Search committees have a crucial responsibility in the recruitment process, as they evaluate and propose the most qualified candidates for employment at the University.
As the initial point of contact for candidates, search committee members hold a significant role. Each member has the chance to embody the University’s commitment to inclusivity and hospitality, ensuring that the search is conducted in alignment with the institution’s policies and procedures.
Exempt Search Procedures
The resources presented on this web page provide information on exempt staff hiring procedures to assist search committee members in conducting effective and inclusive searches. You will find policies, procedures, guidelines, and best practices for each stage of the hiring process.
Search Committee Roles and Responsibilities
The essential role of the search committee is to identify, review, evaluate, and recommend candidates to fill positions. This guide defines the roles and responsibilities of each person that aids in the exempt staff search process.
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.
Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building – 2450 E J. Chapman Drive, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.