MONTREAL - Concordia's Board of Governors has broken its silence regarding the controversial resignation of university president Dr. Judith Woodsworth.

In an email sent to alumni Monday evening, Board Chairman Peter Kruyt defended the role the board played in Woodsworth's sudden departure shortly before Christmas, but offered few details on why she resigned.

Kruyt wrote that the statement by Concordia on Dec. 22 announcing the resignation was approved by both Woodsworth and the university, and that both sides are limited in what they can say publicly.

"I also believe that individuals should have the right to privacy," Kruyt wrote.

Kruyt has not returned a request for comment.

Critics have argued the university has failed to provide the real reason for Woodswoth's resignation, and speculation has run rampant on why she suddenly left the post midway through her term.

In the letter, Kruyt refuted the suggestion that Woodsworth's departure is related to the misuse of funds by her or her husband.

"This is simply untrue and is unfair and irresponsible speculation," he wrote.

"Moreover, any potential conflicts of interest were brought to the attention of the Board in accordance with our rules and regulations. If anything, in her expenses approved by me, Dr. Woodsworth erred on the side of conservatism and prudence."

Concordia has stuck by its initial statement that Woodsworth stepped down for personal reasons.

But Woodsworth told CTV Montreal last week that she did not leave her position just prior to Christmas for personal reasons, but that she was asked to leave by the school's Board of Governors.

In a telephone conversation with CTV Montreal's Cindy Sherwin, Woodsworth said she was "shocked" by the sudden news.

"I was told that some members of the Board had lost confidence in me," Woodsworth said.

She added that she loves Concordia and would have been happy to continue in her role as president.

The Concordia University Faculty Association issued a strongly-worded letter last week reprimanding the school's Board of Governors executive and demanding answers on questions of governance.

The letter, sent to all of CUFA's membership, to members of Concordia's Board of Governors and also published on the CUFA website, requests more transparency in the school's administration, particularly as it pertains to the departure of Woodsworth.

In the email sent Monday, Kruyt said the executive committee of the board will be reviewing candidates for the position of Interim President this week, and will be subsequently making a recommendation to the full board.

"Our goal is to have the chosen individual in place before the end of this month," he wrote.

"We are looking for a leader who has the capacity to reach out to all members of the Concordia community and build enthusiasm and commitment towards the attainment of our common goals. The Interim President will have a clear mandate to pursue the implementation of our Strategic Framework and will have concrete objectives for his or her anticipated 12-18 month tenure."

Kruyt said the Board will also be setting up a selection committee for the new president "in due course."

The full letter has been posted on Concordia's website.