Row erupts over UCC president's tenure

A row has erupted among academics in University College Cork (UCC) over how long the university's president, Prof Gerry Wrixon…

A row has erupted among academics in University College Cork (UCC) over how long the university's president, Prof Gerry Wrixon, should be allowed stay in his post.

Yesterday afternoon, the college's governing body passed a motion which allows Prof Wrixon to remain as president for a full 10 years, even though he reaches 65 in May 2005. Prof Wrixon took up the post in 1999.

Eight senior professors yesterday condemned the passing of the motion, saying staff had not been consulted. The eight, who appear to have strong support in the college, say Prof Wrixon must retire at 65. They claim that under the Universities Act 1997, the president can hold office for 10 years, but not if he reaches the age of 65 first.

However, supporters of Prof Wrixon say he is entitled to serve 10 years, regardless of age. The issue has become contentious around the Cork campus and last night there was talk about a legal challenge being mounted.

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Some staff claim that if Prof Wrixon is allowed remain beyond 65, other academics will have to be granted similar arrangements.

Prof Wrixon, while widely recognised for his success in achieving considerable research funding over recent years for UCC, is a controversial figure among the academic community.

His pro-business approach and support for corporate-type structures in the university is opposed by many academics. Others, though, support him and believe there would not be a suitable replacement for him in 2005.

Neither Prof Wrixon nor the university's press office would make any comment yesterday.

Earlier this week, the head of the economics department, Prof Connell Fanning also expressed serious reservations about the move. He wrote an open letter to staff, in which he called for the issue to be reviewed by a joint committee, composed of staff and governing body members.

The Irish Times understands from several sources that yesterday's motion was strongly endorsed by the governing body, although some members raised objections.

Some non-academics voted for the motion because they believed once it was tabled it would have been a serious embarrassment to Prof Wrixon if it was withdrawn.

Regardless of legal implications, sources last night said the issue would be debated, probably early in the new year, by the university's academic council. This is the main forum for academic staff and this group is likely to raise questions about the governing body's handling of the issue.

There has been something of a cultural clash at UCC over recent years between academics who wish to maintain the university along traditional lines and those who are more pro-business and liken it to a medium-sized corporation.

One academic said: "It is a battle about the mission and ethos of the university. Is the president the CEO of a corporation or first among equals? Is the drive for efficiency and relevance being promoted to the detriment of the strong traditional values of the university."

Unlike disputes in other universities, this one does not break down along faculty lines. The eight professors who objected to yesterday's events come from several faculties, including medicine, arts, commerce and engineering.