The University of Pittsburgh School of Law has begun bringing five finalists for its deanship to campus. The first candidate, Professor William Carter from Temple, is visiting today. The committee is announcing candidates one by one, with a few days notice to the faculty.
I know that a number of schools announce candidates in this fashion; I'm curious about the reason for the drip-drip approach. Is it designed to allow a later candidate to pull out at the last minute without her candidacy becoming public? Is it intended to prevent faculty members from organizing opposition to particular candidates early on? Is it intended to block candidates from framing their vision strategically, in light of their competitors? Is it intended to provide absolute minimum compliance with state sunshine laws? Or are there other reasons?
Our search consultant recommended the drip-drip so that other dean search committees wouldn't poach from our pool of finalists.
I think it may be (in part) because people drop out, and it's embarrassing to have a slate of candidates announced early only to have half as many by the end of the process.
Looks as though Albany isn't even using the drip method. This site shows that candidates have been brought in for campus interviews, but not a word has appeared publicly on who they are.
http://www.totalwebcasting.com/view/?id=albanylaw