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Sharp criticism of MUN board of regents renewed by university faculty association

Sharp criticism of MUN board of regents renewed by university faculty association

The association that represents Memorial University faculty has delivered a stinging rebuke of MUN's board of regents, calling on it to address operational and membership issues.

"The very structure of MUN's top governing body is fundamentally out of step with other Canadian universities and with basic democratic principles," said a news release from MUNFA Monday.

MUNFA said it is unacceptable that academic staff are not included on the board of regents.

"It is bizarre and counterproductive to exclude faculty members from serving on the University's top decision-making body," said MUNFA president Basil Kavanagh.

MUNFA said it's a practice that is "sharply at odds with norms across the country, and is not in the best interests of students or the academic mission of a public university."

Student alleges bullying

The criticism comes after the MUNFA executive called on the university to take a hard look at problems revealed by the resignation of MUN Students' Union (MUNSU) representative Brittany Lennox from the board of regents.

Last week Memorial University's Board of Regents announced it will review its culture, policies and procedures

Chair Iris Petten disagreed with Lennox's characterization of board of regents meetings, adding she hadn't witnessed any bullying.

But in a news conference on Thursday, Petten and representatives from the Board of Regents committed to a thorough review of their practices.

MUNFA said the university has so far failed to address the concerns Lennox raised.

"In light of Ms. Lennox's description of harassment, bullying and intimidation during her time as a Regent, MUNFA also wrote to MUN President Gary Kachanoski directly, urging him to initiate a Respectful Workplace Investigation of the board of regents. To date, President Kachanoski has not acknowledged or responded to that request," said the association's news release.

MUNFA calling for change

The faculty association is also calling for the board to change its confidentiality rules.

"Board's confidentiality rules are unacceptable and welcomes the regents' recognition that these need to be reviewed. An open, transparent and accountable decision-making process is essential for sound governance and public confidence," it said.

Kavanagh urged Kachanoski to join MUNFA in calling on the provincial government to amend the MUN Act and reserve spots on the board for academic staff members and other campus employees.

Kavanagh made similar comments when he spoke on CBC's St. John's Morning Show in late November.