Big news: Schlissel has been removed as president.

Submitted by Cousin Larry on January 15th, 2022 at 6:38 PM

Turns out, he’s a bit pervy.

On Dec. 8, 2021, via an anonymous complaint, we learned that Dr. Schlissel may have been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a University employee. After an investigation, we learned that Dr. Schlissel, over a period of years, used his University email account to communicate with that subordinate in a manner inconsistent with the dignity and reputation of the University.

 

tybert

January 15th, 2022 at 10:35 PM ^

UM hasn't had a GREAT Prez since the days of Harold Shapiro and Robbin Fleming, 1970s and 80s. 

Some decent ones (Duderstadt, MSC) and some not so much (Lee and Mark).

Got to meet Harold after getting the one and only Angell Award I got from UM in March 1985 at Honor Day with my mom and dad. That gut had the IT factor. Very nice and remembered your name from his cue cards. Actually took time to TALK with each person.

Mark is one of those High-IQ, low street smarts guys that most of us in had to deal with (on occasion) during our careers at a big company. Stiff, fake, out of place, just not fitting in.

Let's get a guy/gal from Texas, Stanford, etc. who is #2 but not in their top spot. They will help the Harvard of the West

 

BlueMk1690

January 15th, 2022 at 10:48 PM ^

Sure looks like they were just waiting for an excuse to push him out. Honestly, the university politics mean absolutely fuck all to me. And I don't care if the president of a university is banging his secretary. I'm not a bloody puritan.

WestQuad

January 15th, 2022 at 11:13 PM ^

Wonder what the dude did.  If he was having an affair and writing naughty emails on a university account it doesn't seem like fire worthy.  If he was pressuring a subordinate into a relationship that's a whole different story.  Oh well.  It's not like he's a football coach.

JamieH

January 16th, 2022 at 1:23 AM ^

If he was pressuring this woman into a relationship and she felt it had an effect on her job/performance review then this is super inappropriate.

If he was having a consensual affair with this woman and this was flirting through email, then it is being pretty overblown, though obviously I'm sure his wife is disappointed.

I get that it is inappropriate to sleep with people under your authority and I'm not condoning it.  At the same time, it sure seems like some people were looking for a convenient way to get rid of him and this gave them an opportunity.

I have no personal opinion on the guy though it does seem he is universally disliked.

J_Dub

January 16th, 2022 at 9:24 AM ^

I'm slightly hesitant to post this here, but I kind of just hope only fans read this far into the comments...

While I thought she was a good president of Michigan, I know for a fact that Mary Sue Coleman thought Michigan paid Jim Harbaugh too much and that she was very skeptical about the hire.  She's a great choice for the interim president spot but I really hope she stays out of Jim's negotiation and NIL stuff.  It's possible the last 7 years have changed her mind, but in any case the man loves Michigan and (I believe) will always try to do what's best for the kids he coaches and the university's reputation.  

Guy Fawkes

January 16th, 2022 at 9:31 AM ^

Good riddance. Guy is a fucking loser. Always love when the people who think they're so smart and better than everyone else get popped. Just goes to prove these higher ups at university's aren't special, just connected. This guy held the entire university hostage because of how smart he thought he was, and people stood by him willingly because of said position, which again means NOTHING. 

 

dickdastardly

January 22nd, 2022 at 9:59 AM ^

Removed as President but can still teach due to being tenured. 

 

REGENTS REMOVE SCHLISSEL AS PRESIDENT

Former President Coleman will serve as interim

Updated: Jan. 20, 2022

The University of Michigan Board of Regents voted unanimously Jan. 15 to immediately remove Mark S. Schlissel as president of the university and to appoint Mary Sue Coleman as president on an interim basis.

The board said it took the action to remove Schlissel for cause after receiving information about an alleged sexual affair with a subordinate and determining that these interactions “were inconsistent with promoting the dignity and reputation of the University of Michigan.”  The board will affirm its decision during the Feb. 17 meeting on the Ann Arbor campus.

Schlissel, also a professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology and microbiology and immunology, with tenure, retains his faculty appointments.

The board engaged the outside law firm of Jenner & Block on Dec. 8 to handle the ongoing investigation into this matter. Read the firm’s engagement letter here.