The Association of University Staff [AUS] has called on university councils to ensure that future selection processes
for the position of Vice-Chancellor be conducted in a manner that is open to scrutiny by, and feedback from, all
university staff, students and the public.
AUS National President, Dr Grant Duncan, reminded councils that the unique character of the university resides in its
ideal of an open, unconditional and contestable pursuit of knowledge, based upon free collegial investigation, debate
and inquiry.
‘The person who has the privilege to occupy the position of Vice-Chancellor is entrusted with upholding these principles
of the contemporary university. A university is not like other public-sector organisations, and it is certainly not a
commercial enterprise.
Any applicant for the post of Vice-Chancellor who insists on absolute confidentiality during the selection process, or
who refuses to be presented to the university community as a candidate, has effectively declared him- or herself
unworthy of the job.’
Dr Duncan’s comments were directed at future selection processes expected to occur in New Zealand universities.
Contact
Dr Grant Duncan
021 680 475