This is a follow up letter from the American Association of Universtiy Professors requesting a response from National Louis with regard to its planned layoffs of tenured and non-tenured faculty and the cancellation of various programs. It is important to adhere to AAUP recommended standards and guidelines when implementing such drastic actions that affect the careers of so many faculty.
VIA ELECTRONIC AND U.S. MAIL
May 21, 2012
Dr. Nivine Megahed President                                                                                                                                     National Louis University                                                                                                                 120 S. Michigan Ave.                                                                                                                  Chicago, Illinois 60603
Dear President Megahed:
We have yet to receive a response to our letter to you of May 7, setting forth our concerns over the action taken by the National Louis University administration to terminate the appointments of a large number of tenured as well as other long-serving non-tenured faculty members pursuant to a decision to discontinue numerous academic programs. In the intervening two weeks, we have been informed about discussions taking place between the NLU administration and some of the affected tenured faculty members looking toward a possible extension of their appointments. We understand, however, that other termination notices remain in effect, and that most of the concerns we raised remain unaddressed.
In the absence of significant positive developments, our Association’s general secretary is prepared to authorize a formal investigation of the situation at National Louis University which would result in a report to the larger academic community. Before we determine on that course of action, however, we would like very much to have your response to the concerns we have conveyed.
Sincerely,
B. Robert Kreiser
Associate Secretary
cc: Mr. Richard M. Ross, Jr., Chair, Board of Trustees ‘
Dr. Christine J. Quinn, Provost
Dr. Walter Roettger, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Alison R. Hilsabeck, Dean, National College of Education
Mr. Thomas R. Bergmann, Vice President of Human Resources
Professor Timothy Collins, Chair, Faculty Senate
Professor Michelle Turner Mangan, Chair, Senate Finance Committee
Professor Todd Price, President, NLU Chapter AAUP
Professor Michael Harkins, President, Illinois Conference AAUP
Professor Peter Kirstein, Chair, Illinois Conference Committee A on Academic Freedom and Tenure
