University's new administrator wants to take back my private lab space

[suppervillage]

I am a tenured professor at a private university in the US. My research requires dedicated lab space. Around ten years ago, when I was first hired, the offer letter stated that the university would provide me with X sqft of research space appropriate for my research activities so that I can establish my lab. I have worked there over the years, received significant research funding and tenure, and consistently received confirmation from administrators that the lab space was intended for my exclusive use. I have also been actively using the space. However, recently the new administrator from the university informed me that they intend to eliminate private lab spaces and instead create a shared space for multiple faculty members to utilize. Unfortunately, my research cannot proceed without a private space. My question is: Does the original countersigned offer letter constitute any kind of contract and would it, in conjunction with the written confirmations received from previous administrators offer me a basis for pushing back against the new administrators' plan to take the space away?

 

[Zigner]

I am a tenured professor at a private university in the US. My research requires dedicated lab space. Around ten years ago, when I was first hired, the offer letter stated that the university would provide me with X sqft of research space appropriate for my research activities so that I can establish my lab. I have worked there over the years, received significant research funding and tenure, and consistently received confirmation from administrators that the lab space was intended for my exclusive use. I have also been actively using the space. However, recently the new administrator from the university informed me that they intend to eliminate private lab spaces and instead create a shared space for multiple faculty members to utilize. Unfortunately, my research cannot proceed without a private space. My question is: Does the original countersigned offer letter constitute any kind of contract and would it, in conjunction with the written confirmations received from previous administrators offer me a basis for pushing back against the new administrators' plan to take the space away?

I would suggest you speak to a local attorney.

 

[LdiJ]

I am a tenured professor at a private university in the US. My research requires dedicated lab space. Around ten years ago, when I was first hired, the offer letter stated that the university would provide me with X sqft of research space appropriate for my research activities so that I can establish my lab. I have worked there over the years, received significant research funding and tenure, and consistently received confirmation from administrators that the lab space was intended for my exclusive use. I have also been actively using the space. However, recently the new administrator from the university informed me that they intend to eliminate private lab spaces and instead create a shared space for multiple faculty members to utilize. Unfortunately, my research cannot proceed without a private space. My question is: Does the original countersigned offer letter constitute any kind of contract and would it, in conjunction with the written confirmations received from previous administrators offer me a basis for pushing back against the new administrators' plan to take the space away?

In addition to the other advice, you might consider putting together a written argument as to why private lab space is necessary for your research, and of what benefit your research is to the university. The administrator is not doing this on a whim, the administrator is doing it because he/she believes that it is in the best interest of the university. Proving to him/her that what they are proposing is NOT in the best interest of the university might do more good than trying to strong arm things legally.

 

[zddoodah]

There is no way that anyone who hadn't read these documents can speak intelligently about their legal effect.

 

[quincy]

I am a tenured professor at a private university in the US. My research requires dedicated lab space. Around ten years ago, when I was first hired, the offer letter stated that the university would provide me with X sqft of research space appropriate for my research activities so that I can establish my lab. I have worked there over the years, received significant research funding and tenure, and consistently received confirmation from administrators that the lab space was intended for my exclusive use. I have also been actively using the space. However, recently the new administrator from the university informed me that they intend to eliminate private lab spaces and instead create a shared space for multiple faculty members to utilize. Unfortunately, my research cannot proceed without a private space. My question is: Does the original countersigned offer letter constitute any kind of contract and would it, in conjunction with the written confirmations received from previous administrators offer me a basis for pushing back against the new administrators' plan to take the space away?

In what state are you a professor?

Do you have, in addition to the 10-year-old offer letter and written confirmations of your use of the lab, an employment contract that states you will have exclusive use of the lab for your research?