Faculty nominations sought for new dean

Provost Charles Phelps is inviting nominations from the faculty for the position of University dean of graduate studies, a part-time position reporting to the provost.

"While four years ago that position was replaced by the vice provost for research and graduate affairs, we are returning to the earlier model as oversight responsibilities for research have become more fully developed at the school and divisional level," Phelps said.

The University dean of graduate studies generally oversees doctoral studies at the University. The position supervises the final evaluation of every Ph.D. thesis by selecting the faculty member who chairs the examination committee and who reports back to the dean on the quality of the thesis and the examination. The University dean also chairs the University Council on Graduate Studies, oversees the Sproull Fellows selection process, and serves as the central administration liaison with such graduate student organizations as the Graduate Organizing Group.

The University dean for graduate studies will be selected from within the University faculty. Nominations and curriculum vitae should be sent to the provost's office no later than October 9.