McKenna due back at college.

(From Belfast Telegraph)

Byline: Claire Regan

Professor Gerry McKenna is due to return to the University of Ulster today amid confusion over what his new role will entail after he stepped down as vice-chancellor in the wake of a damning investigation into his conduct.

The former chief is expected to return to work this morning - eight months after going off on sick leave and exactly one month after the Belfast Telegraph revealed that a high-level investigation found he had a case to answer regarding allegations of being impaired by alcohol, treating staff harshly and having lax financial controls.

Prof McKenna's significantly reduced new role as president, described by sources as a 'travelling ambassador', was offered to him by the university's ruling council in May as a way of avoiding suspension and a costly internal tribunal.

At that time, a broad remit of his new duties said he would be concentrating on extending the university's international links, devising and facilitating a major programme of alumni involvement and looking into extending tradable services overseas.

But the university has now refused to answer a number of basic questions submitted by the Belfast Telegraph asking for more details of the post which he will keep for one year only before retiring next year.