Friction between faculty and the chief academic officer at Virginia Tech has led to a discussion of a no confidence vote in a high level administrator at the university for the first time in 30 years.
Faculty have questioned the direction of the university, focused on ambitious programs like Tech’s so-called destination areas, an incentive-based budget model and how they’re judged as they aim for promotion and tenure at the school.
According to a pair of surveys that have circulated among faculty, a growing chorus is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the university’s direction and leadership, specifically with the school’s chief academic officer, Provost Thanassis Rikakis. The senate has also voted on a resolution stating that one memo, regarding promotion and tenure process and outcomes, was in violation of the Faculty Handbook.
