AAP director to be replaced before July

Former Chicana and Chicano studies Professor Adolfo Bermeo
announced his decision last month to resign his position as the
associate vice provost for student diversity and director of the
Academic Advancement Program. He was suspended and placed under
review last spring for a relationship with a student that was an
alleged violation of university policy.

Bermeo was charged with violating a UC Board of Regents policy
passed in July 2003 that bans “a romantic or sexual
relationship with any student for whom a faculty member has, or
should reasonably expect to have in the future, (instructional,
evaluative or supervisory) academic responsibility.”

An investigation was launched after the allegations arose, said
UCLA spokesman Phil Hampton.

No conclusion had been reached in the investigation regarding
the case when Bermeo announced his resignation. He had faced
potential dismissal.

Judi Smith, vice provost for undergraduate education, is
currently in the process of appointing a search committee to assist
her in filling the post, Hampton said.

Smith declined to comment on the situation, but a representative
from her office said UCLA plans to announce Bermeo’s
replacement for both positions before July 1, 2006.

Smith’s representative said both professors within the
campus and non-UCLA professors will be considered for the
position.

Alfred Herrera continues to serve as AAP interim director while
the search process continues. Herrera has held the position since
April 2005, when Bermeo was suspended pending the investigation.
Herrera could not be reached for comment.

Bermeo had served as the director of AAP since 1986. In 1998 he
received the chancellor’s Fair and Open Academic Environment
Award.

“Your dedication, determination and ability are truly
outstanding, and are enormous assets to the university, to the
community, and to the AAP student body,” Chancellor Albert
Carnesale said in presenting the award, according to the AAP Web
site.

AAP provides assistance to approximately 6,500 minority and
first-generation college students through tutoring, counseling,
graduate mentoring and scholarships, according to the AAP Web
site.

The program’s budget was significantly cut in the state
budget crisis, along with many outreach programs.