After meetings with individuals and organizations around campus, the committee seeking the University's next vice president for institutional equity is preparing to look through applications for the post that will become vacant June 30.
"We certainly intend to do this as expeditiously as possible," said committee chair Dr. Laura Svetkey, a professor of nephrology.
Although Svetkey said she hoped to bring finalists to President Nan Keohane by mid-spring, she stressed that the committee was more interested in finding the right person than in appointing someone immediately.
She added that the 10-person committee was open to both internal and external candidates. The committee has already received a few applications, but Svetkey would not say how many have come in.
Before it begins to consider candidates, the committee is discussing potential criteria with people who frequently come into contact with the Office of Institutional Equity.
Keohane created the office in 1995 to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all members of the University community.
It is responsible for monitoring race- and gender-based harassment, improving workplace culture and ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Because Myrna Adams, the office's first and only vice president, decided to retire after her first five-year term expires, Keohane decided to perform a full review of the office instead of the standard administrator assessment.
The report, which was completed last fall, highlighted the need for increased training, more general employee education initiatives and stronger campus-wide leadership and visibility.
Svetkey noted that finding a strong leader is a priority for the search committee and many of the individuals she has consulted. She stressed, however, that she is not critical of the current office or its leadership.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.