Four years after Ohio University released a report detailing plagiarism in its graduate mechanical engineering program, professor Jay Gunasekera will be given a chance to clear his name after suggestions arose of his possible involvement.
Gunasekera sued then-provost Kathy Krendl and Dennis Irwin, dean of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, after OU's report suggested Gunasekera overlooked incidences of plagiarism. At the time, Gunasekera was serving as chair of the Russ Department of Mechanical Engineering and held the title of University Distinguished Professorship.
A name-clearing hearing will take place Monday at 1:30 p.m. in Baker University Center room 231. The hearing was ordered in January as a result of the lawsuit.
Andrew Mollica is serving as OU's attorney for the hearing. Mollica will read a statement before opening the floor to Gunasekera and his attorney, John Marshall. Marshall will then question Gunasekera and allow him to state his case, said John Biancamano, OU's general counsel.
We're making the room available and sent the invitations as required for the court
and this will be an opportunity for Dr. Gunasekera and his attorney to make a statement... I don't think there is an outcome beyond that Biancamano said.
He added that beyond OU's attorney, no one is required to attend the session.
Of course Dr. Krendl is no longer (at OU); I'm quite certain she won't attend Biancamano said. I'd be surprised if Dean Irwin attends.
OU suspended Gunasekera's graduate faculty status, stripped him of his distinguished professorship and prevented him from advising students after the scandal, which prompted OU to rescind one degree and ask dozens of alumni to rewrite their theses.
Gunasekera said the suspension came without notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard
according to the court's written opinion.
He referred all questions to his attorney, and Marshall declined to detail the arguments he would present at
the hearing.
This is our hearing; OU was ordered to hold it and sponsor it
but I expect you will be able to hear what happened and what needs to be heard
Marshall said. This is truly a name-clearing hearing
and that's what it'll be.
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Rebecca McKinsey
