West Virginia University
Search Guidelines for Faculty, Academic Professional
and Non-Classified Positions

These guidelines complement and append West Virginia University’s Affirmative Action Plan. Each department is expected to make special efforts to attract minorities, women, people with disabilities, and veterans to help increase the diversity of the university community.

The following guidelines and resource materials are designed to assist search committees and administrators in conducting searches that identify and attract excellent candidates, especially persons in protected classes, for faculty, academic professional and non-classified positions at West Virginia University. Although exceptions to these guidelines may be made by the Office of Social Justice or the President and/or his designee, the guidelines summarize current procedures and practices for searches for all faculty, academic professional and non-classified positions at West Virginia University.

Part I Summary of Major Steps in Typical Employment Process for Faculty, Faculty Equivalent/Academic Professionals (FEAP), and other Non-classified Positions

Part II Detailed Discussion of the Search Process for Faculty, Faculty Equivalent/Academic Professionals and (FEAP), and Non-classified Staff

Part III Interim Appointments

Part IV Typical Employment Process for Post Doctoral Employees

Part V Exceptions to General Posting Requirements


Forms and Sample Documents



Appendix A Authorization to Recruit [PDF]

Appendix B Position Description: Cover Sheet and Form

Appendix C Sample Ads [PDF]

Appendix D Sample Expenditure Guidelines for Searches [PDF]

Appendix E Sample Web Site Resource Locators [PDF]

Appendix F Samples of Letters for Contacts [PDF]

Appendix G Sample Search Committee Criteria for Review [PDF]

Appendix H Applicant Self-Identification Form [PDF]

Appendix I Sample Telephone References [PDF]

Appendix J Sample Interview Evaluation Form [PDF]

Appendix K Sample Itineraries (PDF]

Appendix L Dos and Don’ts for Interviewing [PDF]

Appendix M Search and Selection Activities Report [PDF]

Appendix N Sample Offers to Candidate [PDF]

Appendix O Sample Offer to Non-classified Candidates [PDF]

Appendix P Sample Internal Searches Guidelines [PDF]

Appendix Q Sample “Ending the Search” [PDF]

Appendix R Post Doc Position Description

For information pertaining to the contents of this document contact:
Jennifer McIntosh
Executive Officer for Social Justice and
Director, Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Programs
B1 Stewart Hall
P.O. Box 6202
Morgantown, WV 26506
Phone: (304) 293-5496