Controversy about the recent promotion of former Sangamon State University President Durward Long remains alive in the hands of NIU students.

But the Board of Regents members are using their hands to place complaints along the wayside.

The Regents have dealt with another complaint on the controversial vice chancellor for strategic planning position.

NIU Student Regent Jim Mertes circulated a letter of response from Regents Chancellor Roderick Groves among Student Association members just before Spring Break. Groves was responding to an SA resolution condemning the appointment of Long to the vice chancellor of strategic planning position.

In the resolution, the SA also requested a ban be put on the proposed fall 1991 tuition increase and suggested the Regents are not allocating money in an “efficient and accountable” way.

Mertes presented the resolution to the Regents at the Feb. 14 and 15 self-evaluation workshop in Chicago.

The letter stated no action was taken on the resolution since the workshop was not a business meeting, but the Regents did take note of the contents while assessing its performance.

Although no action was taken, Groves’ assistant Cheryl Peck said the resolution is not on the agenda of the next Regents meeting on Mar. 21 at NIU.

SA Sen. Henry Treftz said Groves’ response really didn’t seem to react to the resolution. Treftz felt it was more of a polite response.

“We wanted to let the Board know we’re paying attention to them here at NIU,” Treftz said.

Mertes said, “I’m pleased the board considered the resolution, but obviously the Board needs to go beyond this.”

The creation of the position was surrounded by controversy. The Regents met in a closed executive session in December and then announced Long’s reassignment at a press conference the next day.

Under the Illinois Open Meetings Act, no decision is allowed in a closed session because the public is excluded.

Long’s term as SSU president was shrouded with controversy as well. Although he was never officially charged, Long was accused of sexual harassment and excessive drinking.