Dissatisfaction with Loyola’s current administration is obvious within the faculty of College of Humanities and Natural Sciences, who recently voiced their overwhelming lack of confidence in Loyola’s two top administrators. Uncertainty still remains, however, in how Loyola’s other schools plan to react in the face of such a vote.

The no confidence vote was a culmination of the frustrations resulting in last semester’s “Pathways” proposal, specifically in how the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., university president, and Provost Walter Harris executed the plan.

Sue Mennino, assistant professor of sociology, said that the College of Social Sciences may eventually follow suit and allow faculty to formally express their confidence, or lack thereof, in university administration.

“We did not have (a vote) yet,” she said. “But people are talking about it.”

Mennino claimed that tension is mounting over confusion within the College of Social Sciences in the post-Pathways fallout. Ambivalence remains over the decision to cut certain majors, as well as psychology’s shift to the College of Humanities and Natural Sciences and more generally, the decision to split Arts and Sciences to begin with, she says.

“There’s some questions still,” she said. “And explanations are just not forthcoming.

“Things are tough everywhere (after Katrina), but when you have to make tough decisions – just do it. Be honest and forthright and steer the ship forward.”

On her confidence in Wildes and Harris, Mennino is ambivalent.

“I’m honestly not sure how I would vote,” she said “I’d have to be open-minded and collect my data.”

While a vote of no confidence may or may not be in the future of the College of Social Sciences, faculty members in other schools feel confident in the administration.

“Absolutely not,” said part-time music professor Mona Bond of the possibility of vote of no confidence from the College of Music and Fine Arts. “I feel quite confident that it is (the faculty’s) intent to talk with (Wildes) and see what can be revived.”

“But I’m just going by impressions,” she added.

Jerry Dauterive, Interim Dean of the College of Business, also doesn’t see an indication that a vote of no confidence will take place.

“At this time, there have been no conversations or requests from anyone on the faculty for a vote of no confidence (in the president or provost).”

Sentiments are similar at the College of Law, according to associate dean and professor The Rev. Lawrence Moore, S.J., who is also a member of the Board of Trustees. Moore claimed that the college has a great deal of confidence in both Wildes and Harris.

“We haven’t taken a vote, but if one were to talk place, it is my judgment that there would overwhelming majority of confidence,” he said.

Moore said that there could be many implications resulting for an overwhelming vote of no confidence in the president and provost.

“I’ve seen a provost asked to resign after a vote of no confidence from just one college,” Moore said. Moore claimed that overwhelming vote of no confidence – 61-19 faculty members voting against Wildes and, the 70-10 against Harris – is a “serious step.”

As a member of the Board of Trustees, Moore shed more light on the execution of the “Pathways” plan, indicating that placing all of the blame on the president and provost is unfair.

“At the beginning of last year, the Board told the president to produce a balance operating budget,” said Moore. “What the president did was what the Board told him to do.”

Moore also refuted those who claim that the “Pathways” plan violates the rules outlined in the faculty handbook.

“I believe (the president and provost) followed a reasonable interpretation of the handbook.”

He also said that the “Pathways” plan has proven itself effective in its execution thus far.

“It looks like this year, we will be close to an operating budget,” he said. “So the administration has produced a plan that has worked.”

Despite some speculation concerning “Pathways,” the administration, faculty and administrators seem to agree that what is most important is the long-term health of the university and its students.

“After Katrina, decisions had to be made,” said Angie Hoffer, assistant dean of the College of Social Sciences. “I am hopeful that whatever happens with the administration and faculty that it will serve the interest of the students in the long-run.”

Mennino also agrees that Loyola’s continued growth, especially after Katrina, should be first priority.

“It’s important to keep Loyola viable,” she said. “It’s important to the city, and most important to the students.”

Lauren LaBorde can be reached at [email protected].