UNC, Qatar Discussion Stagnates

Chancellor James Moeser said last year that he hoped to have a decision by the end of 2001 about creating a branch of the Kenan-Flagler Business School in Doha, Qatar.

But Provost Robert Shelton said negotiations with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development -- the organization that approached UNC about establishing a branch in the region -- have come to a standstill.

"We're moving cautiously as we have all along," Shelton said. "Better to wait a little bit and get it right."

Qatar Foundation representatives requested that UNC officials submit a revised budget for the potential program, which Shelton said UNC sent to them in late December.

The University is now waiting on a response, causing a delay in the proposal's development.

Moeser, who could not be reached for comment Monday, has been soliciting input about the proposal from administrators, faculty and students since November, although the ultimate decision is in his hands.

Shelton insisted that although Moeser's decision has been postponed indefinitely, it does not mean there is a problem in the negotiations with the Qatar Foundation. "I would say it's an indication that negotiations are complicated," he said.

Many officials said they believe the extension of the chancellor's decision-making process also is a result of the intense debate ignited by the campus community in the wake of the proposal.

"I think it's just that the chancellor is weighing things carefully," said Nancy Davis, associate vice chancellor for University relations. "I think negotiations like this take time, and the chancellor is taking the time to make a thoughtful decision."

Some officials said the conclusion of an informational seminar begun last month also might have influenced the chancellor to take more time with his decision. Student government formed the seminar to give students an opportunity to study the proposal.

The seminar's third and final meeting Dec. 12 consisted of presentations given by the participating students and a lengthy question-and-answer session with Moeser.

"The students really understood the critical issues and raised important concerns," said business Professor Bob Adler, co-chairman of the seminar with chemistry Professor Holden Thorpe.

"I think (Moeser) clearly had an opinion about Qatar before the seminar, and the students either buttressed his opinion or made him think differently."

Student Body President Justin Young said students in the seminar presented Qatar-related issues, ranging from human rights concerns to how to instill the UNC experience in the Middle East.

"I think there were a lot of concerns a lot of people had, and there was no way the chancellor could deny that," Young said. "The positive thing is there is a possibility that the seminar has influenced the decision-making process. ... We planted the seed, and now it's time to see if this comes to fruition."

Young said he is glad students have had an impact thus far, but it is becoming more difficult to define students' role in the Qatar decision as discussions stagnate.

"Now, I guess in light of the way negotiations are going now ... we have to re-evaluate that angle and see where we are," he said. "It's almost like Qatar part two."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.