ML20234C004

Summarizes 870909 Discussion Re F Wicks Intervention Document Which Alleges That Fj Rodriguez-Vera Inappropriate Reactor Supervisor Due to Status as Student.Student Visa Permits Employment on Campus

ML20234C004
Person / Time
Site:	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Issue date:	09/10/1987
From:	Sangrey D RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, TROY, NY
To:	Michaels T Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
NUDOCS 8709210141
Download: ML20234C004 (2)

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School of Engineenog p "6,,3 Oflice of the Dean fM l

Telephone (518H?76 6203

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_.J Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, New York 12180-3590 50- u f September 10, 1987 Mr. Theodore S. Michaels Project Manager Standardization & h n-Capital Power Reactor Project Director Division of Reactor Projects III, IV, V and Special Projects U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555

Dear Mr. Michaels:

I would like to summarize our discussion of yesterday concerning the intervention document submitted by Dr. Frank Wicks.

In that intervention document Dr. Wicks alleges that the current Reactor Supervisor at Rensselaer, Mr. Francisco J. Rodriguez-Vera is an inappropriate Reactor Supervisor because of his status as an RPI student. You and I discussed specifically the restrictions, if any, imposed by the student visa held by Francisco J. Rodriguez-Vera.

The conditions of the student visa permit Francisco J. Rodriguez-Vera to be employed on campus during the period of his education.

This employment is intended to be complementary to his educational objectives and/or degree requirements.

In the case of Rodriguez-Vera as Reactor Supervisor, this is clearly and specifically the case.

We anticipate that Mr. Rodriguez-Vera will complete his Ph.D. program and be awarded a degree no later than May 1988.

We also anticipate that his assignment as Reactor Supervisor will extend through most of that period but will end prior to the award of the degree.

According to the conditions of his student visa, Mr. Rodriguez-Vera has an opportunity to work in the United States for an additional period of 12 months beyond the completion of the degree so long as that work is complementary to his educational and professional objectives.

It is common for foreign nationals on students visas to use this 12-month period to extend the practical dimension of their training.

In principle, Rodriguez-Vera could work as the Reactor Supervisor here at RPI for part or all of that 12-month period.

However, we do not anticipate that that will be the Case.

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'Mr' T. Michaels September 10, 1987

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Dr.' Wicks has expressed the opinion that.having students serve as Reactor Supervisor is inappropriate. This has been common practice at.RPI for many years and has proven to be very satisfactory. Many of our student reactor supervisors have been experienced professionals from various

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backgrounds, including service in the nuclear navy. : You will note that Mr. Rodriguez-Vera is such an e.xperienced professional having spent.five

j years in professional practice prior to returning as a~ senior-graduate student.

I'might also note that Dr. Wicks'was a student at the time that he first became Reactor Supervisor at RPI.

I have' reviewed the' principles as well as the specifics of our current situation with the RPI Office of Human Resources and the.RPI Counsel, q

They have confirmed that the current status of Mr. Francisco

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Rodriguez-Vera is consistent with the policies and procedures described above.

If I can. provide any additional information, I would.be pleased to do so.

Youra sincerely,-

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Dwight A. Sangrey Dean

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