POLICY REGARDING INTERIM PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS

AS-2186-93/FA - November 4-5, 1993

WHEREAS, The appointment of an interim president for a California State University campus being occasionally necessary, it is important that all interested parties share a clear understanding of the conditions pertaining to such appointments; and

WHEREAS, Because a prolonged period of leadership by an interim president may result in a cascade of other interim appointments (to avoid limiting the prerogatives of the next president) and in various actions which could have long-term impact on the campus, interim presidents should serve for no longer than the time needed to conclude a search and place a new president in office; and

WHEREAS, As a good working principle, no interim president should serve for longer than 24 months unless a campus-based review of his or her service and the presidential recruitment situation––involving faculty, students, administrators, and community members––leads to a recommendation that this interim appointment be extended for a specified additional period; and

WHEREAS, Most campuses of the California State University have written policies governing the appointment of interim academic administrators which clarify expectations in this area; therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of the California State University recommend to the Chancellor that policy regarding all aspects of interim presidential appointments be developed through the usual consultative means, including representation from the Academic Senate CSU; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate CSU recommend to the Chancellor that until a formal policy is in place this condition be operative:

No interim president shall serve for longer than 24 months unless a campus-based review of his or her service and the presidential recruitment situation leads to a recommendation by faculty, students, administrators, and community members that this interim appointment be extended for a specified additional period.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY -- March 11,1994