SOJC Dean Juan-Carlos Molleda. (Lulu Devoulin/ Emerald)

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission found no ethics violations in the case of former University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication Dean Juan-Carlos Molleda.

Molleda resigned from his position in July shortly after a Daily Emerald investigation into his extensive university-funded travels.

The OGEC’s dismissal of the case was first reported by the Register-Guard on Nov. 17.

According to documents obtained by the Emerald, Molleda’s travel expenses for the 2023-24 school year amounted to $46,000.

UO travel policy allows faculty to take personal days if they are disclosed to the university. Emerald findings showed Molleda failed to disclose several personal days on multiple international trips.

The OGEC opened the case into Molleda on Aug. 8 and began with a preliminary review, which is confidential.

A university-initiated audit from this spring of Molleda’s travel and the financial state of the SOJC is still ongoing.

An email statement to The Emerald from Molleda read,

“I appreciate the Oregon Government Ethics Commission’s thorough review and its decision to rescind its prior motion after determining there was no basis to believe I violated Oregon ethics laws. As confirmed in the Commission’s report, my travel as dean adhered to University of Oregon policies and served legitimate university business purposes. Any administrative errors identified were minor and promptly addressed. I am grateful for the professionalism demonstrated throughout this process and pleased to have the matter resolved. I will now take time to reflect and consider next steps.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect comment from Juan-Carlos Molleda. The university did not respond for comment at the time of this publishing.