We have noted a number of inaccurate or misleading statements in the media regarding issues related to instructor Phil Mitchell. Here are the facts:
1. Instructor Mitchell was not dismissed.
Mitchell is an instructor whose current appointment with the Sewall Academic Program, which runs through May 2005, was renewed for academic year 2005-06. Hiring decisions for the subsequent year (2006-07) will be made in early spring semester of 2006.
2. Mitchell聮s new appointment is for one year, rather than three years, because of an upcoming change in leadership in the program.
Purpose of this decision is to allow the new program director the flexibility to make personnel decisions according to his or her plans for the future of the program.
3. Mitchell has not been 聯fired聰 from teaching in other academic programs.
Directors or chairs of other academic programs have the responsibility to make personnel decisions based on departmental needs, academic directions and budget availability.
We are not aware of any directive or written statement that would exclude Mitchell from consideration for instructor appointments in any academic program.