Beginning July 1, 2012, Baker University will have the new faculty position of Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

As announced by University President Pat Long in her annual State of the University address, the process has began for filling this position.

Professor of Communication Susan Emel has started to host listening sessions to gather staff and faculty opinions to determine the needed qualities and responsibilities, and ultimately shape the job description as well.

“It’s a chance to get the faculty input for what they think is important for that person and that position,” Administrative Assistant Cheryl McCrary said.

Due to her background in communication, Emel will facilitate all the listening sessions.

“I will introduce the idea of the sessions and try to structure that time a little bit and turn it over to those who attend,” Emel said. “These are designed primarily for those who come to do a lot of talking.”

Faculty and staff are invited to sign up for one of the five sessions offered. Each session will last one hour and can be attended by up to 10 faculty members.

“The groups are intended to be small so people will have time to voice their ideas,” Emel said.

Emel hopes to have a report for Long on the sessions by mid-November.

“The report will summarize everything we’ve heard in these sessions,” Emel said. “Then the job description will be developed, advertising will go out and perhaps applications will come in early next year.”

In addition to providing feedback on the new position, these sessions are being used to benefit two current Baker students: juniors Warren Swenson and Kyrie Bair.

“I think one of the more interesting aspects of the project is that I have two Communication honors students who will be working essentially as interns,” Emel said. “They’ll get to see things they’re studying in a real example of some importance to the university.”

Both students will attend all sessions as observers.

“Our job is not to say anything or participate but just to observe the process while taking notes to help write the report,” Swenson said. “This is something I’m really interested in, so it’s really cool to have the opportunity to sit in on it and see how the process works.”

After a report has been written on the sessions, a search committee will be constructed to start the interviewing process.

“This is an important chance for the faculty to get to voice their opinions and be part of the process,” McCrary said. “I hope everyone takes advantage of it.”