By Emily Senger
University of Calgary president Dr. Harvey Weingarten will continue his reign over campus–for the next five years, at least.
Weingarten’s contract has been extended until Sept. 20, 2011, the board of governors announced Mon., Jan. 29.
Weingarten was hired in 2001 and his term has been under review since early 2006. Students’ Union president Emily Wyatt, who sits on the board, said they voted to extend Weingarten’s term at their first meeting in September, but the details were confidential until now.
“As I understand there was interest from other universities, especially ones in the States,” said Wyatt.
Earlier this year, U of C Faculty Association president Anton Colijn criticized the BOG for not including all stakeholders in the presidential review process. Wyatt said that even though much of the review process was confidential, stakeholders were consulted.
“I’d recommend that we continue to have a review process and it’s not just a rubber stamp,” said Wyatt. “I’d love a little more of a public review process, but I think this is pretty standard for what boards do.”
Board chair Brian MacNeill was not available for an interview, though the board did release a press release commending Weingarten.
“On all of the key benchmarks, including the quality of our students, financial stewardship, fund development and community profile, the University has seen measurable and often remarkable process,” MacNeill said in the release. “By any objective measure, Dr. Weingarten has been remarkably successful and we want to make sure we keep him.”
Weingarten would not comment.