UNC president says Thorp doesn't plan to change mind

Thorp announced Monday that he would step down at the end of the 2012-13 school year and return to being a chemistry professor at the school. Since then, UNC-Chapel Hill faculty, employees and trustees have all adopted resolutions calling on him to reconsider.

Students plan to rally Friday in support of Thorp, who UNC-Chapel Hill officials have called a strong advocate for the campus and the best person to lead the school.

Despite the outpouring of support, Ross said, Thorp remains committed to stepping aside in favor of new leadership at UNC-Chapel Hill.

"I have talked with Chancellor Thorp on multiple occasions since he informed me of his intention to step down next June 30. At no time has he expressed any willingness or intention to reconsider his decision," Ross said in a statement. "He has reiterated to me his desire to spend the remainder of the year dealing with the issues facing the university and putting them behind us.”

Thorp, 48, has been chancellor for four years, the last two of which have been marred by athletic, academic and administrative scandals. He said Monday that he wants to spend his final months on the job putting policies and procedures in place so that similar problems don't recur.

The UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees will hold its regular meeting next week, when it will discuss the search for a new chancellor.