The following steps create a clear, consistent, and compliant faculty search process across Case Western Reserve University. Please Note: This process applies to all faculty positions requiring a national search.
Faculty Search Process Steps
Step 1
The Dean discusses each faculty hiring request with the Provost. If approved for next-level review, the Provost or Deputy Provost sends an email approval to the Dean to advance to the next step.
Step 2
The Dean then submits the search request to the Executive Compensation Committee (ECC) for approval (through Director, Faculty Affairs and Information Systems, Lindsay Jacobs). Special faculty (i.e., full-time lecturer, research, or visiting) searches do not need to be submitted to the ECC. If the search is approved as an expedited search (e.g., partner hire), then omit steps 3-7.
Step 3
If approved, the Dean can proceed to forming a search committee (either directly or through a department chair).
Step 4
A search ad is created by the committee (and or department/unit) in Interfolio, approved by the Dean and OGC, and is posted. All positions that require a national search, including special faculty positions, are required to be posted through Interfolio. (Search ad templates will be made available to aid in this process.) For tenure/tenure-track positions, requested materials should include statements on research, teaching and service (and clinical work as relevant), as these are crucial for ultimately receiving promotion and tenure. For non-tenure track regular faculty, these should include elements that are essential to the position such as teaching, research, service, and/or clinical work as is relevant to the position. Diversity statements must not be requested for any position. The Provost’s Office will post approved positions on the CWRU Academic Careers website.
Step 5
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) will train the entire search committee, preferably at their first meeting, and prior to the start of reviewing applications. OGC will also assign a liaison to each committee for legal consultation throughout the search process as needed.
Step 6
The search committee and department chair develop a rubric for evaluating all applicants, consistent with the legitimate, non-discriminatory selection criteria. Any written rubrics must be reviewed and approved by OGC liaison.
Step 7
After at least six weeks from the initial date of posting, the search committee works to select a list of candidates for distance interviews (e.g., zoom). Best practices indicate that this pool should err towards the larger side (12-15 interviews in many cases) to provide a more comprehensive review of qualified candidates.
Step 8
The top candidates emerging from distance interviews are invited for on-campus interviews. Best practices indicate that the number of invites should be about three. The department or unit carries out an on-site review process that should include interviews, a seminar, and other activities according to the norms of the field followed by a vote of the committee or faculty depending on departmental norms.
Step 9
Any written narratives describing the selection process, justifications for how candidates were evaluated, and final selection must be shared with the OGC liaison for review to ensure the documentation is legally compliant.
Step 10
Once the top qualified candidate is selected based on legitimate, nondiscriminatory selection criteria, the start-up package, space renovations (if applicable), and salary are determined by the Dean (or designated chair). If strategic reserves are needed, a request should be made to the Finance Office of the Provost (Craig Zullig) to request their use.
Step 11
An appointment letter is drafted and sent to the Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs (Don Feke) for approval. This should occur before any offers (verbal or written) are made to the candidate.
Step 12
Once approved, the appointment letter is sent to the candidate.
Step 13
The appointment approval process continues with appointment packet submission to the Office of the Provost and finally to the Board of Trustees for approval.
Guidance on Drafting a Job Description or Advertisement
Position descriptions must contain the qualifications necessary to be considered a “qualified applicant.” These qualifications usually include PhD or MD in a specific discipline. If the position is “open rank,” a line must be added stating the qualifications for the position at each rank. All position descriptions must include the Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation statement at the end of the post.
Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at equity@case.edu. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.
All searches must be carried out in a manner that provides national coverage. Advertisements must be in the public domain for a minimum of six (6) weeks before a candidate is selected and should be current (less than one year old).
Sample Job Posting
To support an effective search process, we’ve provided a sample job posting that aligns with university standards and compliance requirements.
Academic Employment
View faculty and academic careers and open positions within Case Western Reserve.
See Academic and Faculty Openings
Contact
If you have questions on the search process, contact Lindsay Jacobs, director of faculty affairs and information systems, at lindsay.jacobs@case.edu; any legal questions can be directed to the Office of General Counsel at ogcsearches@case.edu.