Search Committee Structure and Duties

Structure:

Minimum of three members, ideally five to nine. Committee size will vary according to the type of appointment. In small departments, a committee of the whole may be appropriate.

All committees should try to provide adequate diversity even if that affects committee size. Consider bringing in individuals with a diverse point of view.

All Committees should attempt to have someone from a program external to the hiring unit as a voting and participating member.

Screening committees must be discipline/program dominated in order to fully evaluate candidate credentials. Chairs will normally be from the hiring program/discipline.

Duties:

1. Maintain confidentiality throughout the entire hiring process. The committee shall not discuss any aspect of the search outside of the search committee meetings.
2. Read the Pittsburg State University Guidelines and Policies for a Successful Search.
3. Follow the Roadmap to Hiring.
4. Attend all meetings.
5. Explore alternatives in the search process that identify minority and women candidates.
6. Contribute your personal and professional perspectives.
7. Determine whether there are stakeholders in the community who might be interested in the position and invite them to meet and give input on the candidates.
8. Evaluate and assess the applications and applicants while maintaining the vision for the position, keeping the best interest of the department and PSU in mind.
9. Act in a timely manner with respect to timelines and deadlines.
10. Work toward a consensus.
11. Maintain proper documentation for record keeping purposes. See sample Tracking Form. At the conclusion of the search, all materials are to be given to the designated administrator.
12. Committee members are encouraged to meet with the Office of Equal Opportunity at any time to discuss screening, appropriate interview questions, diversity issues, confidentiality, reference checks, or any other information related to the recruitment process.