The University of Otago is declining to say how close it is to appointing a new vice-chancellor ahead of a closed-door meeting on the topic this morning.
The university council — its top decision-making body — has been called in for a meeting at 8am today and the only item up for discussion is listed on the agenda as "vice-chancellor appointment".
The item will be discussed behind closed doors.
The video-conference meeting was called at relatively short notice — previously the council was set to have its first meeting for the year on March 12.
The university yesterday declined to answer questions about the meeting, including whether the council was set to approve the appointment of a vice-chancellor, only saying: "The university cannot provide any further information about [today’s] council meeting at this time."
"The council is progressing through the VC appointment process as planned."
The university began its "global search" for a vice-chancellor after the shock resignation of Prof David Murdoch in June last year.
Prof Helen Nicholson has filled the role of acting vice-chancellor since March, when Prof Murdoch went on sick leave.
She has led the university through a difficult period, with 216 staff made redundant last year.
This year the university is expecting a $28.9 million deficit and for borrowing to increase to $203m.
Applications for the new vice-chancellor opened on September 21 and closed on October 21.
In November, chancellor Stephen Higgs said the hiring process, which involved international executive recruitment firm Perrett Laver, would take some time.
"The process is being led by the vice-chancellor selection panel and includes mana whenua, staff and student representation, working alongside Perrett Laver.
"Input is being received from the staff advisory group, which also has wide representation", Mr Higgs said.
"As is typical for a senior leadership role of this nature in a large organisation, it will be a thorough process involving a number of steps and levels of engagement with candidates."
