Oberlin’s Presidential Search Committee began to evaluate candidates at a Jan. 25 meeting. Because of the Committee’s obligation to keep information about candidates confidential, the search is currently closed to the campus community.

To set ethical standards for the search, the Committee approved a code of conduct in early December. The document states that Committee members will “put aside personal agenda, biases or political positions” and “work affirmatively to assure a rich, diverse pool of candidates.” The code also designates Robert Lemle, chair of both the Search Committee and the Board of Trustees, as the sole spokesperson for the eleven-member committee.

At its December meetings, the Committee also finalized an eight-page brochure advertising the job opening. According to the Board, the brochure was created based upon input from the Oberlin community, including opinions voiced by students at open forums in November.

The campus has since had less opportunity for involvement. Although double-degree junior Courtney Merrell sits on the Search Committee, Student Senator and College junior Colin Koffel is concerned about the role of the broader student body.

“For this president to be successful,” Koffel said, “students will have to feel that they’re a part of this process.”

In past presidential searches, finalists have visited campus and spoken with students. According to Lemle, “the Presidential Search Committee is currently considering involvement by the campus community in the next phase of the search, taking into account our obligation, through much of the process, to maintain strict confidentiality about prospective candidates.”