South Carolina State University

South Carolina State University
Search Committee
Code of Ethics


The search committee for a new President of SC State is a high responsibility requiring the highest ethical standards. To attract and retain our most competitive candidates and to safeguard the good name of the University we serve, this SC State search committee commits to:

• Create a search environment that respects the rights and dignity of all persons

• Maintain in strict confidence and in perpetuity:

o All information about candidates secured during the search process (e.g. names, written materials, references)
o All search committee conversations and deliberations

• Put aside personal agendas, biases, or political positions so that each candidate has an honest and fair evaluation

• Represent our institution as a whole rather than as individuals or group stakeholders

• Disclose all conflicts of interest to the chair of the committee or the entire committee

• Ensure that no member of the committee intends to become a candidate for the position

• Work affirmatively to assure a rich, diverse pool of candidates

• Receive candidate permission prior to reference checking

• Establish the accuracy of information about candidates prior to reporting it to the committee

• Provide candidates with full and accurate information about the University

• Ensure the safety of records after the search in completed, retaining search records in compliance with institutional, state, and EEOC guidelines and disposing of records in a manner that retains candidate confidentiality

• Follow all by-laws of SC State and the laws of this state and nation

• Affirm that in this search only the chair of the committee speaks for the committee and only the Interim President speaks for the institution.