Introduction
Recruitment Manual
The University of Arkansas is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and supports inclusive hiring practices that provide fair and equitable access to all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. The Chancellor affirms this commitment by supporting hiring decisions grounded in fairness, transparency, and consistency.
To support the effective implementation of equal opportunity in recruiting and hiring, the University has established clear recruitment and hiring procedures designed to encourage outreach and ensure access to employment opportunities for all. As a federal contractor, the University of Arkansas complies with applicable federal laws, including the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which require proactive outreach to veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Equal employment opportunity ensures that all individuals are evaluated and treated based on merit, qualifications, and the ability to perform the responsibilities of the position, free from discrimination. The University is dedicated to fostering equitable hiring processes that uphold these standards.
This Recruitment Manual outlines the procedures and recommended strategies for conducting effective faculty and staff searches in alignment with the University's equal opportunity commitment.
The Department of Equal Opportunity, Compliance and Title IX (OEOC) provides consultation services and resources to hiring officials and search committees to support effective and compliant searches. It is strongly recommended that, prior to initiating an active search, the hiring official and search committee review university guidelines, applicable laws, and best practices. For questions about the policies and procedures outlined in this manual, please contact the OEOC at (479) 575-4019 (voice), (479) 575-3646 (TDD), or oeoc@uark.edu.
(tdd) or oeoc@uark.edu.
The Hiring Process
The University of Arkansas is committed to the principles of equal opportunity in all hiring decisions. The Chancellor affirms this commitment by supporting recruitment and selection practices that ensure fairness, equity, and access for all qualified applicants.
To further the effective practice of equal opportunity in recruitment and hiring, the University has adopted specific procedures designed to support consistent, transparent, and inclusive search processes. As a federal contractor, the University is required to comply with federal regulations that promote outreach to veterans and individuals with disabilities, as outlined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Equal employment opportunity ensures that individuals are considered for employment based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to perform the duties of a position, without regard to personal characteristics that are not job-related. This Recruitment Manual provides guidance for conducting effective and compliant faculty and staff searches in accordance with these principles.
The Equal Opportunity, Compliance and Title IX (OEOC) staff provide consultation services and resources to the hiring official/search committee about how to conduct effective searches. It is strongly recommended that before departments commence with initiating an active search that the hiring official/search committee receive specific information about the university search process, equal employment opportunity guidelines and best practices. If you have questions regarding the policies and/or practices outlined in this manual, please contact Equal Opportunity, Compliance and Title IX at (479) 575-4019 (voice), (479) 575-3646 (tdd) or oeoc@uark.edu.
The Law
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution and federal contractor committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. In compliance with the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the university takes proactive steps to ensure that qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities.
Equal employment opportunity refers to a set of principles and employment practices designed to ensure that applicants and employees are evaluated based solely on their skills, experience, and ability to meet the job requirements. No person shall be denied employment or otherwise be subjected to discrimination based on protected veteran status, disability status, or any other category protected under applicable law.
Hiring supervisors are responsible for fair and equitable evaluation and recruitment practices that comply with all nondiscrimination requirementsOEOC is available to support departments and search committees in carrying out these responsibilities.As an academic institution, the University of Arkansas is committed to attracting and retaining capable and aspiring individuals, including those from communities that have been historically underrepresented in higher education and the workforce.
Goals
Recruitment
- To attract a strong pool of highly qualified applicants and to provide all candidates with an equal opportunity to apply and compete for vacancies. Efforts should include ensuring accessibility and outreach to individuals protected under VEVRAA and the ADA.
Selection:
- To collect and evaluate information about each candidate’s qualifications in a consistent and equitable manner. The selected candidate should demonstrate the ability to successfully perform the essential duties of the position, as defined in the job description.