Looking for leadership at UPEI
Candidates for president take part in confidential fireside chats with students, staff
Two years after the departure of Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, Prince Edward Island’s only university is set to hire a new president.
The question is who. UPEI has been holding a series of “fireside” chats with three potential candidates, inviting staff and students to participate.
While the details remain a secret in order to protect applicants, one of the student union’s representatives says the process has been great.
Adam MacKenzie, a fourthyear business student, says his role on the search committee is making sure the voice’s of his fellow students are heard.
“My priority is to ensure the person who is chosen is somebody who is impressive and has an impressive record with students,” he said.
TOWN HALL
The meetings were town hallstyle, allowing direct feedback and questions from those in attendance, he said.
The president search comes in the midst of controversy and evolution at the school, following a report that outlined harassment issues and regular use of non-disclosure agreements.
The hiring process requires confidentiality, but the school has managed to be transparent with students at the same time. It’s a balancing game, MacKenzie said.
“The candidates want a level of confidentiality, but at the same time the university community needs that level of openness.”
While there is no firm timeline on hiring, MacKenzie hopes to see a new president installed in time for the new school year in September.
PROCESS
The university announced its search in an email and post on its website last month.
The three fireside chats took place on March 8, 11 and 18 on campus, and the committee took feedback until March 21, said Shannon MacDonald, chair of UPEI’s board of governors and the presidential search committee.
The interviews were confidential to protect candidates’ privacy and lower the risk to their current careers, she said in the email.
“I ask that campus community members keep all discussions and comments confidential and not share names of the candidates during or after their visits to the university. Recording the fireside chats is strictly prohibited, and no recordings will be distributed following the sessions.”
Normally, the whole process would be in private, but the university thought it was important to have more engagement in this particular search, MacDonald said.
“We are grateful that these three excellent candidates are investing their time, placing their faith in us and are willing to join us for these sessions as well as several small group meetings (by invitation only) with our various constituents in this open manner.”
LEADERSHIP
Given this privacy, MacKenzie was limited in what he could talk about. But he said the candidates have been impressive.
In terms of what he is looking for in a leader, MacKenzie listed a few concerns.
He looks for someone with a strong background in relations with students and student life, along with a strong academic record.
A focus on Indigenous issues, along with equity, diversity and inclusion are also important, he said.
Asked about his fellow students, MacKenzie said they also seem pleased with the interviews.
“From what I heard from the students, they were all kind of like me – they were all very impressed at how the process was taking place.”