The University of the West Indies (UWI) has insisted that the final decision to appoint a new principal for the Mona Campus has not been taken, following The Gleaner's report yesterday that Professor Dale Webber would take up the post on October 1 this year, replacing Professor Archibald McDonald, who is retiring.
According to the UWI, the official process of appointing a principal has not yet been completed.
"The statutes of the university provide that the decision in respect of the appointment of a principal resides with the University Council, which is presided over by the chancellor," the university noted.
Still, Gleaner sources have maintained that although Webber has only been selected at this stage, he is expected to be formally appointed in the post of principal. Webber is an ecologist and the current pro vice-chancellor for graduate studies.
A senior administrator at the UWI regional headquarters told The Gleaner yesterday that "all that is left is just for formality in that regard".
The Gleaner understands that the University Council will meet "shortly" to attend to the formalities.