Dr. McCain extended a special welcome to the members of the Search
Committee and indicated the importance of adherence to the process
before them. He stated that the members of the Search Committee were
selected
in accordance with the University of North Carolina Search Process
and in consultation with President Erskine Bowles.
Dr. McCain stressed that the confidentiality requirements should
not be viewed as a roadblock, but rather as the protection of secrecy
for
the candidates. He said that he will try to allow communications
of Search Committee actions to be as public as possible.
Dr. McCain then introduced Ms. Ann Lemmon, Associate Vice President
for Human Resources and liaison from The University of North Carolina
General Administration, to review the search process.
Ms. Lemmon said that there were four primary areas she wished to
cover: 1) confidentiality; 2) search firms; 3) public forums, and 4)
the development
of position specifications.
Ms. Lemmon shared information about the Opening Meetings Law and
Public Records. She stated that Search Committees are required by law
to conduct
the meetings in open session as well as being required by law to
protect the confidentiality of candidates. At times the Committee will
go into
close session.
Ms. Lemmon stated that another matter that pertains to the confidentiality
issue is the spokesperson role, and for matters of clarity, it is
requested that Dr. Franklin McCain be the only official spokesperson.
She read
the Confidentiality Agreement and stated that it must be signed by
each member of the Search Committee.
Dr. McCain cautioned that committee members that give information
to the media should voluntarily write their resignations or have
a resignation written for them.
Ms. Lemmon said that the role of the Search Committee is to identify
finalists who will then be approved by the Board of Trustees. The Board
of Trustees would forward their recommendations to President Bowles who
would make the final decision. President Bowles’ decision is then
submitted to the UNC Board of Governors for approval. Therefore, the
role of the Search Committee is advisory in nature.
Ms. Lemmon stated that a designated site will soon be available
on A&T’s website for updates and information about the
Chancellor Search. All information that is public record will be
available through
that site.
