Initiated in 2007, OSU’s Search Advocate program enhances integrity, effectiveness, and diversity in the university’s hiring practices. Search advocates are OSU employees trained as process experts in search and selection. They complete a series of workshops addressing current research about diversity and cognitive bias, the changing legal landscape in hiring, inclusive employment principles, specific steps to strengthen each stage of the search process, and effective approaches to participation on search committees in the advocate role.
Role
Search advocates engage with search committees throughout the search and selection process, beginning with position development, and continuing through the hiring decision and integration of the new faculty or staff member into the organization. At every stage, they serve as consultant/participants, advocating for the search process and helping committees identify practices that minimize the effects of unconscious, unintentional biases.
Advocates promote diversity by
- Sharing current information
- Recommending inclusive/affirmative strategies
- Supporting full committee and stakeholder participation
- Consulting with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access as needed
In partnership with search chairs, search committees, and hiring officials, they affirm OSU’s high standard for excellent and inclusive search/selection practices.