A series of special meetings are set for later this month to allow members of the university community to provide input on the search for Memorial’s next president.

Gil Dalton, chair of the presidential search committee (PSC), as well as the university’s Board of Regents, said he’s interested in hearing from faculty, staff and students.

In early June an 18-member committee was appointed to oversee the recruitment of the university’s next president. The PSC is charged with finding a successor to Dr. Axel Meisen, who will complete his term in August 2008 as the ninth president in Memorial’s history, after serving in the role since 1999.

Meetings will be held on Wednesday, July 11, on the St. John’s campus as well as at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook.

“The presidential search committee would like to hear from the university community about the challenges and opportunities that they feel should be the focus of our next president,” said Mr. Dalton. “As well as the qualities and characteristics they feel are most important for success in this role.

Faculty, staff and students in St. John’s – including those from the Marine Institute – will be able to meet in-person with committee members on July 11 in room A-1046 in the Arts and Administration Building at the following times: 

• Deans, heads, academic and administrative directors, 9-10 a.m.
• Members of faculty, 10-11 a.m.
• Members of staff, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Students (a light lunch will be available), 12-1 p.m.

Meanwhile, committee members will also be meeting with the Grenfell College community on Wednesday, July 11, in room AS-328 from 12-1:30 p.m. Note that this is a change from room LC-301.

Written submissions can also be forwarded to the committee. They are being accepted until Thursday, July 27. They can be sent via e-mail to Eleanor Bennett, secretary to the committee, at presidentialsearch@mun.ca.

“Your input will be most helpful to the committee in developing recruitment strategies, especially since this search will be conducted in strict confidence,” said Mr. Dalton. “On behalf of the committee, I appreciate your assistance in this important process.”