Michael Harwood, department of residence director and vice president for campus life, resigned days before the university geared up for another year of move-in activities.

Harwood, who was originally hired by the university in August 2023 with an annual pay of $165,000, voluntarily resigned from his post Aug. 7 and received a $45,000 “separation payment,” per the settlement between Harwood and the university.

“Harwood acknowledges that such payment is not to be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing on the part of any of the Released Parties, and that all of the Released Parties expressly deny any such liability or wrongdoing,” the settlement agreement stated.

In exchange, Harwood waived his right to sue the university and formally agreed to not seek or accept employment from the university at any time in the future.

The settlement also stated that Harwood must vacate his university-owned apartment within 30 days.

Iowa State Media Relations Specialist Angie Hunt would not comment on whether the resignation stemmed from misconduct or if he paid for his university housing, citing the issue as a “personnel matter.”

“Because this is a personnel issue, we do not have any additional information to share beyond what was outlined in the settlement agreement,” Hunt said. 

President Wendy Wintersteen and Harwood signed off on the agreement Aug. 14. 

Hunt said the Student Affairs Leadership Team is collectively responsible for the department in the interim.