Searching for Excellence

 

In 2017, the Searching for Excellence program was created by the Office of the Provost in collaboration with the Office of Legal Counsel. Based on behavioral science research and best practices from the National Science Foundation (NSF) ADVANCE program, this 90-minute in-person training provides concrete, actionable steps to improve faculty search processes. We also share up-to-date information about how to participate in the Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellows Program and other relevant recruitment mechanisms coordinated through the Office of the Provost.

 

In the first two years of the Searching for Excellence training, more than 100 individuals in 20 departments have been trained to help align their search processes more closely with the University’s values around diversity and inclusion.

 

Beyond hearing directly from the Office of the Provost and the Office of Legal Counsel about current search procedures, participants receive additional search resources, including printable tools to guide searches. These materials include a customizable evaluation matrix for reviewing candidates, a guide to acceptable interview questions, and a step-by-step breakdown outlining how to run a search that will attract excellent and diverse candidates to the University, and a sample search plan.

 

Contact Tiana Pyer-Pereira at tianap@uchicago.edu to schedule a dedicated training for your unit.