The WSU presidential search advisory committee began the presidential search process by collecting feedback on the requirements of potential candidates.

The committee, composed of Board of Regents members, faculty, community members and students, is holding seven sessions open to staff and students throughout this week and the next at WSU campuses in Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Everett, as Seattle and Bellevue.

These sessions will give attendees the opportunity to contribute their opinions on the characteristics the new president should have, as well as identify the issues they will likely have to deal with. Private listening sessions with stakeholders will also take place.

“I think the regents and the search committee are trying to make as informed a decision as possible,” said Kathy Barnard, executive director of university communications. “That’s why they’re taking the time to get all this feedback.”

After the listening sessions have concluded, the committee will begin developing a job description for the president and identifying candidates. At this stage, it will work closely with Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm which specializes in higher education leadership searches.

Mike Worthy, a WSU regent, said the committee hopes to reach a decision by the end of spring semester 2016, but not at the expense of choosing the right candidate.

Students interested in attending a listening session can go to the session on Wednesday, Oct. 21 in Todd 133 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Community members and staff may attend the session from 4:10-5:30 p.m. in Todd room 133. Faculty may attend the session from 12:10-1:30 p.m in the CUB Auditorium.