Thompson Rivers University says the board-led investigation into allegations against two senior faculty members, Matt Milovick and Larry Phillips, will take another three to four months.
It was set to be completed by March 31, but TRU spokesperson, Michelle Nordstrom, says investigators need to interview some more witnesses before they can issue a report.
“Since the investigators have a duty to ensure their investigation is robust and comprehensive under the terms of reference they are working with, we expect to receive the investigation report within three to four months,” she said, in an email to NL News.
“I don’t have any further information to provide at this time, but I can say that we’ll be providing a follow up in the next few months closer to when the additional witness interviews have been completed,” Nordstrom added, when asked for more information.
Both men are accused of having fostered a toxic workplace at TRU, with Phillips – who is no longer with the university – also facing allegations of sexual harassment.
“You know it is important for all of us that we respect the time that it will take for the board to do investigations properly,” a tight-lipped TRU President Brett Fairbairn said last month, when asked about the allegations and the investigation. “We’ll really all have to be patient until we hear more.”
“We don’t comment on personnel matters and there is good reasons for that. I mean employees have rights and we respect those rights. So that you very much for that question.”
His comments came as the TRU Faculty Association passed a non-confidence motion against both Brett Fairbairn and TRU Board Chair, Marilyn McLean, over their handling over the situation.
“Our members want and need clear, transparent, and effective leadership at the top,” TRUFA president, Tara Lyster said, in a statement. “The President and Board Chair have failed on all counts.”
“This resounding vote of non-confidence is a wake-up call for the administration to address the problems at TRU now.”
Lyster also said the lack of transparency surrounding Phillips’ departure was “concerning.”
“There has not been an announcement to the university community, nor has there been an announcement about who is taking over his responsibilities,” she added.
“This has led to a widespread feeling of apprehension among the campus community about the lack of empathy demonstrated by the top administrator towards the complainants.”
TRUFA had also been calling for Milovick and Phillips to put on paid leave while the allegations were being investigated, noting it would ensure the safety of staff members who first raised the concerns.
“Faculty are really concerned about these allegations and they are concerned about the senior managers still working and you know, its concerning because one of those managers is who faculty go to with concerns about harassment and discrimination,” Lyster told NL News in November last year.
“So it does put everyone in a bit of a difficult or interesting situation.”
For more on the investigation, go here.
