Faculty at Hampshire College this week voted on a resolution to express no confidence in the leadership of the Amherst, Massachusetts, institution. But because of technical problems, a faculty committee chose not to validate the results.
A revote has not been announced.
While any no-confidence vote is nonbinding, Hampshire President Miriam Nelson said it would certainly send a strong message.
"I think the big concern that I have, and the board has, is if the senior leadership were to step down, and the leadership of the board to step down, it could be catastrophic for the college," she said.
Nelson said it could affect the search for a long-term strategic partner, which Hampshire has put in motion as a way to deal with serious financial problems.
Hampshire also decided not to admit a full freshman class next year — and this week laid off nine staff members, with more likely to come.
The Hampshire board of trustees has expressed support for Nelson's leadership.
