Search Committee

USI Board of Trustees Charge to the Presidential Search Committee (PSC)

The Presidential Search Committee (PSC), appointed to advise the University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees, is broadly representative of the University’s constituencies. The Committee’s chair and spokesperson is Trustee First Vice Chair Chris Ryan. Committee members must agree to adhere to the ground rules of the search process, including strict confidentiality.

The Presidential Search and Screen Committee is charged with recommending to the Trustees, by March 2025, an unranked list of no more than five individuals who, in the Committee’s judgment, are well qualified to lead the University of Southern Indiana as its next president. The PSC is asked to base its recommendations upon the leadership criteria established in consultation with the search firm, as well as upon the Trustees’ established policies with respect to Equal Opportunity Employment and Code of Ethics.

The Board asks the PSC, in discharging its duties, to conduct the following activities:

• Identify the challenges and opportunities for the University and desired characteristics and/or qualifications for the new president;
• Develop the Statement of Leadership;
• Develop the draft advertising plan and position advertisement utilizing the Statement of Leadership;
• Identify candidates from a diverse group of well-qualified persons in consultation with the search firm;
• Develop an effective and efficient screening procedure to be used to narrow the candidate pool;
• Select and interview candidates;
• Identify finalists from the narrowed pool;
• Assist in arranging campus visits for finalist candidates and spouses/partners if applicable;
• Report to the Board a summary of the finalist candidates;
• Ensure that appropriate information about the University and the presidency is provided to candidates at each stage of the screening process; and
• Ensure that confidentiality is strictly observed with respect to applicants and to the Committee’s internal deliberations.

The Board of Trustees extends its gratitude to the members of the Presidential Search Committee for accepting this demanding assignment and offers its good wishes for a successful outcome.

Search Committee Code of Ethics & Commitment to Confidentiality

As a member of the Search Committee, I agree to protect the integrity of the search process and to ensure the highest standards in attracting, reviewing, interviewing, and recommending the best candidates. Specifically:

1. I pledge to respect the absolute confidentiality of all prospects, nominees, and candidates, and of all deliberations of the search. I will not reveal to anyone, the name of, or any information about, individuals involved in the search (including internal candidates) before, during, or after the search.
2. I commit to be fair and unbiased and to guard against inaccuracies, carelessness, and distortions as the search progresses.
3. I understand that my invitation to serve on the search committee reflects my commitment to the University of Southern Indiana. My commitment in this search is to think about the best interests of the whole of USI and not just my individual role or position.
4. I pledge to diligently review all materials prior to committee meetings to ensure sound evaluation of candidates at all points in the process.
5. I will not seek outside information on the candidates (via internet, social media, contacting colleagues, etc.) unless or until such research is requested or permission is given by the Chair of the Search Committee.
6. I will take care when taking notes in interviews or filling out evaluation forms. Federal, state, and organizational discrimination laws and policies are to be adhered to at all times. I will only consider information that is relevant to the search process, e.g., whether the candidate has the necessary experience, education, and skills for the position in question.
7. I commit to ensure the safety of records and materials throughout the search and their appropriate disposition after the search has ended in order to honor candidate confidentiality and the integrity of the search. All non-public materials, both paper and electronic, will be submitted to Sarah Will, Executive Director of Human Resources for retention and disposition, in accordance with University policy. I will take special care to safeguard candidate information in print and on Academic Search’s secure website and by avoiding discussion of confidential matters concerning the search process in public areas.
8. I understand that any appearance of real or potential conflict of interest between a prospective candidate and me must be disclosed promptly and completely to the Chair of the Search Committee.
9. I understand that only the Chair of the Search Committee is authorized to speak on behalf of the committee, in response to the committee’s work, to anyone outside the committee including the media.
10. I am not and do not intend to become a candidate for the position.