University officials continue to refuse to comment on Sister Annette Schmeling's termination from her position as vice president for student development and dean of students, saying they do not discuss personnel matters.

 Schmeling was terminated a little more than a month after she signed a new three-year contract to continue in her position.

 Dr. Joseph Saliba, the university's provost, informed the student body of Schmeling's separation through an e-mail message sent on Monday, Aug. 2, at 4:09 p.m. titled "New Direction for Student Development Division."

 "Sr. Annette Schmeling has separated from her position as vice president for student development and dean of students," Saliba said in his e-mail. "Please offer Sr. Annette your prayers as she begins a new journey in her life."

 In response to Saliba's e-mail, Schmeling sent an e-mail message titled "Clarification" to colleagues at 9:05 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 2. Flyer News obtained this Aug. 2., e-mail from Schmeling's attorney, Thomas J. Intili.

 In the e-mail, Schmeling said: "Dear Colleagues: I am in receipt of an e-mail from Provost Joseph Saliba to you stating that I have 'separated from [my] position as Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students.' That statement is not true. I have done no such thing. I have been advised by Joyce Carter and others that the University intends to terminate my employment contract (a contract that commenced just one month ago) without cause, but that has not happened yet. Until such time as my contract is terminated, I am contractually bound to fulfill the duties of Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students, and I intend to do so. If the university elects to terminate my employment agreement, I will have a further statement for you at that time. To those of you who have contacted me in dismay over the content [of] Dr. Saliba's e-mail, expressing support for me personally and professionally, and offering me your prayers, my sincere thanks. God bless you all."

 Carter is UD's vice president of human resources.

 Intili said on Tuesday, Aug. 3, that his office is looking at Schmeling's contract and trying to see what they can do legally in response to the university's actions.

 Schmeling was "notified verbally that she was being terminated without cause on July 22," Intili said on Aug. 3.

 On Wednesday, Aug. 4, Intili said developments have occurred since Schmeling's Aug. 2 e-mail was sent that he could not comment on.

 On Thursday, Aug. 26, Intili told Flyer News he did not have any further comments on Schmeling at that time.

 When asked about the status of Schmeling's termination from the university, he said the Dayton Daily News accurately explained it.

As of Sunday, Aug. 29, the Dayton Daily News article on the subject titled "UD fires dean of students; she says she's still under contract," was last updated on Wednesday, Aug. 4.

 According to the Dayton Daily News, Schmeling's employment contract has clauses that the employee and employer cannot disclose the details of disputes or their resolutions.

Her contract also says she will receive six months of her $163,760 salary if she is fired without cause, the Dayton Daily News said.

 Schmeling became vice president for student development and dean of students in May 2007. She also has worked as associate vice president for student learning at Creighton University and at the University of San Diego.

 In his message, Saliba said he appointed Bill Fischer, associate vice president for student development since November 2008, to step into the position on an interim basis.

 Saliba and Dr. Daniel Curran, the university's president, said they could not comment on Schmeling's termination. Schmeling was unavailable for comment.

 For updates on Flyer News' ongoing investigation of Schmeling's termination, visit flyernews.com.