, dean of agriculture at Auburn University.
            Weiss was named dean July 16, 2004.  He had resigned from a
professorship at the University of Idaho in 2003, citing "personal reasons"
and "health concerns" as reported in UI's November 12 news release. 
            On March 15, an Alabama community newspaper, the Opelika-Auburn
News, reported that Weiss was "under investigation" and had been put on
administrative leave, according to a statement issued by AU Interim
President Ed Richardson.
            Weiss joined the UI faculty in 1998 as a professor of entomology
and head of the Department of Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences.  He
was named acting head of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences March
1, 2003, and was appointed to the permanent position on June 2, following a
national search.  He returned to a faculty position until heading for AU.
            However, after Weiss returned to a faculty role, former Provost
Brian Pitcher gave Weiss a "golden parachute" by granting him four months of
administrative leave with pay.  Remember now that UI then was experiencing a
major budget crisis.
            UI's cover story of "personal and health reasons" was less than
completely truthful.  I make the following allegation.  Weiss was under fire
at UI for the same kind of concerns now being investigated by AU.
            When terminating UI faculty and staff it is illegal to give
severance pay but it is legal to offer a "golden parachute".  In this
regard, the competency of Weiss in managing the budget shortfall was equal
to that of Pitcher.
            Weiss, during his tenure as Dean, gave final approval to offer a
"golden parachute" to Shelly Thrope, County Extension Educator, prior to her
UI resignation.  She received five months of administrative leave with pay.
The cover story circulated within the College of Agriculture and Life
Sciences was that Ms. Thrope needed five months to regain her health.
 
Dr. Don Harter
1129 E. 7th St.
Moscow, ID 83843-3721
E_mail:  <mailto:dharter at moscow.com> dharter at moscow.com

 

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