Politics department Prof. James R. Sofka and University officials have agreed for the embattled professor to spend the academic year until Dec. 2006 on paid leave.
Sofka said he could not comment on the exact terms of the agreement, citing confidentiality provisions placed on him and the University.
He said he plans to use the time to finish his upcoming book on Thomas Jefferson's foreign policy, and provided a written statement regarding the agreement.
"I am pleased to say that all matters between myself and the University have been resolved," Sofka wrote. "I cannot comment on specifics given strict confidentiality rules, other than to say that I will be on research leave in the 2005-2006 year. I remain a member of the University faculty."
University spokesperson Carol Wood confirmed the confidentiality clause of the agreement.
She stated that Sofka's extended research leave will end in Dec. 2006, at which time his employment with the University will end.
Prompted by allegations of inappropriate behavior with female students, College Dean Edward L. Ayers informed Sofka in a Jan. 14 letter that "your current term of employment at the University of Virginia ends on May 24, 2007. As the University has no obligation to renew your contract beyond that date, please consider this notice that our intention is not to renew your contract." Sofka was removed from his position as head of the Echols Scholars program.
Publications of this affair have been made in The Daily Progress, The Hook, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Sofka has consistently denied all allegations of improper behavior.
-- Compiled by Matt Galati
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