UG Council payment in lieu of leave for Vice-Chancellor

May 15, 2019 News

At the April 15, 2019 meeting of the University Council, the subject of the treatment of the Vice-Chancellor’s leave was considered.
The Council agreed that the Vice-Chancellor should be formally requested to proceed on leave with effect from May 13, 2019.
Subsequently, on May 2, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith, wrote to the Pro-Chancellor requesting reconsideration of the Council’s decision of April 15, 2019, citing among other things that “extenuating circumstances” oblige him to forgo proceeding on leave effective from that date.
He requested to be paid for ‘30 of the 35 days’ due to him.
Following the Vice-Chancellor’s request, Pro-Chancellor Major General (retd) Joseph Singh, who is also Interim Chairman of the University Council, requested a review of the Council’s decision by round robin of all members of the Council.
Members were also asked to indicate their support or otherwise of the Vice-Chancellor’s request for payment for a portion of his leave entitlement.
According to Pro-Chancellor, “It is my understanding that the round robin practice has been in place over the years and has been utilised by Council and other Statutory Organs of the University.
“Therefore, it should not be interpreted as a special dispensation for the incumbent Vice-Chancellor.”
Thirteen Council members participated in the process, with seven members supporting the Vice-Chancellor’s request, four members felt that the matter should be deliberated upon at an Extra Ordinary Meeting of the Council, one member was opposed to the Vice-Chancellor’s request and one member felt that a meeting of the Council should be duly convened.
Three members did not participate as of May 10, 2019.
The Vice-Chancellor and Council members were duly informed by the Secretary of the Council on May 10 that a clear majority of members had approved his request of May 2, 2019.
Council members were also informed that the amount of pay in lieu of leave the Vice-Chancellor was entitled to would be based on the advice of the Bursar and Personnel Officer.
The Unions have since issued threats of possible industrial action arising out of the round robin process.
The Pro-Chancellor is urging all members of the university community to “be responsible and ensure that the administration of our final examinations is not disrupted.
“I urge that our students, the primary stakeholders, be accorded the highest priority in this season of Examinations.”

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