I. THE DECISION TO MEDIATE

The decision by Dr. Evan Dobelle and the Board of Regents to attempt to mediate their dispute reflects their common desire to put aside all personal issues, and place the interests of the University, its students, its faculty — and indeed our community — above their own.

The mediator's role in this matter was not to make a decision or render an award. Rather it was to facilitate further discussions of the issues, the exchange of information, and the sharing of perspectives.

All parties were open and receptive to examining and considering misunderstandings and misinformation. The discussions and the exchange of information was constructive. All parties acted in good faith and in the spirit of mediation.

II. THE MEDIATION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL

The Board of Regents and Dr. Dobelle have found a resolution that addresses their mutual concerns and allows both to move ahead without dispute.

III. DR. DOBELLE'S TERMINATION

The Board of Regents relieved Dr. Dobelle from the Presidency of the University at its meeting on June 15, 2004. Based on the information the Board had at the time, the decision was made to relieve Dr. Dobelle "with cause."

However, the Board recognized at the time that it was obligated to apprise Dr. Dobelle of the basis of its "for cause" decision, to allow him the opportunity to respond, and to reconsider their decision thereafter if warranted. This is the reason why the grounds for Dr. Dobelle's termination were not made public at the time.

During the Mediation process, Dr. Dobelle was apprised of the basis for the Board's "for cause" termination, and Dr. Dobelle was given the opportunity to respond to the issues raised.

This process was extremely constructive, and underscored that there were indeed several misunderstandings as the result of misinformation, as well as less than optimal communication between the Board and Dr. Dobelle that exacerbated this problem.

As in any dispute, there are always two sides. This dispute was no exception. However, while there is not an agreement on all issues, there is a deeper understanding of the perspectives of the parties, and how those perspectives came to be.

IV. THE RESOLUTION OF THE DISPUTE

As a result of these discussions and the exchange of information and perceptions, both Dr. Dobelle and the Board have resolved their differences with no finding of wrongdoing on the part of either Dr. Dobelle or the Board. The Board will rescind its decision to terminate Dr. Dobelle "for cause."

V. CONCLUSION

Dr. Dobelle brought energy and vision to the University, and the Board recognizes this and appreciates his accomplishments.

Dr. Dobelle also recognizes and appreciates the commitment, integrity, and vital role the Board of Regents plays in governing the University. Board members are citizens who volunteer their time to help the University and the community.