Search Committee Training Policy

Policy Number: OAE-1100-006

Policy Title:  Search Committee Training Policy

Vice Chancellor/Associate Chancellor: Office of the Chancellor

Unit Responsible for Policy: Office for Access and Equity

Effective Date: June 28, 2017

Contacts:  Associate Chancellor, Office for Access and Equity

Policy Statement: Diversity is integral to a successful workforce. When searches are designed to attract candidates with diverse backgrounds, there is an increased opportunity that the most qualified candidate will be a person who adds to the diversity of the institution. To increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace, all faculty and faculty administrator search committee members and hiring officers [individual(s) the hire will report to] must attend mandatory training prior to participating on a search committee and/or reviewing application materials. Search committee participants and hiring officers will be required to attend mandatory training once every three years. This training addresses stereotypical thinking and biases in the search process that may prevent the advancement of females, minorities, persons with disabilities and protected veterans.

Reason for Policy:  Ensure that departments engage in searches to elicit the most diverse pool of qualified candidates available and assess candidates according to their abilities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran.

Minority Impact Statement: This policy does not have a disproportionate impact on UIC’s minority faculty, staff or students.

Who Should Read the Policy:  All faculty, staff and students who engage in employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotion and transfers.

Procedures: Procedures can be found in the OAE search manual.

Forms: Interview Scoring Sheet & MMQ Matrix

Related Laws, Regulations, Statutes, and Policies:  

• Non-Discrimination Statement
• Academic Professional Hires Policy
• UIC is subject to regulatory requirements under the laws enforced by the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (“OFCCP”). The OFCCP enforces Executive Order 11246: Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Affirmative Action provisions of Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Document History:  

Approved by: Committee on Policy (6/8/2017), CVC (6/28/2017)
Approval date: 6/28/2017
Effective date: 6/27/2017
Approved as: New Policy
Updated on 8/16/2020