July 23, 2009 — A statement from the University regarding the makeup of the Special Committee on the Nomination of a President, which was announced on July 21:

"Not all University groups, schools and units are represented on the search committee. In fact, members of the search committee are not appointed as representatives of specific parts of the University, but as representatives of the entire University community, including faculty, students and staff.

"The rector expects the committee members to seek and hear the views of all constituents. To this end, several public forums will be held at which all staff (as well as faculty and students) are invited to express their opinions to the search committee on issues and the characteristics they believe a new president should have. A representative of the search committee will meet personally with the members of the Employee Communications Council Executive Committee to seek their input.

"All staff and faculty also can have direct input to the process through a President Search Web site that has been established to receive their comments and questions. All members of the University and local community will have multiple opportunities to advise the search committee over the next several weeks."