Last night, UO faculty, staff, and students received an e-mail from UO President Richard Lariviere informing them his contract, which ends July 1 of next year, as UO President would not be renewed.
“I was told I could resign or accept the termination of my contract, which runs through July 1, 2012, and I am weighing those options at this time,” Lariviere said in the e-mail.
Lariviere says this decision is a result of “ongoing difference of opinion over the future of the UO.”
This afternoon, an email from University Senate President Robert Kyr and the University Senate Executive Committee was sent out with a petition for the reinstatement of Lariviere. The petition asks that students, faculty, and officers of administration be involved in the decision-making process.
The Senate Executive Committee will be met in an emergency session today to announce further plans regarding Lariviere’s plans.
Less than half an hour later, another e-mail from Lariviere appeared in student’s inboxes.
“Earlier today I informed the chair of the State Board of Higher Education of my decision to not resign my position at the University of Oregon. Instead I am committed to serving as president through the end of my contract on June 30, 2012.”
Lariviere has received an outpouring of support from both students and faculty.
“While the positive comments from members of the campus community and beyond help to galvanize my commitment to this outstanding institution,  I hasten to remind you that this is not about me.  We must all redouble our efforts to bring about positive change to the governance, funding and accountability of Oregon’s public universities,” Lariviere said.Â
Spoken like a true president.