Sample Charge Letter

Memorandum

TO:                Mythical University Dean of Arts and Letters Search Committee

CC:                Faculty of the College of Hypothetical College Deans and University Administrators

FROM:           Dr. Jane Doe, Provost

SUBJECT:     Committee Charge

President Smith has authorized an external search for the position of Dean of Hypothetical, to commence early in the Fall term. As the appointing officer for this position, I wish to share with all constituencies the names of colleagues who have agreed to serve on the Arts and Sciences Search Committee and my charge to them.

Appointment of the Search Committee

Our search for an outstanding Dean of Hypothetical is of special importance. After consulting widely, I have appointed Dr. Sally Smith, Department of Make Believe, to chair the Search Committee.  She will be joined by seven colleagues.

Let me share my reasons for asking these colleagues to serve. Dr. Smith has universal respect on our campus for her integrity and independence of mind and brings previous experience on university search committees. All members of the Committee have, of course, a thorough understanding of academic matters and the particular priorities facing the College of Hypothetical. Another reason for selection is their understanding of the expectations and needs of particular constituencies they represent. Most important, however, is my confidence in their capacities to bring an objective, institutional perspective to this important task.

Members of the Search Committee are:

[members listed individually by name, title, rank, etc.]

Search Committee Responsibilities and Tasks

The committee is hereby charged with the following responsibilities and tasks:

  1. To conduct a process which will ensure a national pool of qualified candidates for the position of Dean of Hypothetical and to bring to campus in January 2007, for extensive interviews, at least four and up to six finalists, each fully qualified to provide leadership for the College.
  2. No later than February 1, 20__ to recommend to the President and myself three finalists, unranked, with the Search Committee’s collective summary of each recommended candidate’s qualifications and strengths.
  3. To develop a Recruitment Plan and Position Announcement for the Dean of Hypothetical, with broad input from College faculty and other university constituents. The Position Announcement is to describe the priorities facing the College and qualifications for filling the position successfully. It will constitute the criteria for candidate screening and selection. I expect this Position Announcement to reflect and coordinate the needs and expectations of both Faculty of Hypothetical and my office.
  4. In establishing the process and criteria and conducting the search, to comply with all relevant laws and external mandates and all institutional personnel and hiring policies. In particular, I will expect women and minority candidates to be appropriately represented among the group of finalists chosen by the Committee for campus interviews.
  5. To establish procedures which ensure the autonomy and confidentiality of all dealings with candidates. I will expect the Committee to keep my office informed of progress, and to provide dossiers of proposed finalists for my review and comments before they are invited for campus interviews.
  6. To provide the college and university community with progress reports, with the proviso that the Committee will never publicly identify individual candidates or institutions prior to on-campus public interviews.
  7. To ensure that the Faculty of Hypothetical and other members of the university community have appropriate opportunities to participate in the process, including development of selection criteria, nomination of candidates, and campus interviewing. Faculty members are especially encouraged to contact professional colleagues and to nominate qualified persons. No candidates will be nominated by a member of the Committee. The Committee will ensure that any internal candidate is given the same objective and confidential review and considerations is given outside candidates.

Institutional Support

Mr. Jack B. Stalk, from the Personnel Office, has agreed to provide staff support to the Search Committee. Please give him your full cooperation.

Concluding Note

The President and I expect the new Dean of Hypothetical to be appointed in May 2007, if not earlier, and to join the university in June or July. Meanwhile, Dr. John Doe will continue as Interim Dean, and has my support to move without delay on a number of important issues facing the College of Hypothetical.

Selection of a new Dean of Hypothetical is, at we all know, a highly important matter for the College. It is equally so for the University, in forwarding our recently-adopted strategic plan. I wish, therefore, especially to thank Dr. Smith and members of the Search Committee for their willingness to undertake this responsibility. I ask each of us to give them all necessary support.