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Concerning my leaving Southampton Institute in August of this year (THES, May 16). I have not been asked to take voluntary redundancy as you stated twice.

In the normal course of events, I would have retired in 1999. A study in the autumn of last year suggested a reassigning of roles in our directorate, I therefore felt it was opportune for me to retire early to allow greater freedom and responsibility to our deans. Accordingly, I approached governors seeking voluntary redundancy. This decision was mine, and mine alone. It was made with much reluctance and after a great deal of reflection on my part. I look back with some pride on a long career, 19 years of which are at Southampton Institute.

I am leaving with pride, dignity and fond memories. I leave it to your readers to judge misrepresentation of the facts.

B. N. Cotton

Director of academic operations Southampton Institute