Unit Policy
Title
School of Nursing: Policy on Standing Faculty Search Committee
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish a Standing Faculty Search Committee (SFSC) for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (University) School of Nursing (SON) to ensure consistent, equitable, transparent, and mission-aligned faculty recruitment practices. The SFSC provides leadership, continuity, and oversight for faculty searches conducted within the School and serves in an advisory capacity to the Dean.
Scope
This policy applies to all full-time ranked faculty member searches conducted by the SON, including tenure-track, fixed-term, and research faculty appointments, unless otherwise exempted by the Dean.
Policy
Governance and Reporting
The Standing Faculty Search Committee reports directly to the Dean of the School of Nursing. The Committee Chair provides regular updates and formal recommendations to the Dean as requested.
Committee Composition and Appointment
A. Composition
The Standing Faculty Search Committee shall consist of:
- Chair, appointed by the Dean
- A pool of voting faculty members representing a range of faculty ranks, tracks, programs, and perspectives. Faculty members would be chosen from this pool by the chair to participate in specific faculty searches.
- Ex-officio, non-voting members as appropriate (e.g., Human Resources)
- Designated staff support
B. Size
- The Committee will typically include seven (7) to eleven (11) voting faculty members, in addition to the Chair.
- The chair will choose 3-4 faculty members from the standing committee for each faculty search.
C. Appointment Authority
All members, including the Chair, are appointed by the Dean of the SON with input and recommendations from the faculty chairs.
Roles and Responsibilities
A. Dean
- Appoints the Chair and members of the SFSC
- Charges the Committee with responsibilities and priorities
- Delegates responsibilities as appropriate
- Receives recommendations and reports from the Committee
- Retains final authority for faculty recruitment decisions
B. Committee Chair
- Provides leadership and direction for the SFSC
- Suggests faculty members from the pool to participate in each search in consultation with the Dean
- Presides over all searches
- Ensures compliance with School, University, and legal search requirements
- Serves as the primary liaison between the Committee and the Dean
- Coordinates with program leadership regarding faculty search needs
- Oversees timelines, documentation, and communication related to searches
C. Committee Members
- Contribute to the development and refinement of faculty search processes
- Review and provide guidance on search plans and position descriptions
- Promote equitable, inclusive, and legally compliant recruitment practices
- Participate in candidate review and evaluation as assigned
- Maintain confidentiality throughout all search activities
D. Staff Support
- Two designated roles for each search
- Coordinates logistical arrangements for meetings, interviews, and campus visits
- Maintains official records and documentation related to faculty searches
- Serves as SON liaison with University Human Resources and administrative offices
- Supports compliance with University and SON policies and record-retention requirements
Terms and Limits
A. Chair
- Appointed for a three-year term
- May be reappointed for one additional consecutive three-year term
- A one-year break in service is required after two consecutive terms
- Associate or Full Professor level
B. Committee Members
- Appointed for staggered three-year terms
- May serve a maximum of two consecutive terms
- Eligibility for reappointment resumes following a one-year break in service
- One faculty member will serve as Chair Elect appointed by the Dean
C. Vacancies
The Dean may appoint interim or replacement members to complete unexpired terms as necessary.
Procedures
A. Faculty Search Oversight
- Develops, implements, and reviews standard operating procedures for conducting faculty searches in alignment with University standards
- Secures input from relevant SON leaders to determine priorities for faculty searches
- Reviews and affirms faculty search plans prior to position postings
- Ensures alignment of position descriptions with School and University priorities
- Monitors adherence to equitable and inclusive hiring practices
- Provides guidance to role-specific search committees
- Provides final summary of strengths and areas for improvement to the Dean
B. Documentation and Confidentiality
- All faculty search deliberations and materials are confidential.
- Records shall be maintained in accordance with University policies and applicable record-retention requirements.
Compliance
All faculty searches must comply with University policies, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements, and applicable accreditation and regulatory standards.
Authority and Exceptions
The Dean of the SON retains the authority to modify or waive provisions of this policy when institutional needs require an expedited or dean-directed faculty search. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, emergency staffing needs, leadership positions, strategic hires, retention or spousal/partner hires, externally funded or time-sensitive positions, or other situations deemed critical to the School’s academic, clinical, research, or strategic mission.
When this authority is exercised, the Dean may establish abbreviated procedures or alternative processes, consistent with University policy and applicable legal requirements. Any such exceptions should be documented and communicated to the SFSC as appropriate.
Definitions
Standing Faculty Search Committee (SFSC): A standing committee of the School of Nursing charged with oversight, guidance, and consistency in faculty recruitment processes.
Search Committee Chair: A faculty member appointed by the Dean to lead the SFSC. The chair shall receive a 3-unit reduction in teaching workload to support the time and effort needed to lead effectively.
Staff Support: Designated two staff members, appointed by the Dean, who provide administrative, logistical, and compliance support for faculty search activities.
Human Resources Representative: Designated SON staff member, appointed by the Dean, who provides expertise related to evidence-based hiring practice and adherence to university standards and procedures.
Policy Review and Revision
This policy shall be reviewed at least every three years by the SFSC and the Dean’s Office and revised as necessary.
Contact Information
Primary Contact
Mary Kelly McCollum, Director of Administrative Services, School of Nursing