WKU’s open forum regarding the results from last fall’s listening tour has been delayed, President Gary Ransdell said in an e-mail to faculty and staff on Thursday.

Ransdell said Gordon Emslie, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, had a death in the immediate family of a close colleague and friend, and that Emslie will attend the funeral in Scotland on Feb. 4 — the same date as the forum was originally scheduled.

A new date has not been set.

Ransdell said Emslie was willing for the forum to go on without his presence but believes “his personal involvement in this important academic presentation is critical.”

The forum, which Emslie will lead with Gordon Baylis, vice president for Research, is intended to critique the structure and effectiveness of academic departments at WKU, Ransdell said in a previous e-mail.

Ransdell said Emslie also plans to use his trip abroad for business.

“While in the UK, he will also consult with other colleagues regarding an ongoing research project in which he is involved,” Ransdell said in the e-mail.