For undisclosed reasons, two long-standing directors within the Office of International Programs will not have their contracts renewed. The dismissals have launched an outcry among students, and faculty are hesitant to discuss them with the Emerald.
The employees are Magid Shirzadegan, director of International Student and Scholar Services, and Kathy Poole, director of Study Abroad Programs.
Provost Linda Brady is prohibited by law to release any details pertaining to the directors, but she did say she thoroughly considered the decision and is confident it is the appropriate one.
“I did spend an extensive amount of time deliberating about this and consulting with the appropriate people,” said Brady. “The actions were based on a review of the individual circumstances and I am convinced that it was the only option available under the circumstances.”
Shirzadegan and Poole were given “timely notice,” which is technically different from being fired. In most cases where an employee has worked at the University for longer than three years – both in this case have – their contract expires one year after notice is given.
“As an administrator, when you take this kind of action it is not something that you do precipitously,” Brady said. “Because I think every administrator understands the personal consequence of something like this.”
Brady said the leadership transition will not affect the operation of International Affairs in the long term, and there are no further plans for personnel action.
“We made it very clear that the leadership transition … is not meant to reprehend the quality of the staff’s work,” said Brady. “We believe that they are making great strides in advancing international operations. We certainly remain committed to providing opportunities for students and faculty to engage internationally.”
Poole declined to comment.
Vice Provost of International Affairs and Outreach Chunsheng Zhang, who oversees the Office of International Programs, did not return several phone messages.
A Facebook group to rally support for Shirzadegan and Poole has already gathered close to 100 members and encourages students to send letters to administrators calling for a professional review of the dismissals.
Beth Evans, a senior majoring in journalism, is a member of the group. She studied abroad in both China and Ghana her sophomore year, and since then has had sporadic involvement with International Affairs.
Evans thinks the lack of explanation regarding the dismissals reflects poorly upon the department.
“I haven’t had any direct interaction with Kathy Poole, but my life has definitely been impacted by her because I have studied abroad,” said Evans.
Evans considers Shirzadegan a mentor. She called him for help when she was planning the publicity for an International Student Association event.
“He gave me probably the best advice out of anybody,” Evans said. “The University is a very international university. This move affects a lot of people so it’s really important to keep that into consideration.”
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