Supporting fair, effective, and well-prepared faculty searches through shared expectations, practical tools, and evidence-informed approaches.
2026 Workshop Dates
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 10:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Union South, TITU
- Thursday, October 22, 2026, 10:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Pyle Center, Room 325/326
- Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 10:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Memorial Union, TITU
- Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 10:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Engineering Hall, Cheney Room 2413
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Health Sciences Learning Center, ILC Room 3110
Why Attend?
Faculty search committees play a critical role in attracting outstanding scholars and ensuring candidates experience a professional, equitable, and welcoming search process.
This interactive workshop provides faculty search committee members and chairs with practical guidance, tools, and strategies for conducting searches that are fair, consistent, job-related, well-documented, and aligned with UW–Madison policy and equal employment opportunity expectations.
Participants will leave with greater confidence in their role and a shared understanding of practices that support consistent and high-quality search processes across campus.
Practical Guidance
Use concrete tools and strategies for effective searches aligned with UW-Madison policies and best practices.
Shared Expectations
Build a common understanding of committee roles, decision points, and consistent search practices.
Stronger Searches
Increase confidence and support a high-quality candidate experience from review through interviews.
Intended Audience
Designed specifically for faculty members who serve on or chair faculty search committees.
Faculty Search Committee Members
Faculty serving on search committees who want a stronger understanding of search processes, candidate review, interviewing practices, and committee responsibilities.
Search Committee Chairs
Faculty leading search committees who are responsible for facilitating committee discussions, supporting equitable processes, and helping committees make effective hiring recommendations.
What Participants Will Learn
Building Strong Search Processes
- Roles and responsibilities of search committee members
- Faculty search timelines and major decision points
- Creating a consistent candidate experience
- Developing effective committee practices
Interviews and Candidate Engagement
- Structuring effective interviews
- Legal and policy considerations
- Creating welcoming and professional candidate experiences
- Aligning interview practices across candidates
Evaluating Candidates
- Establishing evaluation criteria
- Reviewing application materials consistently
- Conducting productive committee deliberations
- Documenting decision-making appropriately
Improving Search Outcomes
- Broadening candidate pools
- Recognizing how bias can enter search processes
- Using strategies that promote fair and consistent evaluation
- Supporting informed hiring decisions
Workshop Design
Workshop Format
The workshop combines concise instruction with structured opportunities to apply concepts and learn with faculty colleagues across campus.
- Brief presentations
- Small-group discussion
- Real-world search scenarios
- Interactive activities
- Practical tools and resources
Workshop Logistics
Workshop Length
Approximately four hours
Delivery Format
In person
Location
Locations are listed with each workshop date above.
Registration
Registration will be available through Workday Learning. Space may be limited based on room capacity.
Registration
Registration will be available through Workday Learning. Space may be limited based on room capacity.
Access and Participation
Complimentary food and beverages will be provided. To request an accommodation, share dietary restrictions, or discuss parking support if parking presents a barrier to participation, please contact Faculty and Staff Affairs at, vpfsa@provost.wisc.edu.
Resources Available to Participants
Workshop participants receive practical resources to support committee work before, during, and after the search.
Search Committee Tools and Templates
Structured resources for committee planning and process consistency.
Review and Documentation Resources
Tools that support clear criteria, committee deliberation, and documentation.
Interview Guidance
Resources for effective, aligned, and professionally conducted interviews.
Faculty Hiring and Retention Resources
Connections to related campus programs, guidance, and learning opportunities from Faculty and Staff Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is this workshop required?
Schools, colleges, and departments may establish local expectations. Consult your dean’s office.
Who should attend?
Faculty serving on faculty search committees and faculty chairing faculty search committees.
Do I need prior search committee experience?
No. The workshop is designed for both first-time and experienced committee members.
Will materials be available afterward?
Participants will receive access to workshop resources and supporting materials
Questions?
Contact Faculty and Staff Affairs for questions about workshop participation, registration, access, or campus faculty search resources.