The search began officially Thursday to find a new president for San Jose State University. A trustee selection committee met at the campus with members of a local advisory committee to go over the process and qualities they would like to see in a successor to Robert Caret, who has taken a job at Towson University in Maryland.

Trustee Bill Hauk, who heads the selection committee, said once the groups have agreed on three or four finalists, their names will be made public and they will be invited to visit the university.

The search will be national and a headhunting firm will help recruit candidates. Hauk said he expects the trustee selection committee and the advisory committee to reach consensus on the finalists, but that trustees would have the final say.

California State University Chancellor Charles Reed said he expects the search will draw 70 to 100 applicants. Campus visits are tentatively scheduled the week of Nov. 10 with trustees doing final interviews on Nov. 17.