by Martha I. Fernandez
Features Editor
After eight years of service to the University, Henri Mascorro resigned her position as a student accounts assistant last month, after a demotion had been repealed in her favor, but no lateral transfer to another department could be granted at the time.
Mascorro received a demotion due to a reorganization of the Student Accounts Office. She was moved from a Grade V employee to Grade IV and from a Student Accounts Assistant III to II. The grade pertains to a person’s salary, while an assistant III has more duties, such as making the daily bank deposit. Although Mascorro was demoted, her salary was never altered.
“In my heart and my eyes it was unfair,” said Mascorro.
“I loved Henri and the students loved her,” said Fran Rodriguez, accounts receivable supervisor. “Some things you have to do for the betterment of the University.”
On Nov. 3, Mascorro filed an appeal. The appeals committee was chaired by Deborah Mandabach, public relations director, and consisted of Catherine Henley-Erickson, professor of English, Lydia Cobbold, administrative aide in the Public Administration Department, and Al Clark, assistant vice-president of academic affairs. After three months, the committee ruled in favor of Mascorro, reversing the demotion.
“Throughout my appeals, I’ve had so much support from ULV,” she said.
Mascorro, however, asked for a lateral transfer to another department. No openings were available so Mascorro chose to resign.
“From my point of view, she resigned and she had her reasons for doing so and that is all I have to say about it,” said Oris Barber, director of human resources.
“I really hated to leave. I exhausted all my avenues with the University,” said Mascorro.
Mascorro has not looked for another job as of yet. She plans to travel and regain her health first.
“I’ll get to that bridge when I get there. Opportunities will come when I get there, they always do,” she said.
While at the University, Mascorro was active in committees for events such as L-Day and Earth Day; and adviser to the Latino Student Forum until 1992.
