Professor King, principal and vice-chancellor for 19 years, is disputing Abertay's recent announcement that he had retired following a period of suspension. He is pursuing an employment tribunal claim.

The Courier reports  that the crisis has seen several lay members of the court resign. Most recent is businessman Bob Doak while one of the most senior members of staff the pro-vice-chancellor Professor Rositsa Bateson, has also resigned from the university within the last few days.

A Harvard graduate, she is professor of higher education management and is responsible for functions including student recruitment, admissions, student services, alumni relations and fund-raising. A university source claims Professor Bateson had agreed a deal with the university, one of the terms of which was that she did not speak to the press.

It also appears that  a letter signed jointly by 11 professors  said they felt "compelled to raise our concerns to court as it attempts to resolve a difficult problem which affects every one of us at Abertay."

The 11 professors (Rositsa Bateson, Phillipe Baveye, David Bradley, Mohamed Branine, David Bremner, David Heeley, Sabine Hotho, Reza Kouhy, John Palfreyman, Graeme Walker and Nikolai Zhelev and a separate separate letter sent to the university court by Heather Tarbert, professor of finance at the university's business school who has since left the University) stated that the role of vice-chancellor is not only to be chief executive but also to serve as chief academic officer and chair of the senate — the body that oversees the academic work of the university.

"We, the professoriate of the university senate, believe that a momentous decision about the duration of the vice-chancellor's appointment and the adoption of a succession plan should likewise be determined by court in conjunction with the university senate.

"We are anxious that our governing body should not risk Abertay's unique position ... nor act in a manner that might expose the university to reputational damage, nor yet undervalue the political impact of the vice-chancellor's voice as convener of Universities Scotland - a testimony to his standing as the most experienced vice-chancellor in Scotland and to the public recognition of Abertay as a leading Scottish university."

Professor Tarbert in her letter is quoted:  "Having worked at several universities, I can state that Bernard is an absolutely exceptional and inspiring leader who has created a university acknowledged as world-leading in computer games. His achievements in bringing Abertay to the world stage are without parallel.

"From a business perspective, we believe that Bernard is the best leader to navigate the extremely challenging circumstances that face all universities in the next four years.

"The university needs Bernard to continue to inspire, create and engage tirelessly with his extensive stakeholder network in order to ensure our continuing success."

A university spokesman confirmed the professors' comments had been received in November. Subsequent to that, chairman of the court Nigel Hawkins had met representatives of the group.
He declined to comment on the reported resignation of Professor Bateson.