Western Oregon Journal

After being sued for sexual harassment by a former student last winter, Gary Welander is back on campus this fall-but not in the classroom.

Western put Welander on unpaid leave last spring after the state shelled out $65,000 to former student Rosemary Garcia, who was suing Welander.

The tenured professor was due back at his teaching position in the College of Education this fall, but after colleagues expressed concerns, plans were revised.

"He is no longer teaching in the College of Education," Interim President John Minahan said.

Welander's new position is in the Athletics Department, consisting of advising men's athletic teams and aiding athletes in their NCAA tracking.

The position is a good fit for Welander, according to Minahan. "He knows about athletics and about advisement," he said.

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