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Search Procedures » Types of Searches


Types of Searches

External Searches

External searches may be conducted on a national, regional, or local scope, depending on the appropriate level of recruitment. Procedures for the conduct of external searches provide the standard method for the advertisement and recruitment of applicants for positions which are

  • tenure-track or non-tenure track faculty;
  • administrative;
  • staff exempt; or
  • “other academic” vacancies.

The term “other academic” includes staff exempt employees whose primary appointment involves instruction, research, or service, but who do not hold faculty rank. Procedures for external searches are outlined in Section 2 (p. 2).

Internal Searches

An internal search may be appropriate when the department can identify an existing pool of qualified applicants from current UT faculty or employees to be potential applicants for a vacant position in the department or program. Past affirmative action efforts of the department and current potential to meet the University’s affirmative action and Geier responsibilities will be factors in the consideration by OED on whether to approve such a search. An external search would then be required to fill the vacated position left by the selected internal candidate. Procedures for these searches are outlined in Section 3 (p. 13).

NOTE: Additional upper level requirements apply to internal upper level (Geier) searches. See p. 14.

Upper Level (Geier) Searches

In accordance with the Geier Consent Decree, review and approval from the University-Wide administration is required for any academic administrative position at the department chair (or head) level and above, and other “upper level” academic or administrative positions.

Specific requirements of upper level searches are noted throughout this manual. These procedures apply whether an external or internal search is conducted for the upper level position. These searches follow UT campus procedures with the additional requirements noted in Section 4.

Positions with Limited or Exempted Search Requirements

Limited or exempted procedures may be available for the recruitment and hiring of personnel for acting (also called “interim”) appointments, restricted account positions, promotions in place, postdoctoral research positions, special faculty appointments, lecturer and instructor positions, coaches and limited duration positions provided that all criteria are met. Procedures for these positions are explained in Section 5 (p. 15). Any other exceptions to the search procedures will be granted by OED only under very limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis, and only in consultation with all appropriate administrators. One consideration in granting any exception will be the provisions and intent of the Geier Consent Decree. Please consult with OED regarding any request for an exemption.

Note: As chief affirmative action officer for the University of Tennessee, exceptions may also be granted by the President of the University.