On 10/25/12 12:56 PM, Michael StJohns wrote: > To put a very specific point on this - in the real world, people get > shot, or are other wise hurt and end up in coma's and are otherwise > unable to fulfill the responsibilities of their office, and unless > and until they resign from office or are removed by defined > procedures, they remain the incumbent. > > I can list at least a few examples from American politics if you > desire. In the academic world, a tenured named position does not > become vacant when the incumbent goes on sabatical. If there are > administrative responsibilities associated with the position, > generally the organization has defined procedures to deal with the > absence. I don't think that these are in any way analogous, since in each case that you mentioned the individual who left was either incapacitated or had pre-arranged an absence. If someone simply disappeared from work without notice or comment I expect it would be handled rather differently. It's not at all clear to me that a recall actually is required, but it seems to me that in the interest of getting this resolved one should be started. Soon. Now, if possible. Melinda