Rider University Faculty Call For President's Removal, Trustees Show 'Confidence'

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Rider University’s Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has called for the removal of President Gregory Dell’Omo from his position. The AAUP, which includes full and part-time faculty, librarians, coaches, and athletic staff, voted 'no confidence' in Dell’Omo’s leadership.

The AAUP said they have "serious concerns” over Dell’Omo’s job performance, which led to “weakening of the University’s financial condition,” decline in student enrollment, and the “near destruction of Westminster Choir College.”

The group said that Dell’Omo’s failures have put the “University in jeopardy.” Members of the AAUP called on the Board of Trustees to remove Dell’Omo as president of Rider University.

“President Dell’Omo’s poor management has cost Rider University millions and millions of dollars. To remedy this, he plans on layoffs and buy-outs, but the only person who should receive a pink slip is Greg Dell’Omo,” said Barbara Franz, President Rider University’s Chapter of the AAUP. “If Rider is to survive, Dell’Omo must go.”

Dell’Omo has been president of Rider University since 2015.

The resolution comes after Dell’Omo announced the "Voluntary Separation Program" for employees in January. The program intends to reduce salary and benefit expenses. According to the University, this program allows certain employees to voluntarily resign from their positions in exchange for financial and other incentives.

Members of Rider's Chapter of the AAUP are not eligible for the program since their terms and conditions of employment are governed by a separate collective bargaining agreement, the University said.

Financial Failures, Loss of Reputation:

Arthur Taylor, a member of the executive board of Rider’s AAUP chapter, said Dell’Omo’s tenure has been marked by financial failures. “He has effectively failed in every important category of financial leadership. Rider’s board of trustees should recognize their fiduciary responsibility to the institution and for the good of university, they should remove him as president of Rider University,” Taylor said.

According to the resolution passed by the AAUP, which is unprecedented, the University has seen three downgrades of bond rating, experienced a 19 percent decline in full-time enrollment, and reduced net income by six million dollars.

The AAUP also said that Dell’Omo’s decisions to relocate the Westminster Choir College from Princeton to Lawrenceville has resulted in lost alumni support, reduced enrollments and loss of reputation.

In December, over 120 students and recent graduates of Westminster Choir College signed a petition, addressing the administration's failure in keeping its promises to students, misrepresentation of intent and inadequate facilities. Read More: Rider U. Failed To Keep Promises, Say Westminster Choir Students

Trustees Show Confidence In Dell’Omo:

On Friday, the Rider University Board of Trustees told Patch, it fully endorsed Dell’Omo.

“Although the voices of all members of the Rider community are important, the Board of Trustees is profoundly disappointed by this action and reaffirms its support of President Dell’Omo and his leadership team,” John Guarino, chairman of the Rider University Board of Trustees said.

Trustees said the AAUP vote comes at a time when many institutions, including Rider, are facing the long-term effects of the pandemic.

Responding to the 'no-confidence' vote against him, Dell’Omo said the pandemic was “exacerbating existing challenges.”

“Everyday, tuition-dependent private institutions like Rider are grappling with issues related to affordability, enrollment, competition, shrinking state and federal funding, student success and retention, and the looming drop in the number of high school graduates,” Dell’Omo told Patch in a statement. “As if this wasn’t enough, a global pandemic swept in, exacerbating existing challenges and creating unforeseen new ones.”

“While we have already accomplished so much in addressing financial challenges related to the pandemic, enrollment and more, we must take decisive, but difficult steps to achieve financial stability to position Rider so that we can continue to invest strategically and improve the delivery of our mission and student outcomes given the changing environment we face.”

The University said it now faces the “hard truth” that more needs to be done to bring expenses in line with revenue and reduce its budget to operate a more financially sustainable institution. The Voluntary Separation Program will address critical immediate needs, Rider said.

“President Dell’Omo and his team are taking bold steps to create a Rider University able to withstand the impacts of a rapidly changing higher education climate, and ensure Rider’s success moving forward," Guarino said. "The Trustees have full confidence in President Dell’Omo and the steps he continues to take towards meaningful progress for the institution as a whole so it can overcome its present challenges and endure for years to come.”

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news