College of Liberal Arts & Sciences « University of Illinois

NARRATIVE Preparation

Search Process

1. Development of Position Announcement.
   1. How was the position announcement written and by whom?
   2. Explain any unusual circumstances regarding the development of the position announcement.
2. Scope of Search and Advertising.
   1. List all advertising sources and posting dates (newspapers, journals, listserves, etc.) and attach one copy of the ad used for each source.
   2. List all special recruitment sources. If letters or announcements were
      sent to specific individuals/departments/organizations, include a master copy of the letters as well as a list of those to whom letters were sent. If you have used a list in a standard published source (e.g., professional society list), indicate the source and numbers of letters sent instead of a list of institutions.
   3. If there were any changes in the composition of the search committee or in the advertising process (consult all sources listed on the Pre-Search Approval Form), provide an explanation for the changes. Include copies of any correspondence with LAS or EOA concerning changes.
3. Summary of Applications Received.
   1. Provide the total number of applications received. The Unit Executive
      Officer, Search Committee Chair or Unit Affirmative Action Officer should request a statistical report from OEOA on the applicant pool. This information needs to be inserted into the narrative.
   2. If the number of applicants was unusual, please comment.
   3. If the position announcement allowed appointment at more than one level ("rank-open searches") or in more then one specialty, provide an explanation on how the applicant pool was divided.

Selection Process

1. Initial Screening.
   Please explain briefly the criteria and process used for screening. Include the minimum qualifications as states in the ad.
2. Timing of Initial Screening.
   Give dates of initial screening. If screening began before the closing date for the position, please explain and affirm in writing that all applications received by the closing date received full consideration.
3. Interview Process.
   1. Explain the criteria and evaluation procedures for conducting interviews. Indicate who interviewed the candidates (e.g., search committee, full faculty, graduate students, etc.). Was there a short list with interviews, then the finalist list with additional interviews?
   2. The finalists listed on the Equal Opportunity Summary for Proposed
      Academic Appointments Form should include ranked finalists only in order of hiring priority. Discussion related to candidates contained on a short list should be inserted in the narrative. Please include the following information on these short listed candidates: Racial/ethnic code, Gender, Highest Degree, and Specialty/Field.
   3. If interviews were not conducted as indicated in the position
      announcement (e.g., preliminary interviews at a professional meeting, exceptional circumstances), please attach a copy of any correspondence with LAS and EOA modifying the search. If there were modifications of the process without prior approval, explain your situation carefully.
4. Ranking of Finalists.
   1. Explain why the person proposed for the position was chosen
      over each of the other finalists. If designated class members (minorities and women) were finalists and not selected, please address.
   2. Indicate when the final decision was reached by the unit.
   3. Rank the list of finalists and explain provisions for extending offers to other candidates should the top candidate decline the offer.

Special Circumstances

Provide clarification of any special circumstances or problems encountered during the search process.