6.3.C. Confidentiality

The entire appointment, reappointment or promotion proceedings during which specific candidates are considered and discussed are to be held in strict confidence by all participants.  Candidates should not seek information from potential referees.  The opinions expressed by the School or department faculty or by internal or external referees should not be discussed with or communicated to the candidate or other parties.  This policy ensures that the candidacy of each person is treated with utmost confidentiality.  It also provides an opportunity for those making the evaluation to have the freedom to provide written evaluation or to discuss the candidates during committee meetings without concern that their comments will be shared outside the deliberations.

A breach of confidence by a participant in an appointment, reappointment or promotion case is a serious breach of professional ethics and may subject the individual to discipline or other action.

The Vice Dean (or a designate) or the department chair (or a designate) will convey whatever information needs to be transmitted to the candidate.