03/16/10

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) _ Some Idaho State University faculty
members have signed a petition to force a no-confidence vote
against the provost and vice president over plans to restructure
some campus departments.

Gary Olson has been with the eastern Idaho university for less
than a year.

The petition was presented Monday to the university's Faculty
Senate, which has to review the appeal to ensure it has the minimum
of the required 140 signatures.

Philosophy professor Carl Levenson says faculty tensions with
Olson have increased since the provost presented a restructuring
plan earlier this year.

In the proposal, campus committees recommend sweeping changes
estimated to save up to $1.5 million.

University president Arthur Vailas attributed campus tensions to
the poor economy and says he's unsure why Olson, who was hired amid widespread faculty support, is facing such opposition.
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Information from: Idaho State Journal, http://www.journalnet.com


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