Selection of Academic Deans (E-59)
Original Implementation: Unpublished
Last Revision: January 29, 2008
The academic dean is the chief executive of the college and is responsible for fostering excellence in teaching, research and service in the college. Reporting directly to the provost and vice president for academic affairs, the academic dean has a major role in developing and interpreting university policy.
A search and screen committee will be used in each search for a dean. Each search will be open and without prejudice for inside or outside candidates. Should considerations indicate that a fully open search may not be a viable choice, a decision limiting the scope of the search should be made prior to the selection of the committee. Such a decision will not be made without consultation with the academic chairs/directors and faculty.
Search and Screen Committee Responsibilities and Process:
- The search and screen committee has the responsibility of overseeing the recruitment process working closely with the provost and vice president for academic affairs. The committee will be responsible for developing an appropriate description advertising the position, initial screening of candidates, and arranging candidate interviews. The committee is also responsible for seeing that university procedures are followed to assure that all candidates are given fair and full consideration for the position.
- After consulting with college faculty and academic 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 departments/schools/divisions of the college and having a balanced mix of faculty and academic chairs/directors. Additionally, students and outside representatives may also be elected or appointed to serve on the committee.
- The provost and the vice president for academic affairs will convene the committee for its organizational meeting. The committee may choose to elect other committee officers.
- Ordinarily, at least two candidates recommended by the committee will be interviewed on campus. The itinerary for the interviews will provide ample opportunity for the candidates to meet college faculty, students, academic chairs/directors, other deans, vice presidents and the president.
- After the interviews, the committee makes its recommendations to the provost and vice president for academic affairs.
- Appointment is by the president and requires the approval of the board of regents.
Cross Reference: Faculty Handbook, Human Resources search committee reference materials
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