The University's search for an executive vice president and provost has been unaffected by the budget cuts and hiring freeze.

The position, held by Charles Hosler, is important to the University, said Thomas Merritt, chairman of the Executive Vice President and Provost Search and Screen Committee. Hosler plans to retire from his position when a replacement is found.

The executive vice president and provost is second-in-command to the University president. The provost mostly directs internal affairs that occur in the day-to-day operation of the University, Hosler said.

Merritt said the current University-wide hiring freeze does not affect the search, and the committee is still reviewing applications.

The committee meets once a week to evaluate potential candidates, Merritt said, adding that the committee has about 100 applicants. Interviewing will begin after the committee completes the reviewing process, Merritt said.

The committee placed an advertisement in the The Chronicle of Higher Education and continues to receive applications, Merritt said. The selection process is open until a provost is selected, he added.

University President Joab Thomas has requested that the committee have a list of candidates by May 1, he said.

Hosler said he is not involved in the selection process but has heard from Thomas that it is going well.

Once the committee and Thomas choose a new provost, the search for the senior vice president for research will be advanced, Hosler said.

Hosler said he will remain graduate dean tentatively until the end of December. But he added he will remain in his positions as long as needed.

He said he has "held every rank in the University" since he began in 1948 as a meteorology instructor.

Even after he retires, Hosler will retain duties outside the University. He will continue to chair the National Academy of Science's committee to modernize weather service and will retain his appointment to the National Science Board in Washington for the next four years, he said.

"I have lots of things to do," Hosler said.

He said he also plans to travel to the South Pole in January of 1992. He has postponed the trip for several years, Hosler said, but this year he is going "come hell or high water."