Emir Macari, the dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, is currently on a leave of absence for unknown reasons.

According to an official memo, sent Dec. 3 from Interim Provost Charles Gossett to department chairs within the college and dean staff, Macari will not be available to handle any day-to-day operations.

“During his leave, he should not be contacted for work related matters, nor should new issues be referred to him,” Gossett wrote.

Macari did not respond to requests for comment.

Kim Nava, director of news services, said it has been confirmed Macari is on leave and she does not know when he is expected to return. Nava said the issue remains unclear.

Mikael Anderson, chair for the construction management department, said he is unsure about the situation, but hopes Macari returns because he was a great dean.

“He’s been very supportive of our program,” Anderson said. “If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have a department. He believed in me. He believed in what my vision was for this department to separate from civil engineering. He has continued to support us unconditionally.”

During Macari’s leave of absence, Laureen O’Hanlon, director of speech pathology and audiology, will be serving as administrator in charge for the college.