The Dean of the School of Journalism and Communications, Juan-Carlos Molleda, issued an email statement to SOJC faculty and staff earlier today about his travel activities following several Daily Emerald records requests for his travel records.
In his statement, Molleda said that senior tenured SOJC faculty shared concerns through university accreditors in January about his “travel activities, presence in Allen Hall and stewardship of the school’s resources.”
Molleda also wrote in his email that he will be limiting his travel to “significant business purposes and professional commitments,” and that the SOJC is working to “eliminate a deficit, increase efficiencies, and secure more revenue.”
“I am honored to represent the school and university at key events in the communication fields, where I work to enhance the university’s profile, strengthen alumni relations, support fundraising efforts and join experiential learning programs with students and faculty,” Molleda wrote.
The SOJC underwent a reaccreditation process in January by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. The accreditation process, which is renewed every six years, measures the SOJC against national standards.
During their visit, accreditors met with Molleda and other SOJC administrators, attended classes, interviewed faculty members and dozens of students before preparing their report.
Molleda said that his professional development and research funds were provided by UO Foundation, a non-profit organization that collects and distributes private funding from donors.
The Emerald is currently awaiting records from the University of Oregon’s public records office concerning Dean Molleda’s travel activities. In his email, Molleda expressed his support for communication with student reporters for conversation about his travel activities.
The Emerald is also currently awaiting a response from UO spokesperson Eric Howald.
The full statement can be read here.
