Procedure for Recruitment and Appointment of Full-time Faculty and Professional Librarians
a. Authorization for New Positions and Replacements
The Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for submitting recommendations to the President for authorization to allocate new positions and replacements.
b. Advertisement of Position
When the position is authorized (either a replacement or a new position) the Division Chair or Director of the Library shall submit for the Vice President’s approval a proposed advertisement for placement in appropriate newspapers, professional journals, and/or electronic listservs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs submits the approved advertisement for printing to the Director of Human Resources, who facilitates all advertising.
c. Search Committee
The Dean, academic unit Chair, or the Director of the Library, after consultation with the Vice President for Academic Affairs, shall assemble a Search Committee.
d. Search
The Dean, academic unit Chair, or the Director of the Library shall submit to the Vice President for Academic Affairs a Search Plan that includes the following:
The deadlines that will be established for the various stages of the search process, e.g. the submission of applications and nominations, initial review of candidates, the designation of candidates for further review, the procedures to be employed in the checking of references, and the timing of on-campus interviews. A minimum of three letters of recommendation are required. References should be verified. Copies of college transcripts should be presented with the understanding that official transcripts will be requested if the person is hired.
e. Responsibilities
The Chair of the Search Committee is responsible for the quality of the interview and the scope of the reference inquiry. References should be carefully researched and findings presented to Vice President for Academic Affairs when the candidate is recommended for an interview. The Chair of the Search Committee is responsible for keeping the credentials of all applicants and once the search is complete, turning this information over to the Director of Human Resources.
f. Recommendation
The Search Committee’s recommendations concerning the finalists shall be presented to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The names of three candidates recommended by the division of appointment shall be submitted by the Division Chair or Director of the Library to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Fewer than three candidates may be advanced to the VPAA in rare instances after consultation with the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Candidates should be prioritized. The Chair of the search committee should indicate strengths and weaknesses. The cover sheet of each applicant submitted to Vice President for Academic Affairs should include a checklist reflecting all of above details. The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall submit to the President a personal recommendation on the candidates.
g. Orientation procedures
Upon appointment, each new faculty member attends orientation sessions conducted by the Office for Academic Affairs. This introduction to academic life at the College is designed to clarify the ongoing Mission of Mount Saint Mary College and to enable the newcomer to understand the role of our faculty as contributing to the attainment of goals basic to the Mission. Orientation also serves as a way to inform new faculty of relevant college policies.