- Previous coverage: Personnel review sheds light on firing of Washtenaw Community College VP
In an email sent to faculty and staff on Tuesday, Washtenaw Community College president Rose Bellanca defended the recent termination of her vice present of instruction.
Washtenaw Community College President Rose Bellanca
File Photo
"Although many of you may be under the impression that VP Blacklaw’s termination was sudden, former VP Blacklaw was fully aware of the terms and conditions of his contract," Bellanca wrote. "As this is a personnel matter, I am sorry that I cannot comment further."
Bellanca wrote in a June 28 review of Blacklaw that she didn't feel supported by him and that communication between the two was considered poor.
Also in the Tuesday email, Bellanca assured faculty — who have questioned the flow of communication between WCC's administration and faculty — that "communication is extremely important to me."
"I have met with each division and individuals who have requested meetings to encourage collaboration. I have found these meetings valuable," she said. "As a result, either I or the Vice President responsible for the area will be sending you regular communications on college activities to keep you informed of the goings on at the college."
Read the e-mail in full below:
Dear Faculty and Staff,My first and foremost concern is the wellbeing of Washtenaw Community College, its faculty and staff. There are many important issues and initiatives regarding some concerns that have been brought before me. I want to communicate and clarify some key issues for you.
Board Of Trustees Reports
There was a misunderstanding in the process which allows reports to be brought to the Board of Trustees. The official process is to submit the report in writing the Thursday prior to the board meeting so it can be included in the board packet. I encourage the curriculum and assessment committee to submit their reports to Mary Faulkner so that the Board of Trustees can keep abreast of their work.
Personnel Actions
Although many of you may be under the impression that VP Blacklaw’s termination was sudden, former VP Blacklaw was fully aware of the terms and conditions of his contract. As this is a personnel matter, I am sorry that I cannot comment further.
Communication
Communication is extremely important to me. I have met with each division and individuals who have requested meetings to encourage collaboration. I have found these meetings valuable. As a result, either I or the Vice President responsible for the area will be sending you regular communications on college activities to keep you informed of the goings on at the college. These are areas that you have expressed interest in:
- The 2013-2015 WCC Strategic Plan
- Department of Labor and other grant initiatives
- Partnerships with K-12
- Enrollment Updates and Strategies
- WCC website audit
Other communication actions include:
- The Marketing Department has reinstated broadcast emails
- Human Resources Department will post the college’s hiring guidelines
Moving Forward
Interim Vice President for Instruction, Dr. Bill Abernethy, will address the following:
- Academic Calendar
- Accelerated Courses
- Late Registration/Late Start Courses
- Prerequisites for High School Courses
- Credit and Non-credit issues
I am reminded each day of the many great things that are happening here on campus, in the classroom and in the community. I sincerely hope that this continued collaborative and open communication will help us to move the college forward.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.