I believe this custom should be changed, as written instructions will facilitate the search committee’s work and ensure that my expectations, as the hiring official, are met at the end of the process.

In formulating the charges to the search committees for the Chairperson of the Department of Neurology and the Vice Dean for Research, I have conducted structured interviews with approximately 25 key leaders of the School of Medicine in each case.  I asked them for their respective views concerning the future of the Department of Neurology and the role of the Vice Dean for Research.

I have conducted formal balloting of the Faculty Forum and Medical Council regarding their views of each position, which I will ask the search committee to consider in formulating the job description for each role.  The results of this balloting are posted below as a pdf document.

My thanks to both groups for being willing to serve.

• Charge to Search Committee: Vice Dean for Research
• Charge to Search Committee: Chair, Department of Neurology