Policy on interims not changed

Friday, Sept. 8, 2000 | 10:46 a.m.

Opting not to fix something that isn't broken, the University Board of Regents turned down a proposed policy change that would have prevented interim school presidents or interim chancellors from being candidates for permanent positions.

The vote Thursday was 6-3 with Regents Mark Alden, Tom Kirkpatrick and Howard Rosenberg voting in favor of the measure that came on the heels of situations where two interim appointees sought the top jobs while national searches were conducted.

Interim University and Community College System of Nevada Chancellor Jane Nichols was expected to be appointed today to the permanent position. Community College of Southern Nevada Interim President Robert Silverman recently was reinstated as a finalist for the permanent post after being eliminated by a committee.

"If it's not broken, don't fix it," Regent Dorothy Gallagher said.

Regent Jill Derby said the measure would have allowed regents to retain flexibility on the issue, but, in effect, it was the same flexibility they now enjoy.

The proposed change in policy was: "Unless otherwise approved by the Board of Regents, any person appointed acting president or acting chancellor cannot become a candidate for the position."

Alden, who was the most outspoken advocate for the policy, said he didn't necessary oppose interims seeking the permanent jobs, but he was concerned that they could use the temporary position to gain an unfair advantage for the permanent job, then take legal action against the board if they didn't get it.

University General Counsel Tom Ray said short of an act of discrimination, the interim would have no case because the appointment to the acting position does not guarantee them any right to the permanent job.

Rosenberg said he was concerned that more qualified applicants would -- and have -- declined to apply for posts thinking it was "a done deal" that the interim would get the job.

He said the proposed change in policy would have clarified the issue, making anyone who accepted an interim post know up front that they would not be eligible for the permanent job unless the regents decided beforehand to allow them to seek the spot.

Regent Steve Sisolak said the measure had some merit, especially with smaller schools, where there are fewer qualified people and where the interim probably would be the best candidate for the permanent job. Still, that argument was not compelling enough for him to support the measure.

Regent David Phillips said: "There's no need for this policy."

UNLV President Carol Harter said: "I strongly urge you not to make this policy." She said it would serve only to "box in" the regents on future decisions involving interim personnel.