University of Virginia Library

Canevari Hits Critique
Of Williams By Council

By James Beeghley
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Robert C. Canevari recently replied to
Student Council's demand for a
reevaluation of D. Alan Williams and his
role as Vice President for Student Affairs.

According to Mr. Canevari, "During
the past three years, in my opinion, no
one single person in the Administration
of this University has done more than Mr.
Williams. To lose sight of these points is
both unfortunate and unfair."

In reply, Mr. Mannix contended, "We
have not criticized Mr. Williams on a
personal basis - he undoubtedly worked
hard for what he believes to be the best
interests of students - but because his
conception of the best interests of students
does not coincide with that of the students
themselves and because he has therefore seen fit
to define his role as Vice President in a manner
which has caused a deepening sense of
frustration."

"We believe that Mr. Williams is sincere and
dedicated," Mr. Mannix's letter continued, "but
we believe he is sincerely wrong and dedicated
to 'protecting' students from their own best
interests."

The controversy began when Student
Council last week moved to contact University
President Edgar F. Shannon to ask for a
"re-evaluation" of Mr. Williams' role as Vice
President for Student Affairs, on the basis of
dealings concerning the "blue ribbon" code of
conduct and Lambeth Field committees.

Mr. Canevari, in response to Mr. Mannix's
second letter, asserted that the cause of the
Council dissatisfaction with Mr. Williams and
his role arose primarily because Mr. Williams
has recently had to say 'no' to Council, when in
the past he had been able to agree with them on
more issues.

Student Council has urged that the
administration re-define the concept of the
Office of Student Affairs. According to
Council, "any step taken to restructure the
Student Affairs Office would only be in the
best interest of the University community."

Originally Council considered a motion to
call for Mr. Williams' resignation; but later a
motion calling for a re-evaluation was
substituted. The proposal passed by a vote of
18-2 with three abstentions in last Tuesday's
Council meeting.

Later, an additional motion was approved
which called for the rerouting of all Council
correspondence directly to Mr. Shannon's
office rather than through the Office of
Student Affairs.