Selection of Academic Deans (E-59)
Original Implementation: Unpublished
Last Revision: April 19, 2011
The academic dean is the chief executive of the college and is responsible for fostering excellence in teaching, research/scholarship/creative activity and service. Reporting directly to the provost and vice president for academic affairs, the academic dean has a major role in developing and interpreting university policy.
It is essential that search committees and university administrators be informed about and adhere to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action guidelines. This policy is intended to ensure informed search procedures and to facilitate the process.
Selection of the Search Committee: The search process begins with the establishment of a search committee. After consulting with college faculty and academic unit chairs/directors, the provost and vice president for academic affairs determines the search committee size and composition, and appoints an academic dean (outside the college) to serve as chair. Ideally, the committee shall be composed of an odd number of members (elected or appointed) consisting of at least one representative from each of the academic units of the college and having a balanced mix of faculty and academic unit chairs/directors. Additionally, students and outside representatives may be elected or appointed to serve as ex-officio members of the committee.
Each search shall be conducted without prejudice for any internal or external candidates. If a fully open search is not viable, a decision limiting the scope of the search should be made prior to the selection of the search committee. Such a decision will be made by the provost and vice president for academic affairs in consultation with the academic unit chairs/directors and faculty of the college.
The provost and vice president for academic affairs shall convene the committee for its organizational meeting. The committee may choose to elect other committee officers. The chair may designate a committee member from the respective college as a contact for external inquiries.
Search Committee Responsibilities: The search committee oversees the recruitment process, working closely with the provost and vice president for academic affairs. The committee is responsible for developing a position description, advertising the position, initial screening of candidates, and arranging interviews for candidates invited to campus. The committee shall contact human resources for training and assistance to ensure that proper procedures are followed.
Ordinarily, at least two candidates recommended by the committee will be interviewed on campus. The itinerary for the interviews shall provide ample opportunity for the candidates to meet college faculty, students, academic unit chairs/directors, other deans, vice-presidents, and the president. After candidates have interviewed, the committee shall make its recommendation to the provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Appointment is by the president and requires the approval of the Board of Regents.
Funds for Recruitment: Expenses incurred during the search are generally borne by the college conducting the search with possible additional funds from other sources.
Cross Reference: Faculty Handbook, Human Resources Selection Procedures for Faculty and Staff; U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 1; 8 U.S.C. §§ 1324a-1324b; 29 U.S.C. § 623; 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e-2(a), 6102; Tex. Const. art. I, § 3a; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 106.001; Tex. Lab. Code Ch. 21; Employee Affirmative Action/Recruitment Plan (E-69); Affirmative Action (E-4)
Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Contact for Revision: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Forms: Human Resources hiring forms
Board Committee Assignment: Academic and Student Affairs