Ladner's Severance Could Top $1 Million

In a letter responding to the report, Ladner's attorneys called the 1997 agreement a normal, down-the-middle contract.

Ladner did not return calls seeking comment yesterday. Last week, he said he had no intention to resign.

Ladner's attorneys said that the investigation, prompted by an anonymous letter, has been unfair and that his contract covers almost all the spending in question. He has offered to repay the school more than $21,000 for some events, such as family birthday parties.

Ladner has had strong support from some trustees, who said he has improved the campus and brought it much-needed stability.

Last week, the Faculty Senate voted no confidence and hundreds of students rallied with signs like "It's Our Money, Ben." After their protest, students immediately began talking about their next cause. "It would be a travesty if the man gets a cozy severance package . . . after the damage he's done to the university," said Chris Sgro, a senior from Philadelphia, who will be voting today on a resolution by the undergraduate general assembly that recommends that Ladner be terminated.

The faculty of the Kogod School of Business, after voting no confidence last week, also resolved that Ladner "should receive no severance pay, 'golden parachute' or other compensation from the university other than the minimum that is legally required."

An e-mail circulating on campus, "Don't Let President Escape with a Golden Parachute," urges people to contact administrators.

In 1990, campus protests erupted when Richard Berendzen, who had resigned from the AU presidency after making obscene phone calls, was offered a $1 million severance package if he cut ties with the school. The board rescinded the offer, allowing him to return to teach physics.

Staff writer Valerie Strauss contributed to this report.