"Faculty friction is old," Lopez said. "Somebody is always saying Eck doesn't necessarily get along with Professor Witzel."

Witzel said any disagreements were related to academic matters, not personality politics.

In their December 1994 meeting, graduate students asked the administration to clarify "the status of Ms. Garzilli."

"Though no longer a faculty member, she remains a fixture in the office, where she expends considerable sums on photocopying, long distance and overseas telephone call and the United Parcel Service," the minutes read.

After the lawsuit was filed, the Office of the General Council served Garzilli with a letter informing Garzilli she could never return to the department, according to University Attorney Allan A. Ryan Jr.

Garzilli and Witzel, however, continue their professional relationship.

Together they edit two on-line journals. Garzilli has also received an affiliation with Harvard Law School, though her exact position is unclear.

One graduate student complained that though the University has a no trespass order against Garzilli, "she has been around throughout the year."

Witzel disputed the accusation, saying Garzilli has obeyed the no-trespass order.

"She's very careful not to step inside. If she has to meet me, she calls the secretary."

Moving into the Future

Over the past year, graduate students said, Skjaervo has been largely successful in resolving the problems of the department, particularly those of the graduate students.

All of the five issues of "immediate concern" which the students raised in their December 15, 1994 meeting have been addressed by Skjaervo, students said.

Skjaervo said he sought to address student complaints about the vagueness of the department's requirements and insistence that a thesis prospectus, reading list and other general requirements be spelled out.

The new department chair met with each student to offer advice and provide them with "a better framework for their studies."