The purpose of this handbook is to provide best practices for leadership responsible for hiring and University community members involved in evaluating faculty candidates that reinforce the University’s goal of hiring an excellent, diverse, and talented group of faculty members. This information has been compiled by the Office of the Provost and Office for Diversity and Inclusion, with input from the Office of Institutional Equity and Human Resources, and is informed by empirical research, as well as conceptual and theoretical frameworks widely accepted as best practices for hiring by private, public, and peer institutions of higher education. Within this handbook, you will find guiding practices applicable to all academic units at UConn, though how it is applied may vary given specific school, department, and disciplinary contexts.
Checking References for Faculty Applicants
The search committee or department head should determine in advance how to collect reference materials. Options include having letters sent directly to the search committee chair or search administrator OR soliciting references identified by the candidate.
In addition to letters of recommendation, search committees and/or department heads may choose to also contact references directly. The group of candidates subject to reference checks should be identified at the beginning of the search process, e.g., all candidates identified as part of the ‘A’ interview pool will be subject to a reference check, OR only the ‘A’ candidates that progress to the 2nd round of interviews (campus visits).
It is important that regardless of the group of candidates subject to reference checks all reference checks are handled in a manner consistent for each candidate. In addition the following should be considered for all reference checks:
The same individual or individuals should conduct all reference checks to ensure consistency in the evaluation. The same method of reference checking should also be used for each reference; phone interviews are recommended as it allows opportunity for follow-up questions.
All references for all candidates should be asked the same or similar questions.
Do not stop at one reference regardless of how negative or positive it may be; contact all references for each candidate.
Questions that are legally prohibited of the candidate are also legally prohibited of a reference.
Questions must be related to the specific position and should be relevant to the candidate’s skills and qualifications.
Never reveal to the candidate the information received from a previous employer or other reference. This information should be kept confidential.
Faculty Advertisement Template
Posting Title:
State the specific job title or titles. If appointment is possible at more than one rank then all potential ranks should be listed, e.g., Assistant/Associate/Full Professor.
Note: you will only be able to hire at the rank(s) advertised.
College/School of XXX
Department of XXX
Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Full Professor
Position Summary:
Invites applications for the position, generally indicating program, department and/or school/college, as well as faculty rank(s); and duties of the position. The section may also include a marketing statement regarding the university or specific program, new initiatives at the university that would be of interest to candidates for the specific position, etc.
The Department of XXX invites applications for a full-time tenure track faculty position at the rank of Instructor, Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor.
The Department of XXX is among the top 20 departments in the nation. It has 32 faculty members, 400 undergraduate and 100 graduate students, and actively engages in research in [list strategic areas of research]. New faculty members will be integral participants in the innovative Technology Park initiative which will leverage key research and development advances into commercial products that will benefit the high-technology manufacturers and entrepreneurs.
The successful candidate will be expected to obtain external funding to conduct research in [list areas of expected research] and help guide research efforts in their areas of expertise. In addition to research, this individual will be expected to teach appropriate courses at the graduate and undergraduate level, engage in scholarly activities, participate in outreach and service activities, and contribute to the University’s distance learning priorities.
Qualifications:
Provides applicants with a detailed description of required (minimum) and preferred qualifications.
Minimum Qualifications: Earned Ph.D. in XXX or related field; a proven record of excellence in teaching; demonstrated potential in establishing a successful research program, etc. Candidates with Master’s degrees and commensurate experience may be considered at the rank of Instructor. Equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable.
Preferred Qualifications: Expertise in [identified areas]; evidence of service to the university, field or profession through leadership in professional organizations, editorial activities, university service, etc.; evidence of integrating technology into instruction, on-line teaching, or using other emerging technologies, and the ability to contribute through research, teaching, and/or public engagement to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience.
Appointment Terms:
Identify the terms and conditions of the appointment including tenure track/non-tenure track; anticipated start date; appointment term; salary; and campus location of the position.
This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2012. The successful candidate's primary academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus with the possibility of work at UConn’s regional campuses across the state. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
To Apply:
Instructions on how to apply and additional information for potential applicants. The mandatory EEO statement must also be included in this section.
To apply, submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, research statement, and a sample publication to Husky Hire. Five letters of reference should be sent to: Faculty Search Committee, Search #XXXX, [ADDRESS] or e-mailed to [E-MAIL ADDRESS]. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information regarding the Department of XXX please visit the department website at [URL].
At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community. We actively encourage women, people with disabilities, and members of minority groups to apply. The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.