Postponment of Chancellor's Interviews
March 19, 2020
To the university community:
As you know, we are paying close attention to developments and recommendations related to COVID-19. There are clear signals that institutions and organizations may be asked to take additional steps to support increased social distancing. Based on these signals, we will postpone interviews of chancellor candidates that were scheduled to take place in the next two weeks. While we had already planned a modified and largely virtual interview approach due to COVID-19, the plan still involved candidate travel and meetings in small groups. Given the increased uncertainty about restrictions over the next couple of weeks, I now believe that it is in the best interests of the candidates and the university community to delay the interview process.
I have asked Search Advisory Committee Chair Marc Morris to explore an alternative timeline with the possibility of interviews later in April. This would still involve using the modified process that I outlined earlier, but it would allow us to complete the interviews this semester. Meanwhile, I will work with Chancellor Dunn and his leadership team to ensure that the university continues to move forward until a new chancellor is on board.
The timeline for COVID-19 remains uncertain, and the situation changes almost hourly. I appreciate your support and understanding as we continue to receive new information, guidance and direction, and then change our these and other plans accordingly.
Sincerely,
Dan Mahony President, SIU System
