RHPA developed and published this "Presidential Search Committee Handbook" in 1998 for the purpose of assisting search committees in conducting effective presidential searches. The "Handbook" is pragmatic and can be adapted to a search committees' particular needs. The guidelines cover the gamut from the basic "Getting Started" and "Selecting the Presidential Search Committee" through "A Confidentiality Code" and "Dealing Fairly With Internal Candidates" to the most sophisticated due-diligence techniques, such as visits to the finalists' home campuses. Appendices provide examples of important documents, including a pro forma employment contract.

Table of Contents Advance Planning 5 The Presearch Study 11 Searching for Candidates (Research and Sourcing) 14 Selection Activities - The First Step (Selection of the Semi-Finalists) 17 Semi-Finalists' Interviews 19 Home Campus Visits 21 Recommended Compensation Package 23 Finalists' Interviews 24 Finalists' Evaluations/Due Diligence 26 Governing Board Inteviews Presidential Finalists 28   APPENDIX A  The REGISTRY for College and Univesity Presidents® 31 APPENDIX B  Sample Cover Letter and Profile 33 APPENDIX C  Sample Letters Acknowledging Nominations, Inquiries and Applications 35 APPENDIX D  "CHE" Internal Candidate Article 37 APPENDIX E  AGB "Trusteeship" Article, "Go the Extra Mile in a Presidential Search" 39 APPENDIX F   AGB "Trusteeship" Diversity Article, "At Long Last, A Better Mousetrap" 41 APPENDIX G  Finalist Evaluation Form 43 APPENDIX H  Pro Forma Employment Agreement 44