Request for Exemption
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility (EOA) works with Human Resources (HR) and the hiring unit to evaluate requests in the instance when a full, external search is not appropriate. In the rare occurrence when a hiring unit deems it appropriate to launch an internal-only search, the hiring unit must submit a Request for Exemption.
To consider approval, the hiring unit must submit the Request for Exemption: Faculty and Staff Exempt Search Exemption Form to EOA (eoaexemptions@utk.edu), signed by the appropriate administrators, along with the following:
- CV/Resume
- Position Description (PD)
- Org Chart
- Explanation Memo
The types of positions that might require limited or exempted search procedures include but aren’t limited to the following.
Acting/Interim Appointment
An acting or interim appointment may not be changed to a permanent appointment without a search.
An Acting/Interim Appointment can only be filled with an internal candidate and for a limited period of duration (normally continues for a period of up to one year). Any Acting/Interim Appointment extended beyond the one-year limit must be approved by the appropriate administrator and EOA. A written request seeking the extension of an Acting/Interim Appointment must include the rationale why a search for a regular appointment cannot be made during the year.
Because the University recognizes the unequaled opportunity that an Acting/Interim Appointment creates to train, expose, and enhance the credentials of candidates for future regular positions, such appointments should be made only after careful consideration of all potential appointees.
Promotion in Place/Reclassification
Promotions in Place/Reclassifications represent promotions/title changes to currently employed UT personnel or when a hiring unit wishes to conduct an internal exempt search.
Under the Promotion in Place/Reclassification for an existing employee, if the hiring unit proposes to add additional responsibilities to duties already being performed.
As such:
- The promotion, if effected, does not leave a residual vacancy that must be filled by another person;
- The promoted individual does not move to another office, organizational structure or location; and
- The promotion can be justified because of department need and employee merit.
Lecturer
The position of Lecturer is a renewable, year to year, non-tenure track appointment. See the Faculty Recruitment & Hiring page.
Coaches
Because of the unique nature of college and university coaching, specific job requirements, and because vacancies can occur suddenly with limited time for completion, an expedited search process may be necessary to fill some coaching vacancies. The UT Athletic Departments should consult EOA to determine the process to be followed in such situations.
Other Positions
Hiring units should contact HR to fill all Non-Exempt Staff vacancies, Exempt Staff positions funded through grants and contracts (Restricted Accounts), Temporary Exempt Positions (Limited Duration Appointments), and Post-Doctorate Research Appointments. See the Human Resources website. Hiring units should contact the Office of the Provost to fill positions under their Opportunity Hires process. (See the Faculty Recruitment & Hiring page)
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.