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The Board of Governors of the University of Puerto Rico (JG) has officially certified the process for selecting a new UPR president, including the search and consultation phases.
Ricardo Dalmau, chairman of the Board of Governors, emphasized the importance of creating a reciprocal communication framework between the Board of Governors and the university community, which will play a crucial role in this process.
“Our institution has experience with this type of procedure, and the JG Search and Consultation Committee has outlined steps and a schedule to ensure a smooth process that facilitates the prompt selection of a new president,” Dalmau stated.
He highlighted the need for transparent and expansive dialogue that will, first, help identify suitable candidates and, second, ensure the effectiveness of the committees in consulting the university community.
The Special Search and Consultation Committee has several key responsibilities, including: announcing the certification and notifying stakeholders of the beginning of the search process through various channels; defining and disseminating the criteria that candidates must meet; inviting the Academic Senates to participate in identifying the most qualified candidates; ensuring that all candidates submit the required documentation for evaluation; and presenting this documentation to the Academic Senates for consideration.
Following this, the Academic Senates will have the opportunity to communicate directly with the candidates and provide their advisory input as they see fit. Each Academic Senate is required to appoint a single consultation committee responsible for: investigating and identifying suitable candidates; reviewing and analyzing candidate files; gathering feedback from the university community through interviews or public hearings; assisting the Academic Senate in evaluating resumes and credentials; and producing a report for the Academic Senate that includes an evaluation rubric for all candidates.
The Board will assess candidates based on their academic and administrative leadership, interpersonal skills, conflict management abilities, financial administration experience, and student affairs management.
The process will commence on March 3, 2025, and will unfold in several stages, culminating in the JG selecting the new president of the University of Puerto Rico during the summer.
Additionally, officials will establish a digital portal designed to ensure the transparency and accessibility of the process. This portal will allow the university community and the general public to access all relevant information regarding the search and consultation.
