Employment guidelines for University and Academic Professionals

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to recruiting and retaining top talent, increasing workforce diversity and ensuring compliance with equal employment opportunity laws and practices.The purpose of these guidelines is to provide the University community with an overview of the recruitment, selection, and hiring processes at VCU. This guide highlights recruitment best practices, providing step-by-step directions and resources to hiring officials so that they may more easily navigate University hiring processes, improve applicant quality and ensure consistency and compliance in the recruitment and selection process.

The information outlined in the Working @ VCU: Employment of University and Academic Professionals Guidelines will be helpful for first-time managers and experienced HR professionals alike.

The “Employment of University and Academic Professionals” policy establishes an efficient and competitive recruitment and hiring process so that the most qualified applicants are selected. This policy includes hourly employees and other part-time and non-faculty temporary appointments. The policy also sets forth the requirement for a probationary period for all university and academic professionals.

Employment Equity

VCU is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions at VCU are based on job requirements and whether candidates have the skills necessary to perform the work. This applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, promotion and compensation. Anyone who is involved in the recruitment or selection process must understand the role of affirmative action and its integration in the process. Detailed information can be found on the Equity and Access Services website at equity.vcu.edu.

Equity and Access Services (EAS) is the university office responsible for leading, coordinating and supporting VCU’s civil rights compliance, which includes equal opportunity and affirmative action in employment practices. EAS ensures the university complies with its responsibilities by developing and monitoring policies and practices related to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action compliance in employment.  EAS creates and coordinates implementation of the university’s annual affirmative action plan. This office provides training for search committees, addressing and resolving concerns of discrimination and coordinating employment-related disability accommodation.

Diversity and Inclusion

VCU takes great pride in its commitment to a campus community that embraces diverse perspectives, cultures, experiences and people. Diversity among faculty, staff and students strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus life. Hiring managers and HR professionals are responsible for proactively supporting VCU’s commitment to equal employment opportunities. The Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit provides guidance and suggestions for conducting fair and equitable searches. It presents ideas that lay the foundation for successfully attracting and recruiting diverse candidates.