A long-awaited report from a Radford University faculty senate investigation obtained Wednesday by The Roanoke Times found no violation of university rules or policies by President Penelope Kyle or her administration.

But the special committee that assembled the report diagnosed the university's problems this way: "The sense of disappointment, anger, and betrayal that comes across in these submissions is tangible and alarming.

"Failure to recognize the gravity and pervasiveness of the problems ... invites the further deterioration of a sense of community ... and will undermine the University's ability to effectively pursue its mission," the report stated.

The report also criticized the Radford University Board of Visitors for failing to calm disagreements between the administration and faculty that led to widespread discontent over the past year.

The faculty senate is expected to discuss the report at a meeting at 3:30 p.m. today in Heth Hall.

Responding to the report, university spokesman Jeff Douglas said, "It raises some questions about communication and faculty engagement that concern us a lot. We're as committed as ever to creating an inclusive, communication-rich environment on campus."

Board Chairman Tommy Fraim could not be reached for comment.

Constituted in April to look into the handling of curriculum changes and restructuring of academic programs, the ad hoc committee analyzed complaints submitted by faculty members. The committee also interviewed administrators including Kyle, Provost Wil Stanton and Vice President for University Advancement Cathy Greenberg.

The report addressed widespread concern that administrators failed to consult faculty on major academic changes, such as shortening the length of a semester to 14 weeks. The report also addresses suspicions that RU Foundation monies earmarked for departmental use were not disbursed properly.

The committee found no wrongdoing in any of these cases, but it criticized the administration's top-down approach to decision-making, its lack of transparency and insufficient communication.

"Faculty complained that announcements took the place of meaningful conversations. Administrative decisions have been perceived as faits accomplis. ... Dissent has been perceived as unwelcome or even dangerous," the report stated.

These findings were backed up by the results of the 2009 Faculty Satisfaction Survey, also obtained Wednesday, which showed a drop in satisfaction with upper-level administration since 2008 and concern that the university's public image has suffered.