After several weeks of student occupation, Seattle University places dean on administrative leave

A dean of a college at Seattle University has been placed on administrative leave while university officials review her leadership and management of the college.

Students have been occupying an office at the university for several weeks calling for the resignation of dean Jodi Kelly. Students began their occupation at Matteo Ricci College last month.

Among other things, they want the small humanities college of about 200 students to have a curriculum that's broader than it's current focus on Western humanities. They said Seattle University offers classes pertaining to social justice and poverty, but that Matteo Ricci College doesn't have offerings that address those issues.

Administrators did not immediately respond to an interview request. But they did send a letter to the university community.

University President Stephen Sundborg said school officials are looking into formal complaints against dean Kelley. And he said she was placed on administrative leave while those complaints are reviewed.

Sundborg also said officials have outlined proposals to address concerns about the college's curriculum. But he said that work is still in its early stages.