The WSC Presidential Search Committee on Wednesday drafted 11 of 12 questions to ask during the Interactive Video Network interviews scheduled for the week of Dec. 8. The last question is to be written by WSC student Brittany Azure, who was absent at the committee meeting.
The majority of the interview questions are inspired by the job profile document that was drafted at an early committee meeting, and which is as an application requirement. In addition, committee members brought additional questions that complemented the profile.
The committee devoted much attention to the first set of questions addressing the importance of distance education learning, the size of city of Williston and increasing on-campus enrollment.
In the first question, candidates need to explain why they are applying for the position and how familiar they are with western North Dakota. There was much discussion on whether to include Williston is a city of 15,000 people with many rural areas with great potential.
"I think we have to remember that we are asking questions that will elicit information, we don't want to give them all the information," said committee member Pam Kostelecky of Dickinson regarding the committee's discussion to include the size of the community.
"I want them to know that," responded Committee Chair Dick McKennett on Kostelecky's concerns. "Then, I want them to address their experiences because I don't want them to come if it is a no go."
McKennett added it is important to be straightforward about the scope of the community before conducting face-to-face interviews in January.
"They are coming here again for the opportunity to advance a career and to make an impact on education. I hate to make a college a secondary consideration in somebody's decision to relocate. I rather the college were first and then they consider the community and area," added Kostelecky.
The committee, however, decided to include the details regarding the population in Williston.
Regarding enrollment, the candidates are to provide specific examples on how they would attempt to increase or maintain on-campus enrollment, which is not considered WSC's strength.
Williston Mayor Ward Koeser suggested candidates be asked about their leadership styles regarding administration and academia matters, which received great support from faculty and staff members.
Other topics covered include the candidates' ability to resolve conflict, as well as their intentions on building relationships with the business community.
Koeser said it is also essential to ask what the candidates' vision is for the college, which was supported by Diane Hagen, Williston Area Chamber of Commerce executive director.
"I think it is very important to talk about their vision," said Hagen.
Candidates are to be asked about their visions and how they attempt to have people buy into them.
The committee then emphasized the importance of selecting a president who is interested in building successful working collaborations with area school districts and higher learning institutions. The candidates are to be asked to provide examples of developing such relationships.
Lastly, candidates need to answer what they expect from the North Dakota University System, the State Board of Higher Education and state legislators, and vice versa.
Each interview is expected to last 90 minutes, beginning with a four-minute introduction McKennett, followed by a six-minute opening statement by the candidate.
There is a six-minute timeframe for each of the 12 questions. Finally, candidates have eight minutes to ask the committee questions or concerns.
Pat Seaworth, the North Dakota University System attorney, is reviewing the questions and should formally approve them by next week.
Comments