As a result of investigating the search practices of Canadian universities, it has become clear that conducting a search that will require a public process for finalist candidates for President would seriously disadvantage the ability to attract the very best person to lead UPEI into the future.

As the post-secondary environment has become more challenging and competitive, and universities are all vying for the best students and the best faculty, it has also become increasingly competitive at the executive level. Procedures for presidential searches have changed dramatically over the past decade, and very few universities hold open searches at the presidential level. Those that do have encountered challenges in attracting candidates, as individuals are very concerned about confidentiality and the destabilizing effect a public candidacy will have on their own institution.

In keeping with this changing environment and the Board of Governors' direction to find the very best candidate possible, the search process has changed to reflect best practice in presidential search. The Presidential Search Committee is committed to attracting the very best slate of candidates through a confidential process, so that an outstanding leader for the University can be chosen.