Presidential Search Process Frequently Asked Questions
Were there regular updates on the search?
Yes; the chair of the Search Committee provided regular updates to the Norwich University community at critical points in the search.
What was the role of the Search Committee chair?
The chair was the Search Committee’s official spokesperson, provided regular updates to the Norwich community and addressed questions or concerns from members of the community throughout the search process.
Were internal candidates treated any differently than external candidates?
No. Internal candidates were vetted in the same way as external candidates, based on criteria laid out in the Presidential Search Profile. The Committee very carefully selected the strongest candidates, either internal or external, for further consideration based on the presidential search qualifications and experiences.
Why was confidentiality so important in the search process?
Many of our candidates held key positions at other institutions and organizations and would apply only if confidentiality was guaranteed. Search Committee members signed an agreement securing confidentiality for all discussions and deliberations related to the presidential search. For your information, a copy of the confidentiality statement guiding the work of the Presidential Search Committee is available on the Presidential Search website.
How did members of the Norwich University community participate in the search process?
Many members of the Norwich University community participated in one-one, small-group and large-group meetings consultants held on campus in early March. The consultants also gathered valuable information from the surveys that were distributed to internal and external constituent groups on the skills, qualifications and attributes sought in the next president. All of the information gathered was particularly valuable to the search consultants during the recruiting phase of the search process.
When finalist candidates were selected, members of the Norwich community were strongly encouraged to meet with each of the finalist candidates. In addition to a campuswide forum, finalist candidates met with all key constituent groups. There were multiple opportunities to meet with the candidates. An online feedback form was distributed to all individuals who met with the finalist candidates. Feedback from the Norwich community was shared with the Search Committee as it deliberated on each of the finalist candidates.
When will our next president take office?
The next president is expected to take office June 1, 2020. The new president may be visible and meet with individuals in late spring, but the official start date is June 1, 2020.
