vancontrol
New Member
I am a tenured professor at a private university in the US. My research requires dedicated lab space. Around ten years ago, when I was first hired, the offer letter stated that the university would provide me with X sqft of research space appropriate for my research activities so that I can establish my lab. I have worked there over the years, received significant research funding and tenure, and consistently received confirmation from administrators that the lab space was intended for my exclusive use. I have also been actively using the space. However, recently the new administrator from the university informed me that they intend to eliminate private lab spaces and instead create a shared space for multiple faculty members to utilize. Unfortunately, my research cannot proceed without a private space. My question is: Does the original countersigned offer letter constitute any kind of contract and would it, in conjunction with the written confirmations received from previous administrators offer me a basis for pushing back against the new administrators' plan to take the space away?
