Italian Academic Accused of Nepotism

By FRANCIS X. ROCCA

The president of the Conference of Italian University Rectors has offered to step down amid allegations that he abused his position as head of the University of Siena by arranging for his son to win a tenured post. Piero Tosi, who has served as leader of the rectors' conference since 2002 and as rector of the University of Siena since 1994, has denied the allegations.

His service in both leadership positions was due to end this year. A spokeswoman for the conference said it had not yet