Resolution on the Hiring of a Provost

WHEREAS the University of Virginia finds itself for the first time in its history with both an Interim president and an Interim Provost, and;

WHEREAS a deep and compatible working relationship between a President and a Provost chosen by that President is essential to the success and reputation of UVA, and;

WHEREAS it has long been the case in the prestigious American Association of Universities (AAU) institutions, of which UVA is a member, such a working relationship is established when a President leads a search for a Provost, and;

WHEREAS it is extremely rare that a peer AAU institution is presided over by an Interim President and an Interim Provost, and;

WHEREAS when there is both an Interim President and an Interim Provost it is contrary to established practice for a Provost to be hired when an Interim President is in place, and;

WHEREAS UVA is currently well served by an Interim Provost who has worked effectively with both a President, an Acting President and an Interim President; therefore be it

RESOLVED that adherence to best practices in the selection of new university leadership is of utmost importance; and be it further

RESOLVED that the Faculty Senate calls for the University’s Interim President and the University’s Board of Visitors to delay the search for a University Provost until a tenth president of the University of Virginia is in place.