In most organizations the authority to hire is reserved to a small number of people. Generally, the authority to offer employment is reserved to executives or department heads that have budget authority. There
are two independent but intertwined elements in the approval
process—one is the approval for the position, slot, or headcount, and
the other is the approval of resources to fund the approved position. Approval
for a position is usually granted through the Human Resources
department or Provosts office, while the authority to fund the position
usually comes from the Finance office.
Only after all approvals have been granted should a search for a person to fill the approved position commence. There
are far too many stories of an academic department completing a search
only to be told at the end that there wasn’t sufficient funding
available to make a valid offer. Or worse, there
are funds available, but the institution will not commit to funding a
tenure track position, yet it is willing to offer a lectureship or
temporary appointment.
Most organizations manage their approval process through the use of a form. The
form serves two primary purposes—first, it is to document approvals,
and second it is to announce to all involved in the hiring process that a
search is now underway. Additionally for some campuses, the consent of the EEO/AA/Diversity officer is required at the onset of the search. Having
this office endorse the form also prompts the appointing authority
and/or the Search Committee Chair to become aware of and follow the
institution's diversity or affirmative action policies.
Faculty and Staff Approval Form
Staff-Only Approval Form
Temporary Position Approval Form
