University of New England Council has rejected a call from staff and graduates for Chancellor James Harris to resign

A first meeting of the university’s Convocation, in November, voted (410-46) for Mr Harris to go and for council to appoint a successor “through an open and consultative process including with strong staff representation” (CMM December 5, 14). But Deputy Chancellor Jan McClelland advises Convocation, “Council considered but did not support the proposal for the UNE Chancellor to resign.”

However, she adds, “Council will continue to provide updates to the University community on the process for the recruitment of the next UNE vice-chancellor.”

There has been long-standing campus disquiet over Mr Harris and Council’s support for former VC Brigid Heywood’s plans for the university.

Ms McClelland adds “Council is very supportive of changes which drive greater openness and regular communication in how we make decisions that impact the University community,” and cites specifics.

None of which impresses the professoriate, with its president, Thomas Fudge responding, “this unsatisfactory response further indicates how out of touch the UNE Council is with our university.”

“The UNE professoriate does not want to see our institution embroiled in counter-productive conflict. … A better path forward is possible if Council abandons its defensive and arrogant mode of operating, to engage in genuine dialogue and cooperative endeavours.”

With council having endorsed an elected standing committee of convocation it appears UNE now has the makings of a parliamentary governance  that includes an  established opposition.