Dear Editor:

The Davis Faculty Association is committed to the defense of the principles of shared governance. The involvement of our faculty in search committees to fill openings in the administration is a cornerstone of these principles. The repeated use of interim appointments to fill vacant positions without a full search, and without the involvement of a broad cross-section of the faculty, has caused concern among the members of the Davis Faculty Association.

The DFA believes that the involvement of faculty in the selection of appointees to administrative positions is essential. We urge the chancellor to ensure that the principles of shared governance are conscientiously observed in all appointments at the higher levels of the administration.

Ian Kennedy, professor, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering; and chair, Davis Faculty Association