Framing the Position

Phase 1

Purpose of This Phase

Framing the position establishes the academic, curricular, and scholarly rationale for the search and establishes the basic infrastructure for its launch. This phase reflects the department’s articulation of how the position will strengthen teaching, research, and the intellectual life of the institution over time as well as early stages in search preparation.

What Happens in This Phase

This phase spans the period from a department’s request for a position through the early work that follows approval. Departments reflect on programmatic/institutional needs, student demand, disciplinary directions, and longer-term goals. As part of this work, the department forms the search committee that will lead the search, including naming a search chair. Once the committee is constituted, it is shared with the Provost’s Office so a Faculty Search Partner (FSP) can be assigned.

Key Faculty Decisions

Departments and committees typically decide:

  • How the position aligns with current and future departmental priorities
  • What scholarly, pedagogical, or interdisciplinary contributions are most needed
  • How much flexibility to signal in the position’s scope
  • How to constitute a committee with appropriate perspectives and expertise

Required Steps

  • Departmental request and approval of the position
  • Identification of the search committee and chair
  • Notification to the Provost’s Office for FSP assignment
  • Search committee completion of Workday module on inclusive searches

Recommended Practices

  • Engaging the department broadly in framing conversations for the request/position
  • Treating committee formation as a significant intellectual and community decision
  • Reflecting on how the position contributes to representation, perspective, and range within the department and discipline

Tools & Resources

  • School Dean for guidance on annual position request process and relevant school-wide advisory bodies
  • Committee Formation Guidance
  • Dynamic form for sharing search committee with Provost’s Office

Supports & Contacts

  • Assistant/Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (if applicable in School)
  • School Dean’s Office
  • Provost’s Office
  • Faculty Search Partner (once assigned)