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The purpose of this step is to ensure that the hiring proposal is in line with the unit's commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equity.

An inclusive and equitable faculty-hiring process begins with the precise nature of the position being filled. What tasks will the new faculty member perform? What classes will the new faculty member teach? What areas of topical knowledge will be most valued by theÌýhiring committee and most integral to success in theÌýposition? How will the position contribute to the broader project of fostering inclusivityÌýwithin the unit?ÌýAnswers to these questions willÌýaffect the degree to which the new positionÌýwelcomes and appeals toÌýapplicants who are members of underrepresented groups.Ìý

TheÌýEnvironmental Studies programÌýis committed toÌýfacilitating interdisciplinary collaboration in environment and sustainability. Key to this objective is the program's ongoing effort toÌýformÌýmeaningful connections with communities beyond the university. In addition, ENVSÌýcourse offerings and researchÌýinitiativesÌýbridgeÌýacademic divisions betweenÌýthe social sciences, natural sciences,ÌýandÌýhumanities.ÌýProgramÌýaffiliatesÌýresponsible for creating hiring proposals should consider how the program'sÌýemphases onÌýapplied research andÌýinterdisciplinarityÌýlend themselves to the creation of inclusive and equitable faculty positions.

With these questions in mind, hiring authoritiesÌýshould consider the followingÌýwhen designing the hiring proposal:

• Does theÌýproposed position reflect the unit's commitment to inclusive excellence?
• Will the proposed position and its responsibilities likely attract underrepresented candidates?
• Are there ways to make the proposed position more likely to generate a diverse applicant pool?
• Would this position be as effective in advancing inclusive excellence as another proposed position?

Cluster Hires:

Another question the unit shouldÌýraiseÌýat this early point in the hiring process is whether it will be feasible to conduct cluster hires to potentially improve conditions for the success of incomingÌýfaculty. The practice of cluster hiring entails departments working together to hire new faculty in small groups that canÌýfunction as supportive cohorts. ScholarsÌýhaveÌýsuggestedÌýthat such cohorts can contribute to the long-term job satisfaction and success of new faculty. suggests, however, that specificÌýways in which cluster hiring is implemented greatly affect outcomes.

For strategies that will help ensure that the hiring proposal reflects the unit's commitment to inclusive excellence, see ,Ìýlocated inÌýCU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ's Faculty Search Process Manual.ÌýÌý

For more on the importanceÌýof developing an inclusive hiring proposal as well as the benefits ofÌýcluster hiring, see theseÌýexternal resources.

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