RADFORD -- In a period of substantial change at Radford University, the way it hires deans appears likely to stay the same.

RU is seeking deans for four of its seven colleges. By secret ballot, the faculty senate this week rejected 30-11 proposed changes in the process that were favored by new Provost Ivelaw Griffith.

Opponents said the change could make the search process cumbersome by more than doubling the number of people on search committees.

"As many as 17 heads will not increase, but will most likely impede, decision-making," said Gwen Brown, an associate professor of communication.

James Lollar, an associate professor of marketing who put forward the measure, argued that the change would have given other groups that can be affected by who the dean is, such as staff, more involvement in hiring.

The rules that remain in effect stipulate that search committees consist of five faculty members, two students and an administrative member. The proposal would have allowed up to 17 members, though no more than 14 could vote whether to recommend candidates.

The new rules had a clause to guarantee a faculty majority on the search committees.

Minutes from a Nov. 2 faculty senate meeting, before the more recent proposal was drafted, mention faculty concerns about "forming the search committees in such a way that it simply rubberstamp[s] decisions by the Provost."

After the rule change was voted down, Senior Vice Provost Wilbur Stanton said he was disappointed that faculty did not take the opportunity to make the search process more inclusive.

"This was not to take anything away from the faculty," he said of the failed proposal.

Stanton said the goal is to hire deans for the health and human services, arts and sciences, education and human development, and information sciences and technology colleges by July 1, 2008.

With a majority of its dean positions open, a provost who arrived in July and a president who arrived 18 months ago, Radford is in a period of transition at its highest levels.

The Commission of the Future of Radford University, a group created by President Penelope Kyle to write a new mission statement and strategic plan for the university, has completed a draft and is waiting to integrate feedback from Kyle and Griffith, said Rick Slavings, RU's vice president for planning and research.

He said a final product is expected soon.