“I want to thank those who have continued to show their support of the college despite the unsubstantiated allegations that have been directed at me in recent media reports,” she said.
Fernandez said any complaint should be filed with the appropriate office that can resolve it.
“I will be more than happy to address them if and when they are channeled through the appropriate governance and administrative processes in accordance with board of regents policy,” she said.
On Friday, a two-page, unsigned document was circulated on Capital Hill detailing the NMC’s president “blatant abuse of authority” that has “seriously undermined the academic integrity of the institution.”
Fernandez refused to comment on allegations involving NMC personnel, saying “as a matter of policy and to respect the privacy of employees’ records, we will not publicly discuss issues that involve individual personnel records.”
In her statement to Variety, Fernandez explained the NMC will not reply to unfounded allegations in the media.
“The campus community is continuing its work on meeting accreditation requirements, and we will be focusing our efforts here,” she said.
The document stated that Fernandez improperly terminated and forced seven NMC staff members to resign, which have resulted in expensive settlements.
She was also accused of improperly hiring five NMC staff members and officials.
Fernandez said all personnel actions carried out under her presidency have been in compliance with personnel policies and procedures set by the board of regents.
Fernandez was also accused of reckless spending which reportedly resulted in a projected $800,000 deficit for FY 2009.
According to the document, the spending included the recent college-wide workshop at the Saipan World Resort, the Christmas party at the Hyatt Regency Saipan, Fernandez’s travel with six faculty members to Honolulu, excessive winning and dining, costly cash settlements, and the hiring of a local firm to conduct background checks.
Recently, however, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges noted that NMC was able to strengthen its internal control of funds.
The commission said NMC has resolved each of the 2007 audit findings.
“The college now embraces and has adopted procedures to safeguard funds,” it added.
