Staff at Dundee’s crisis-hit Abertay University say, following the first address from their new management, that they are none-the-wiser about why their principal was suspended.
Professor Bernard King was suspended this week, days after vice-chancellor Professor Nicholas Terry had been suspended over what university chiefs say is a separate issue.
Professor Steve Olivier is acting principal while Abertay brings in an independent investigation to look into Professor King’s suspension.
Staff were informed of Professor King’s suspension in an email on Monday, but no reasons were given for the university court’s dramatic, and unprecedented, decision.
Rumours have since circulated that Professor King was at the centre of a dispute over when the 64-year-old should retire.
There have also been claims the university court had concerns over the direction he wanted to take the university, including its focus on the computer games industry.
Professor Olivier addressed staff at an open meeting at lunchtime yesterday but refused to divulge any more details of what led to the suspension of the two most senior figures at the university.
One member of staff, who asked not to be named, said, “The whole thing was over in less than 10 minutes. He basically said he wouldn’t tell us what was going on, not to ask and not to speak to the press.”
A spokesman for Abertay University said, “The acting principal gave an address to all staff at lunchtime. He was really just confirming what had been emailed to staff on Monday.
“We have had a slight restructuring of the management to allow for two people under suspensions and introducing people in their new acting roles.
“He outlined his aims for the immediate future to maintain university operations and to continue moving forward.”
The University and College Union, which represents academic staff, has backed Professor King’s suspension, claiming they had already been concerned about his “dictatorial” management style.
Professor King has stepped aside as convener of Universities Scotland, which represents higher education institutions.