Former Senior Executive Secretary of the Accounting, Taxation and Legal Studies in Business Department Joann Tsapelas was fired on Wednesday, May 3, after 19 years of working at Hofstra and 12 years working in the position having served seven chairs. Tsapelas said she fell victim to alleged bullying tactics within the administration of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, attributing her removal to the efforts of the current department chair, Dr. Jacqueline A. Burke, who Tsapelas said filed six complaints against the secretary within a year. These complaints were the first and only complaints filed against Tsapelas throughout her 19 years working at Hofstra.
According to the official letter issued by Human Resources, Tsapelas removal was due to an inability to take ownership of work. It also said, … tasks have not been completed as assigned. Additionally, you have been insubordinate and unreceptive to the coaching or feedback being provided to assist you in meeting expectations.
Some of the complaints as detailed in the final warning letter submitted on Friday, April 27, included, A parking spot was not properly reserved for a prospective M.S. candidate, A room reservation was not completed as directed and Call forwarding on [Tsapelas] line was not deactivated when [she] returned from leave as requested.
Tsapelas felt that the charges were inconsequential. No one else would have made a big deal to put that stuff in a report, that I didnt forward a call, that I didnt go downstairs and wait for somebody that was getting a parking spot, she said. Then she got me for insubordination because I didnt go to a staff meeting. I didnt go to a staff meeting because she was screaming at me and I refused to go.
After getting radiation on her head for medical complications, Tsapelas began getting visual seizures about five years ago. These seizures, Tsapelas says, are brought on by stress. She said that after she began working under Burke, her seizures started acting up again due to the bullying.
With her they got so bad, it was to the point that it was blinding. Thats what happens because its something in front of your eye. Now Im driving, and I have to pull over. Thats never happened to me, Tsapelas said. I was doing that for a while. It was just getting worse and worse.
Her doctor requested that Tsapelas take five weeks of medical leave in order to subdue the seizures. She said her doctor told her, You cant stay in that environment. You have to get out.
In a text message sent to her brother on Friday, Jan. 26, Tsapelas told him after she says she was berated, Im shaking, you should have heard how she spoke to me.
In response, her brother responded, Take off Monday. Dont let her get to you.
Former department chairs, Dr. Daniel Tinkelman and Dr. Elizabeth Venuti, spoke highly of Tsapelas while she worked under them.
Joann is very diligent and committed to getting her work done on time and professionally. She frequently worked extra hours to complete tasks. In doing her work, she requires very little oversight, Tinkelman, who was chair in the fall of 2015, said. It never crossed my mind to write up a complaint.
Venuti said that while she served as chair of the department from January 2013 through August 2015, Joanns assistance was invaluable. In some measure, I would say that she trained me for the job. I could count on Joann to keep track of my calendar, deadlines, department budget and more. Joann was an integral part of the team that helped with the 2013 AACSB Accounting Accreditation process, Venuti said.
Tsapelas said she is going to arbitration because the removal will smear her reputation. I cant go anywhere now to work because when anybody calls in thats what theyre going to tell them.
When The Chronicle reached out to the university, the Assistant Vice President of University Relations Karla Schuster said, The university does not comment on personnel matters.
Burke could not be reached for comment.
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No • Sep 11, 2018 at 5:22 am
Dear Concerned, Have no fear. The person(s) responsible for that memo are now employed as administrator(s). Karma.
Concerned • Sep 5, 2018 at 3:19 pm
Whats happening at Zarb
An anonymous memo dated October 2013 (last aacsb visit), was distributed to faculty, Dean, Provost and AAUP. It had strong accusations and a disturbing disregard of the integrity of our faculty and the School of Business. Now that the aacsb visit is near, we are worried of possible secretive arrangement that the person or persons decide to write another memo. As such, we ask those responsible to carefully think about their actions and to refrain from doing this again!
YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!
BURATH • Jun 20, 2018 at 1:16 pm
To Seething-Dont Fret! Hopefully the university will come to their senses and acknowledge Dr. Burkes behavior. She is unstable and has dual personalitys (Jekyl and Hyde). She is insecure, paranoid and treats many students and faculty like garbage! Dont be fooled by her, take notice that she tries to be sweet and helpful in front of you but its all an act. Shell rip you apart and make you feel small and incompetent. Dont argue or question the classwork that she gives and if she allows a makeup exam, do it in her presence!
Seething • Jun 11, 2018 at 8:54 pm
So, it is now summer and guess what readers? The University has done absolutely NOTHING about this situation. Bully-Burke is still in place and the rat alum who has no sense of discretion is still scheduled to teach in the fall. This university and department have no shame. I came to see my niece graduate and saw that Ronan Farrow was the keynote speaker. How ironic and apropos that he spoke about bullying and harassment and then sat next to that pathetic excuse for a Dean – Berliner. I’ve already sent Farrow a message, as well as the Accreditation Board, alerting them both to what has gone on in this department. I am now ashamed to say I am a Hofstra alum knowing that this behavior is condoned by the administration.
Alum • May 23, 2018 at 10:39 pm
Bullying and Harassment
Lets not let all the bickering keep us all from the facts. The facts are that the Gang bullies and harassess and continue to attack all who oppose their twisted will. Its disgraceful that a once highly regarded University allows an entire department to run in this manner. These thugs can try to curb their thirst for power however the bullying and harassment will continue to happen over and over again.
The University after reduced admissions and a tarnished reputation eventually will remove this toxic gang. Until then I will make sure to recommend any and all to other NY universitys as prospective students.
Anonymous • May 15, 2018 at 10:20 pm
Ms. Tsapelas DOES NOT share any information that is private! Only those that know her well would know that. My advice would be to concentrate on your leader
(BURKE) who I hope for all of your sakes does right by that department! I think if she controls herself you should be okay! Positive thoughts! 🙂
Basta • May 15, 2018 at 4:36 pm
HMMM….MAYBE YOUR FRIEND JOANNE IS SHARING INFORMATION WITH YOU?
Former Alum • May 15, 2018 at 3:36 pm
It is very sad that Joann’s "friend" violated what was said to her in confidence. That shows a lack of ethics on the alum’s part and should not be someone who should be hired to teach. But maybe a lack of ethics is prevalent in the Accounting Department. Someone recently posted personnel information that only Dr. Burke should have had. So either the post was from Dr. Burke or she shared personnel information that should have been confidential. Also, I believe, Joann’s "friend" and former member of Beta Alpha Psi was Dr. Basile’s TA and holds only holds degrees from Hofstra. With the poor CPA pass rate that exists at Hofstra I would guess that the alum is not even a CPA!! It is unfortunate that Dr. Burke’s behavior is ruining the department’s reputation and that of some long time senior faculty who have served as her mentor.
Disappointed • May 15, 2018 at 3:09 am
This is so sad! Its a shame that there are so many issues in this department. Hope you guys can work this out for the students.
Disgusted Graduating Senior & Now Non-Donor • May 14, 2018 at 4:08 am
So – ANOTHER alum is going to start teaching. Wonder if its ANOTHER former TA of either Burke, Basile of Polimeni. This is absolutely shameful that this department continues to let adjuncts "learn how to teach" on Hofstra students who are paying thousands of dollars per class to be taught by actual professors – not former students who are AGAIN connected to the regime that runs this department.
As for ANONYMOUS – you seem to have a lot of personal details about this situation and it is violation of both employment law and ethics for you to be discussing these details in a public forum. I hope they figure out who you are and fire you for being inappropriate and unable to keep employee matters confidential. This department has continues to hit new lows as each day passes. When will Berliner step up and be a real Dean and purge this department of this cancerous gang. Oh, that’s right, he won’t because he is best friends with their leader. Pathetic.
#basta • May 14, 2018 at 4:03 am
This comment is not addressed to Joann. It is addressed to the other people who commented on this and the other stories and letters about Zarb. Joann is collateral damage as a result of childish behavior on the part of many over the past few years.
The self-indulgent behavior among the so-called adults is unacceptable and must stop.
We sat in a recent department meeting and waxed nostalgic about our collegiality. We may have been that way once, but we are not acting that way now. The most recent comment by Anonymous is evidence of how hypocritical we all are. Didnt we just say that it is cowardly to post anonymous comments?
What is NOT collegial:
Going behind your chairs back to report him or her to the dean or calling for his or her removal in an angry, anonymous comment. Never sitting down personally with the chair to discuss the issues.
Filing grievances with the union or complaints with HR before discussing issues with colleagues.
Sending nasty emails to your colleagues instead of speaking with them face to face.
Hiding behind the veil of anonymity when posting nasty comments but claiming that anonymity is cowardly when in the presence of all of your colleagues at a department meeting. (Sorry, but I am going anonymous on this one. Like everyone else who is posting anonymously, I fear the consequences.)
Recklessly accusing colleagues of a variety of serious infractions and tarnishing their reputations.
We must be honest with ourselves that these actions are probably the reason that some of our former colleagues are no longer at Hofstra. We have to stop this ridiculousness before we lose anyone else. According to Anonymous, Joann apparently vented to someone she thought was a friend. That friend turned on her, and then Joann got fired. Is it any wonder that we are all afraid to speak openly and honestly?
Anonymous • May 14, 2018 at 12:43 am
Anonymous…..
I would like to comment on the article by Katie Krahulik..
It should be noted that Ms. Tsapelas returned from a 5 week medical leave(details in the article) Monday April 16 and was issued a final warning by Dr. Burke on Thursday, April 19 (3 days later). Her final warning letter was issued to Ms. Tsapelas on Friday April 27 and she was fired on Wednesday May 2. In addition to the claims that are in the article, it is my understanding that at the final warning meeting, Dr. Burke accused Ms. Tsapelas of speaking negatively to an alum (Ms. Tsapelas and the alum are friends). This alum was a student and a member of Beta Alpa Psi. The alum is expected to teach in the fall 2018 according to Burke. At the meeting, Burke claimed that a negative text message was sent to the alum and she was so upset that she copied and pasted a private conversation between the two of them to Dr. Burke and Dr. Basile she also went on to say a private voicemail between the two was forwarded to Burke and Basile. Dr. Burke discussed the details at the meeting (April 27th) Tsapelas chose not to comment to Burkes claims since the conversation was private between the two.!
Elizabeth Venuti • May 11, 2018 at 3:36 pm
I would like to take the opportunity to reply to Anonymous.
First of all, I think it is quite obvious from reading the first article about Zarb that appeared several weeks ago that I did not comment and I dont have an axe to grind. I retired from Hofstra University, I hold the title Associate Professor Emerita, and I am very proud of the years that I served. Hofstra has extraordinary accounting programs and there are thousands of successful alumni in leadership positions in the tri-state area and beyond. There is a very dedicated group of faculty currently teaching these programs, many who have won teaching and service awards.
Second, when Joann Tsapelas told me that she had been terminated, I immediately provided her with a letter of reference, to assist her in finding another position. The quote that Katie Krahulik used is from the letter that I wrote, and which I gave Joann and Katie permission to cite. My letter is based on my experiences working with Joann up until the time that I left Hofstra. I stand by every word I wrote in the letter, and I could probably add more. Joann was integral to my success as chair.
Third, I have no knowledge of whether Katie contacted any other chairs for comment. Joann worked for seven chairs during her 12 years in the accounting department. The first retired long ago. Katie presumably tried to reach Burke (the most recent of the seven) for comment, but in fairness to Burke, she is most likely not permitted to comment because of privacy issues. It is very important for all of the commenters to realize that. Other than Dan Tinkelman, who was also quoted, there were three other chairs, who are all still employed at Hofstra. I have no knowledge of whether they were contacted and/or chose not to comment.
Truth • May 11, 2018 at 2:21 pm
LETS ALL FOCUS ON THE SUBJECT OF BULLYING AND HOFSTRAS JOURNALISM STUDENT – KATIE KRAHULIK.
Thank you Katie for your professionalism and compassion towards Ms. Tsapelas. Not only did she put herself out there for all to see but it was important enough for her to meet with you to do a full disclosure interview.
I am not going to comment much on work performance positive or negatives, for now anyway!
But I will say this about Katie Krahulik. She chose to come to Hofstra and I believe she did because the school has a wonderful journalism program. So to ANONYMOUS as to your comment that goes as follows It is ridiculous how this one-sided piece of journalism is actually called journalism, lets see so you are criticizing a student that chose Hofstra and is about to embark on a career in journalism just because you dont like what she wrote and is one sided. If you feel that strongly about it then maybe you should reach out to her and Im sure she would be happy to hear your side of it. She is a true professional and Im sure youll agree when you meet and talk with her. For Ms. Tsapelas to reveal everything that is personal about herself as she did, to me only shows that maybe there is truth to her claim.
Here is some informative information that all of us should know about bullying. This behavior may take place in private or in front of others. Bullies undermine your work, Bullies set unrealistic deadlines that are bound to cause failure. Many times employees will endure bullying and poor treatment from their bosses because they are afraid of losing their jobs. Not only is bullying bad for your HEALTH, but the bullying will likely continue if you never address it and if you do you may get fired!
I am hopeful that Hofstra and the Human Resources department takes a good hard look at what has occurred here and do something about it so it does not happen again!!
Thank you!
Daniel Tinkelman • May 11, 2018 at 12:31 pm
I am responding to a prior comment, that implied that the comments by myself (and Dr Venuti) in the article are due to us having "an axe to grind", in the words of "Anonymous." The quotes in the article actually do not criticize Hofstra — they simply indicate a high opinion of Joann Tsapelas’s job performance.
I cannot speak for Dr. Venuti, but I know that the Chronicle reached out to me, as one of her former supervisors, for comment. The quotes of me in the article are accurate, and come either from my interview with the reporter or from a reference letter that I provided Joann, for her help in finding new work. I have previously provided references for many students and former employees. I stand behind the one I wrote for Joann. Responding honestly to a reporter’s question, and providing a well-deserved reference letter to somebody I worked with, is not "grinding an axe." It is a matter of giving praise where praise is due.
Daniel Tinkelman, Brooklyn College
Hofstra Alumni • May 11, 2018 at 11:09 am
To the previous comment poster:
If you actually read the article, instead of adding a clearly biased comment (for the other side). The article clearly states the other side was contacted and ( of Course) had no comment.
When The Chronicle reached out to the university, the Assistant Vice President of University Relations Karla Schuster said, The university does not comment on personnel matters.
Burke could not be reached for comment
Anonymous • May 11, 2018 at 4:32 am
It is amazing such an article gets published with no comments from the "other side". This is a one sided biased article. And, Tinkelman and Venuti who are both not with Hofstra anymore are the only ones commenting now on things going on in the school? Do they have an axe to grind? PLEASE!!!
It is ridiculous how this one-sided piece of journalism is actually called journalism.
Note that I am not commenting on the veracity of the article – I am commenting on the lack of an unbiased reporting that is evident in the article. BTW, nothing against Joanne, but just because someone has been a long-standing employee does not guarantee anyone that quality of work and service shouldnt matter in determining whether a specific employee should stay or go.
Hofstra employee • May 11, 2018 at 10:58 am
Well the "other side" is failing to comment, as previously stated above- but, why would they do that? Unless they know they’re in the wrong & they know that what this article is posting is 100% accurate. Do you really think that Burke would write a positive statement about Joann as she tries to get her fired? Or the other ATL employees, they are still w/ Hofstra & probably fearing for their job because they could be next. Joann’s not the first victim, and she wont be the last.
Hofstra employee • May 11, 2018 at 12:18 am
The article was brought to my attention by a student that knew I had worked with Joann. I could not believe it, first that she was fired but even more disturbing that she was bullied. The article said she worked there for 12 years in acct so if Im understanding correctly, she worked in that school that many years, and now shes being written up for ridiculousness? Is anyone writing up or charging her boss for bullying her? I hope so because any kind of bullying is unfathomable. I sincerely hope the university investigates her department chair. At least now she does not have to work under those horrendous conditions.
Graduating Senior • May 10, 2018 at 2:21 am
There was not a single copy of the Chronicle in CV Starr today. I heard that the Accounting Department leadership had them all taken by students loyal to Burke & her lackey O’Brien. This is shameful and a violation of the free press. The University should not stand for this kind of interference with the Chronicle and the ability of students to have access to the paper. I’ve only had limited contact with Ms. Tsapelas and found her to be incredibly professional and helpful. Burke won’t even advise students and won’t meet with students alone. She dumps them off on O’Brien to do her bidding (has no mind of his own) and she makes O’Brien sit in with her when she meets with people b/c she is afraid someone will accuse her of something. How can a department be led by someone who shows so little trust in students and her colleagues.
Anonymous • May 10, 2018 at 1:19 am
As an alum and someone that has worked with Ms. Tsapelas I am totally shocked to hear about this. During my time at Hofstras accounting department, Joann and Sherrie were so kind and welcoming. No matter how busy they were which seemed to be all the time, they never turned a student away! After a stressful day with studying, work or life in general I always knew, we always knew that we could count on them to listen and they ALWAYS did!!! The best way to describe it, is that they always made us feel like accounting was our home away from home. I was devastated to read the situation that occurred with Ms. Tsapelas, it makes me angry to know that she was bullied. Shame on Dr. Burke!!! You fired the backbone of the department. She always went above and beyond for everyone.
She kept it altogether and that wasnt easy in accounting but she did it. Huge huge loss!!
Disgusted Alum-Sorry Ms. Tsapelas it will never be the same without you but it was clearly toxic and detrimental to your health!Â
Anonymous • May 9, 2018 at 9:40 pm
I don’t know how Jacqueline Burke can walk around and think that she can still get away with belittling people. She is a BULLY, a VERBAL ABUSER and a MANIPULATOR. This is ruining the reputation of Hofstra’s School of Business and Burke needs to step down, IMMEDIATELY.
Local 153 Cares • May 9, 2018 at 9:27 pm
To the Person Hoarding All of the Hard Copies of The Chronicle – You can get rid of all of the papers, but you can’t get rid of the story. Local 153 takes care of their own! We won’t let this happen to anyone else!
Anonymous • May 9, 2018 at 6:58 pm
As a current student of Zarb, it is no surprise that Dr. Burke was abusing her power. She has been after professors for years. She literally has a huge personal issue and is taking it out on these wonderful individuals. I definitely think Dr. Burke should 100% step down from her position, because she needs to absolutely stop this abuse.
Linda Schain • May 9, 2018 at 5:08 pm
I was the departmental administrator of the accounting department for over 30 years and worked closely with Joann Tsapelas. She was amazing. Joann was an excellent secretary who went way beyond what was required, could be depended upon and often stayed past her workday to help out if needed. The students adored her and recognized how caring she was by getting her flowers at every honor society induction dinner. Nobody should be treated like Dr. Burke treated Joann. Bullying is not acceptable!
Unfortunately this kind of behavior has become a pattern and is not isolated to just Dr. Burke intimidating Joann. There has been an abnormal turnover in the accounting department as a result of a pattern of unacceptable behavior by various people (they know who they are). Unfortunately, several students were also the target and were abused under the guise of an audit of their clubs funds. Many of my last days at Hofstra began with students crying in my office.
I am proud of the years I served at Hofstra University. For most of the years, I worked with an extraordinary collegial group and we had a strong accounting department. Recently the leadership has lost its path and I fear that years of hard work and thriving programs may be destroyed. A change in leadership is needed to make sure the school stays on path.
LS