The presidential search committee has begun reviewing candidates for the next University president, according to an Aug. 20 email sent to the community by Larry Kanarek, the chair of the committee. Interviews began in August and will continue throughout the fall.

According to Kanarek’s email, the candidates come from a wide range of experiences, including current academic deans, scholars who have administrative experience, and “a few non-traditional candidates who have had multi-sectoral careers.”

In an email to the Justice, Kanarek stated that the search committee is staying closely on schedule but added that “we have always said that the search would take as long it takes to find the right person. That is still true.” The committee hopes to be completed by Summer 2016, according to the University website.

A job description was posted on the University’s website in May, stating that the next president must be “a results-oriented visionary ... an academic champion ... a relationship builder” and “a community leader.”

The president, the description said, must “demonstrate enjoyment and gain energy” from meeting with philanthropic donors, have a record of academic or alternative accomplishments, maintain a partnership with the Jewish community while still making all welcome on campus and bring diverse perspectives to the campus.

According to the description, Brandeis defines itself by three paradoxes: “A small liberal arts college and also a national research university ... Jewish-sponsored yet prizing diversity” and “ambitious within the confines of limited resources.”

The search for the next president comes after former University President Frederick Lawrence announced his resignation in February. Trustees, faculty and students are all represented on the committee.