GRAND FORKS -- University of North Dakota athletic director Tom Buning will be out of the office at least two to four more weeks, according to his boss.
Phil Harmeson, UND vice president for general administration, told the Herald on Sunday night that Buning will not be back today, though the four-week leave of absence he requested last month ends.
"He's asserted an extension for another two to four weeks," Harmeson said.
Harmeson said he was notified by Julie Evans, UND general counsel, that the school had received a document late in the week regarding the extension.
Buning asserted the leave through federal law, Harmeson said.
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"It's not a request," Harmeson said. "We have no ability to deny or allow it."
A day after Buning requested the four-week leave Sept. 17, Steve Brekke and Betty Ralston were named acting co-athletic directors.
"Betty and Steve are doing a great job," Harmeson said. "We're moving along, and things are going very well."
Buning's leave request in September came after a few days of speculation that a change in the athletic department leadership was coming.
It also came a few days after athletic department surveys were completed regarding the performance of Buning. Harmeson, who became
Buning's boss July 1, distributed the surveys.
On a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the best, Buning was given an average overall performance rating of 2.14 from athletic department personnel, including an average score of 2.7 from head coaches, according to the survey obtained by the Herald through an open records request.
The 46-question survey asked coaches and staff whether they strongly agreed or strongly disagreed with various statements about the athletic director.
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The surveys had to be returned by Sept. 12. Buning's leave request was announced Sept. 17.
The surveys, which were titled "review of the athletic director," were unsigned, so all responses are anonymous except for a check-off box that indicates the person's title.
UND's athletic director since July 1, 2005, Buning has not been available for comment.
In a Sept. 13 letter, Buning responded to the preliminary report regarding the anonymous surveys.
In his letter to Harmseon, Buning highlighted problems in the department he inherited and steps he took to correct them. He also took issue with the restructuring of the department, specifically the athletic director not reporting to the university president.
The Grand Forks Herald and The Dickinson Press are both owned by Forum Communications Co.
