Search Committee Proposal

There is a consensus among committee members that the department should adopt ad hoc search committees for faculty recruitment.

a. Selection of members

There is unanimity among the committee that members of search committees should be selected by the Departmental Chairperson, with the following stipulations:

b. Number and Composition

The composition of each ad hoc search committee will, whenever feasible consist of six voting members; four of the members will be faculty whose primary discipline is the same as that of the position to be filled (Political Science, Criminal Justice, Public Administration), and one member each from the other two disciplines. Generally, the four members from the primary discipline will have teaching areas that are similar to those in which the applicant will teach. The Chair of the search committee will be appointed by the Departmental Chairperson. The Departmental Chairperson will serve as an ex officio member of all search committees.

c. Administrative arrangements

Search Committees will perform all functions related to faculty recruitment as described in the Faculty Handbook, including “reviewing the credentials of all applicants for new or vacant positions…, interviewing selected candidates, and making a recommendation to the chair of two or more qualified persons to fill the position…” [4.1.3.1(a)]. Specifically, Search Committees will:

1. Draft a job description to be approved by the Department by majority vote.

2. Select candidates to be interviewed after input from all interested faculty.

3. Meet formally with candidates to discuss issues related to teaching and curricula interests and qualifications. In addition, the Departmental Personnel Committee will meet formally with candidates to discuss departmental policies and issues related to appointment, reappointment, promotion and tenure. The Departmental Personnel Committee may submit comments to Search Committees for their consideration.

4. The Department will elect at least three untenured Equal Opportunity Associates (one each from Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Public Administration) at the beginning of each academic year. At least one Equal Opportunity Associate will serve on each search committee.