Since renegotiation or termination of a president's contract by a governing board can bring misunderstanding, irritation, and trauma, an outside expert is suggested as being beneficial to both sides. A contractual expert can represent the governing board and help determine whether the chief executive should be rehired or terminated. (Author/MLW)

Next to hiring a president, getting rid of one is the most important and difficult task a governing board will encounter. A smooth presidential succession is vital to an institution's well-being. (MLW)

The issue of termination of tenured appointments because of a demonstrably bona fide financial exigency is discussed. A viable framework has been set forth with the Krotkoff v Goucher College decision. Saving capital assets, overriding tenure, AAUP's view of termination, tenured versus nontenured, and lasting implications are outlined. (MLW)

The generally accepted view of tenure as that of an unbreakable relationship has actually grown out of institutional practices rather than from precise judicial doctrines. The courts have upheld a variety of "bona fide" causes based on unsatisfactory performance, as well as financial exigency. (MLW)

Adequate cause for dismissal is defined and analyzed. Whether for immoral conduct, insubordination, or incompetency, an institution must be mindful of the countervailing protection of academic freedom. Dismissal must be firmly grounded upon demonstrable acts or omissions and assume reasonable procedures, incorporating peer review. Some court cases…

The retrenchment experience of Pennsylvania's state college system is described. The specter of retrenchment scared the campuses into finding new nonpersonnel cuts to make; a policy of intrasystem faculty transfer was finally adopted; and although campus presidents opposed retrenchment, by 1979-80 they were convinced of its necessity. (MLW)