University of St. Gallen parts ways with two professors
Published: Tuesday, Jan 9th 2024, 13:50
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The University of St. Gallen has reacted to two different investigations and has dismissed the previous director of an institute and a titular professor working there. Both professors deny the allegations made against them.
The investigations were originally triggered by allegations of plagiarism against a titular professor at the Institute of Supply Chain Management (ISCM), which were raised by students at the university. There was also criticism of the management of the same institute by Professor Wolfgang Stölzle.
Following various media reports, the University of St. Gallen responded. In December 2022, a commission of inquiry was commissioned to investigate the allegations of plagiarism, based on two expert reports, among other things. The result: there had been a "significant violation of the rules of academic integrity", according to the HSG's statement on Tuesday.
The professor had repeatedly used parts of student work for his own publications without appropriate references. In the university's view, this confirmed the allegations of plagiarism in several cases. The review of the habilitation is still ongoing.
The titular professor disputes the Commission's findings, the communication continues. In his opinion, the integrity guidelines cannot be applied here "with reference to the historical context and the practice at the time".
"Problematic management culture"
The administrative investigation into Wolfgang Stölzle had already begun in October 2022. In a report prepared by May 2023, the responsible commission found that there was a "problematic management culture" at the institute.
In June, the university had already announced the preliminary results of the investigations at a media conference. It was announced that the professor had been removed from the management of the institute.
At the time, Stefan Kölliker (SVP), member of the St. Gallen cantonal government and President of the University Council, stated that "a strong mixture of official and private interests" had been identified in connection with the private limited company.
Since then, following further clarifications and discussions, an overall assessment has been made. The conclusion: Wolfgang Stölzle "seriously damaged the reputation of the university overall", according to the communiqué.
Stölze also rejects the accusations. In his view, the violations he is accused of were "completely refuted" with his submission from the beginning of September. The complaints made against him anonymously by employees were "unfounded".
Amendments to the University Act
The two cases triggered numerous media reports and several motions in the St. Gallen cantonal council. They also influenced the revision of the University Act. These strengthened the powers of the Rectorate vis-à-vis the institutes. There is also a doctoral reform with a mandatory external assessment of dissertations.
The university now wants to draw a line under both affairs. In order to avoid lengthy and costly legal disputes, the parties have agreed "on agreements to leave on balance of all claims", according to the communiqué. The titular professor will leave the university at the end of April 2024, Wolfgang Stölzle at the end of July. Both have been released from their duties until their departure.
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