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<\/a>\u201cWe\u2019re trying to create as open and transparent a process as possible. Not just internally, but externally as well,\u201d says Sly. \u201cSo we agreed early on that as much as we can put on the internet as possible is important.\u201d<\/p>\n
Part of that transparency involves holding meetings that students are welcome to attend, so that they can let their questions and comments be heard. Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) external executive Rachael Grant says that the CCSS is pleased that the college is allowing students to be this involved in the presidential search.<\/p>\n
“The CCSS is very pleased to see Camosun involving students in the process of selecting a new college president,\u201d says Grant. \u201cDecisions made by the college president substantially affect how Camosun operates, and it\u2019s important to include a student voice when making a decision that will impact studies for every student at Camosun, not to mention the community at large.”<\/p>\n
Camosun\u2019s previous president, Kathryn Laurin, had her contract terminated on June 20, 2014 for reasons she later claimed in media were \u201ccompletely unjustified.\u201d College administration has not given a reason for her termination, and both Kirschner and Sly say that applicants for the presidential position won\u2019t be told why Laurin\u2019s contract was terminated.<\/p>\n
President of CUPE local 2081 Tony Nelson, who is on the search committee as support-staff representative, says he doesn\u2019t feel that people’s perceptions of Laurin\u2019s comments are going to harm the search.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d says Nelson. \u201cI think based on what happened, quite literally, it\u2019s all speculation, and the only people that can know what happened are the board chair, the vice chair, and Kathryn Laurin. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s going to hamper it in any way, shape, or form. I would hope that the terms of the contract, when and if somebody does agree to come on board, will be open and as transparent as possible, given that we are a public institution.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sly feels that a presidential candidate might ask questions, not so much around the circumstances of Laurin\u2019s dismissal, but whether or not Camosun\u2019s board is getting too involved operationally with the institution, as opposed to strategically.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not about the board becoming involved with the operations of the institutions, it\u2019s becoming better informed,\u201d she says. \u201cI think that\u2019s the intent behind it, so when we do have to make a strategic decision, and that is the decision level the board operates at, that it\u2019s making a decision that\u2019s well informed, thoughtful, and hopefully the best decision for the college community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Davies Park have worked with Camosun before, assisting the search for the dean of the School of Access, dean of the School of Arts and Science, and associate VP of student experience and educational innovation in 2013.<\/p>\n
Sly says that the costs associated with using Davies Park are confidential.<\/p>\n