Faculty Recruitment ToolKit

Faculty Recruitment Process

Human Resource Services (HRS) assists the Office of the Provost in administering Faculty recruitment and hiring processes. The HR Service Team for each area/college is available to assist with appropriate recruitment and hiring processes as well as the use of OPDRS.

Phase 1: Prepare

Familiarize yourself with WSU’s recruitment process and policies or refresh your search knowledge:

Faculty Recruitment Checklist: Search committee roles and responsibilities checklist
Search Committee Guide: Detailed roles and responsibilities guide
OPDRS: Access the Online Position Description & Recruitment System (OPDRS) and find navigation tools here.
Recruitment and Selection of Faculty Personnel: BPPM 60.11
Pre-Employment Inquiry Guidelines: BPPM 60.08
Candidate Guest Guidelines: Details on inviting guests (spouse/partner/etc.) to on-campus interviews
Implicit Association Test: IATs (Implicit Association Tests) are tools to demonstrate and examine conscious and unconscious divergences related to attitudes and beliefs about race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and other social categories
- Reviewing Applicants: Research on Bias and Assumptions (provided by WISELI)

Faculty Recruitment Basics

Prepare and organize your evaluation tools:

Evaluation Screening Form | Sample document
Evaluation Ranking Matrix | Sample document with not-selected reasons
Feedback Form | Sample document

Phase 2: Advertise & Outreach

Develop and execute your outreach strategy to attract a diverse pool of qualified applicants:

Faculty Outreach and Advertising: Includes sample advertisements and diversity recruitment resources
2018 Global Job Board Directory: Advertising suggestions based on academic discipline
Faculty Underutilization/Goals: Contact OEO directly for questions regarding WSU’s Affirmative Action Plan
EO-AA-Diversity Statements: Required, recommended, and sample statements
Advertising tenure-track/tenured teaching positions: Visit the Office for International Programs hiring website to familiarize yourself with required DOL processes
Outreach Tools: Advertising resources, social media tools, and talent pool databases for Faculty and Staff positions
Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy: EPM 12

Phase 3: Screen & Interview

Use the tools below to conduct an interview that positively promotes employment opportunities at WSU:

Candidate Experience: Recommended resources and samples to help create a positive candidate experience.
Interview: Faculty Interview Questions
On-Campus Interviews: Guest Guidelines
Applicant Evaluation: Faculty Not Selected Reasons | Available status updates in OPDRS
Candidate Recruitment: Prospective Faculty Resources | Provided by ADVANCE at WSU
Candidate Recruitment: Summary of Benefits Available for Faculty | Provided by HRS
Candidate Notification: Unsuccessful Candidate After Initial Evaluation | Sample letter
Candidate Notification: Unsuccessful Candidate After Screening Interview | Sample letter
Candidate Notification: Unsuccessful Candidate After Campus Interview | Sample letter

Phase 4: Perform Reference & Background Checks

Take a deep dive into the candidate’s background by performing reference and background checks:

Background Checks: BPPM 60.16
Background Check Program: Information for hiring managers and search committees
Candidate Evaluation: Reference Check Authorization Form | For candidates applying outside OPDRS
Candidate Evaluation: Reference Check Form | Sample document
Candidate Evaluation: Best Practice Tips for conducting references via email

Phase 5: Hire & Onboard

Letters: The most up-to-date offer letter templates can be found here
Search Documents Retention: Overview for searches within and outside of OPDRS
Partner and Spouse Accommodation: BPPM 60.15
University Records – Retention and Disposition: BPPM 90.01
Pre-Academic Year Appointments for Tenure and Tenure Track Faculty

Key Contacts

Key offices and contacts for Faculty recruitment are as follows:

Office of the Provost: This office has overall university responsibility for recruitment, search and selection processes for Faculty. All Faculty positions and appointments system-wide, including tenure and tenure-track, require final approval from this office. Website: provost.wsu.edu
Human Resource Services: HRS provides guidance and advice to Appointing Authorities, department administrators, and search committees on recruitment and hiring policies, processes, and regulations. Additionally, HRS administers and trains users on the Online Position Description & Recruitment System (OPDRS).The HR Consultant for each area/college is available to assist with appropriate recruitment and hiring processes as well as the use of OPDRS. Requests for area or college specific trainings may be directed to the HR Service Team members linked below. Website: Human Resource Representatives Website
International Programs: The Global Services unit of International Programs assists in the review of advertising information for tenure-track Faculty positions to ensure compliance with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. Website: ip.wsu.edu/global-services
Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Investigation: Ensures EEO/AA compliance for the university. Additionally, the OEO is responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination or retaliation. The OEO provides guidance and training on employment laws, affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, and discrimination. Website: oeo.wsu.edu
ADVANCE at WSU: Seeks to develop an inclusive research institution whose Faculty are supported by a system that promotes career-long excellence for all—irrespective of gender. ADVANCE focuses on work/life transition points—especially those that disproportionately impact women—and any obstacles to recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing an exceptional, diverse Faculty. Website: advance.wsu.edu