FAQ
What is the timeframe for the presidential selection process?
UC President Michael V. Drake announced on July 31, 2024, that he will step down from his role at the end of the 2024-25 academic year after five years leading California's world-renowned public research university system. Board of Regents Chair Janet Reilly, appointed the members of the Special Committee to Consider the Selection of a President.
It is anticipated that the process for selecting the next UC President will take several months. The Board is committed to take whatever time required to find and appoint the best-qualified candidate for the position.
Who will select the next president? Who makes the final decision?
Per Regents Policy 7101, Policy on Appointment of the President of the University, a Special Committee will consider candidates and bring a recommendation to the Board for the appointment of a President of the University. The Special Committee is comprised of six Regents in addition to the Alumni Regent who is President of the Alumni Associations of the University and the Student Regent; the Governor and Chair of the Board will serve as ex officio members.
The Special Committee to Consider the Selection of a President will consult broadly with constituent groups of the University and the Regents to establish the relevancy of the criteria for the position to be considered and approved by the Board of Regents and discuss potential candidates.
How is the membership of the Special Committee to Consider the Selection of a President determined?
In accordance with Regents Bylaws 26.1 and 24.4, the Chair of the Board of Regents will appoint a Special Committee to consider candidates and to recommend to the Board the appointment of a President of the University.
Is there broad representation on the Special Committee to Consider the Selection of a President and Advisory Committees?
Yes. The Special Committee consists of:
- Six Regents
- Alumni Regent (President of the Alumni Associations of the University)
- Student Regent
- President of the Corporation (Governor), ex officio member
- Chair of the Board, ex officio member
The Advisory Committees consist of:
- Academic Advisory Committee, composed of not more than thirteen members, including the Chair of the Academic Council and at least one representative of each of the ten campuses
- Alumni Advisory Committee, composed of no more than twelve members including one alumna or alumnus from each campus, appointed by the President of the Alumni Associations
- Staff Advisory Committee, composed of no more than twelve members including at least one staff member from each campus, appointed by the Chair of the Council of UC Staff Assemblies
- Student Advisory Committee, composed of no more than twelve members and shall include at lease one student member from each campus, appointed by the Presidents of the graduate and undergraduate student associations
- 10 UC Chancellors
- 3 Laboratory Directors
- UC Office of the President Vice Presidents
What is the role of the search advisory committees?
The search advisory committees will be consulted for the purpose of (1) reviewing the relevancy of the criteria approved by the Board of Regents and (2) presenting the nominee or nominees to members of the groups at the conclusion of the search. The committees will be invited to meet with the Special Committee to express constituent feedback and broad understanding of the needs and requirements for the President.
What is the role of the Academic Advisory Committee?
The role of the Academic Advisory Committee is to assist the Special Committee in screening candidates.
How will the community be informed about the progress of the selection process?
The presidential search website serves as the official, central hub of news and information related to the selection process. Periodic updates about the search will be posted on the website as they are available.
Will there be opportunities for input from the community?
Absolutely. Anyone is welcome to provide input via email at UCPresidentSearch@ucop.edu.
Can I nominate a candidate?
Absolutely. Nominations should be submitted via email to Secretary and Chief of Staff to the Board, Tricia Lyall, via email at Tricia.Lyall@ucop.edu. All nominations will be considered by the Academic Advisory Committee and the Special Committee.When will we know who the potential candidates are?
This is a confidential search. The preferred candidate will be selected and announced by UC Board Chair Janet Reilly and Special Committee Chair Carmen Chu and approved by the UC Board of Regents.
It is a common national practice to preserve the confidentiality of candidates during President searches for colleges and universities. For many prospective candidates, particularly sitting Chancellors and Presidents at other institutions, participating in a process that is not confidential would put their professional standing at risk. As a result, many such candidates will simply not participate in a process that does not preserve the confidentiality of their candidacy. By maintaining a confidential search process, UC ensures it can successfully engage the largest and most diverse set of candidates and maximizes its competitive position among other similar searches that may be occurring nationally.
Has a search firm been selected?
The search will be assisted by the executive search firm SP&A, a national woman and minority-owned firm with considerable experience in higher education executive searches.
What is the role of the search firm?
The search firm serves as staff to the Special Committee and plays no role in deciding which candidates should move forward in the search process. Their role is to help identify potential candidates; reach out to potential candidates to determine interest; conduct research and due diligence on candidates; and to help facilitate the work of the Special Committee, including posting advertisements and preparing materials.
What if I have questions about the selection process?
Anyone who has questions is encouraged to email UCPresidentSearch@ucop.edu.