Fired UMW president can seek mediation, but not to get his job back
Frawley can request a mediator
BY JEFF BRANSCOME
Date published: 5/8/2007
BY JEFF BRANSCOME
Former University of Mary Washington President William Frawley can ask for mediation if he believes the university wronged him by firing him last week, according to his contract.
UMW Rector Bill Poole said yesterday that Frawley can't try to get his job back, but can request additional compensation or benefits.
The university doesn't have to comply with the mediator's decision, which is nonbinding, Poole said. Frawley has not requested mediation, he said.
"The board of visitors has nothing to do with this mediation process," Poole said. "It's entirely up to the attorney general's office."
Both sides must agree on a mediator within 15 days after a written request for mediation, Frawley's contract states.
UMW's attorney Jack Knight, who works for the Virginia attorney general's office and was present at last week's board of visitors meeting, declined to discuss the mediation process.
The board fired Frawley "for cause" April 30, which effectively stopped his compensation. Frawley's annual salary was $305,000.
Frawley was charged with driving under the influence twice in two days, the first time after an accident in Fairfax County April 10. The second charge came the next day in Fredericksburg, after a woman reported seeing him driving in a car with a missing front tire.
He is scheduled to appear in court in Fairfax May 16 and in Fredericksburg on July 19.
Poole said Frawley violated a contract clause that allows him to be fired for "conduct reasonably determined to be contrary to the best interests of the university."
The university would pay for any mediation, according to the agreement. It's unclear how long Frawley has to request mediation.
He could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402 Email: jbranscome@freelancestar.com
Date published: 5/8/2007
Most recent reader comments:
Not a bad deal
(posted by
GOUSA
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)  
It's better than when a school fires a sports coach and has to pay him millions to leave. Ohio State fired its basketball coach for cheating, but the court said it owed him millions. When major corporations fire a CEO for poor performance or scandals, it usually still pays that person millions. What is comes down to is what is in your employment contract.
Compensation?
(posted by
Father_of_2
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)  
Last time I checked, if you get fired for screwing up, then you do not get ANY compensation. He was not "wrongly dismissed" and therefore deserves nothing. If Frawley costs the University more money by requesting mediation, he is only adding insult to injury.
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