Former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Bernice Bass de Martinez has no plans to join a University-funded program in West Africa, despite President Donald Gerth?s claim to the contrary.

Bass de Martinez said Monday that until last week, she had no plans to leave her post with the University, let alone travel to another continent. This directly contradicts Gerth?s claim in a memorandum distributed across campus Oct. 8, which stated she would be taking a one-year leave of absence “at her request.”

She also said she is “not supposed to be on campus,” and alluded to a possible lawsuit against the University. Neither Gerth nor Bass de Martinez have stated who made the decision to vacate the post, but Bass de Martinez emphasized that she wanted to stay at Sacramento State.

“I made a serious commitment to stay at Sac State,” she said. “I never dreamed it would go like this.”

Gerth was unavailable for comment by The Hornet?s Monday deadline. He said Oct. 8 that Bass de Martinez would be able to return to a tenure-track faculty position, but her administrative positions could be permanently filled before her return.

“I haven?t had a chance to consult with people on our next step,” Gerth said.

Dean of Faculty and Staff Affairs David Wagner said that to the best of his knowledge, Bass de Martinez made the request for the leave of absence. He said the request would have gone directly to Gerth.”It is my understanding that the request for a leave of absence was from her,” Wagner said.

During her leave, Bass de Martinez will continue to earn the $13,000 monthly salary she received prior to her departure, Wagner said.

Bass de Martinez said the fact that the administration would continue to pay this salary should raise some eyebrows.”One of the biggest questions that someone should ask (Gerth) is, ?Why am I on a paid leave??” she said.

Bass de Martinez came to Sac State as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs in August 2000.

Ric Brown will replace her for the remainder of the semester, holding the title of Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs in Charge, according to Gerth?s memo.

“I took over the functions of the office on an as-needed basis until the faculty is consulted regarding a replacement,” Brown said.Gerth?s memorandum said Bass de Martinez would be joining a program aimed at modernizing West Africa?s higher education system.