Office of Human Resources > Faculty Hiring

Faculty Hiring

The Smart Choice

Table of Contents

This plan outlines the official steps and required documentation for posting, recruiting, selecting, and hiring faculty at McNeese State University.

McNeese complies with the University of Louisiana (UL) System Policy and Procedures Memorandum FS.III.II.B,C,D-1.

Note: Offers of employment cannot be extended until the hiring supervisor receives approval to create the Letter of Offer.

For questions about this process, contact the Office of Human Resources and Student Employment (HR) at humanresources@mcneese.edu.

Authority for Hiring

Presidential Authority

At McNeese State University, the president is the designated hiring authority unless specific authority has been formally delegated.

For example, the director of human resources and student employment has been designated as the appointing authority for classified employees.

No oral or written offer of employment may be made without the president’s approval, which is granted only through a signed Letter of Intent to Employ form.

UL System Board of Supervisors Authority

The UL System Board of Supervisors grants the president authority to hire. However, all personnel-related actions are submitted to the Board for final approval.

Section 1: Position to Be Filled

Step 1: Formulate Written Request

Submit a detailed written request to the dean to fill a position.

Currently, there is no standardized form for this request; however, the request must answer the following questions:

  1. Is this filling an existing position or creating a new one?
  2. What title and rank will this position require?
  3. What is the salary?
  4. Is it a 9-month or 12-month position?
  5. How will the salary be distributed (source of funds)?
  6. Is this a temporary or permanent hire?

Include a justification that explains:

  • Courses to be taught and expected enrollment
  • Any additional responsibilities beyond those generally expected of a faculty member
  • Outcome if the position remains unfilled

Step 2: Required Approvals

  1. The dean must approve the request and submit it to the provost and vice president for academic affairs.
  2. The provost and vice president for academic affairs reviews and, if supported, submits the request to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
  3. The ELT, chaired by the president, must approve before any action to fill the position begins.
  4. The Office of Academic Affairs will notify the department when approval is granted.

Section 2: Search Process

Step 3: Create Job Description and Advertisement

Note: These steps may be skipped for temporary hires if a qualified candidate is already identified.

Upon receipt of ELT approval, contact Kim Dronett, HR Analyst, at kdronett@mcneese.edu to begin the recruitment and posting process.

  • Use the official University templates for the job description and advertisement request.
    • The job description will be used in the advertisement.
  • Ensure the advertisement request accurately reflect required and preferred qualifications, including programmatic accreditation requirements if applicable.
  • The department head or dean appoints the search committee chair and members.
  • Submit the advertisement request and committee roster to HR for review and posting.
  • Positions must be posted for at least five (5) days.

Step 4: Search Committee and Interviews

  1. The search committee chair and members meet (in person or virtually) for a charge/screening meeting to review applicants and develop a shortlist.
  2. Interview and reference questions must be approved by Kim Dronett (kdronett@mcneese.edu) prior to use.
    • All candidates must be asked the same primary questions.
    • Follow-up questions are allowed.
    • Questions must not be distributed to applicants in advance.
  3. The committee interviews the top candidates, checks references, and prepares a recommendation for the hiring supervisor.

Step 5: Committee Recommendations and English Proficiency Certification

  • The committee submits the names of recommended candidates and all required hiring documents to the supervisor.
  • The hiring supervisor selects the best candidate or accepts the committee’s recommendation.
  • The department head or their designee evaluates English language fluency.

Step 6: Conclude Search and Recruitment

The search committee chair submits a search committee report to Kim Dronett (kdronett@mcneese.edu) to conclude the recruitment process.

The report must include:

  • Meeting notes summarizing discussions and decisions at each stage (screening, interviews, recommendations)
  • The name of the recommended candidate

Section 3: Hiring Process

Step 7: Initiate Background Check

Once the top candidate is identified, the department must email Lauren Morrot, HR Project Specialist, at lmorrot@mcneese.edu with:

  • Position title
  • Hiring department
  • Candidate’s full legal name
  • Candidate’s email address
  • Recipient(s) of results

Step 8: Complete Required Forms

  1. Email the appointee using the approved HR email template.
  2. Complete the Letter of Intent to Employ via Dynamic Forms.
    • Attach PDFs of 1) current job description using the approved HR template, 2) candidate’s CV or resumé, and 3) additional credentialing documentation (licenses, certifications, etc.)
    • You can revisit the form in Dynamic Forms to view its routing status.

Step 9: HR and IRE Review

  • HR:
    • Confirms background check clearance
    • Confirms receipt of official transcripts (must be sent directly to humanresources@mcneese.edu by the issuing institution)
    • Creates McNeese ID
  • Institutional Research and Effectiveness (IRE):
    • Verifies academic credentials to teach assigned courses
    • Assigns CIP codes
    • Contacts the department head if additional documentation is required

Step 10: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Presidential Approval

  • The form is reviewed for accuracy and approved by the provost and vice president for academic affairs.
  • It is then routed to the president for final approval.

Step 11: Letter of Offer

Step 12: Final Actions

  • HR sends rejection notices to all unsuccessful applicants.
  • The job advertisement is removed from the website.

Templates and Resources

The following templates are referenced throughout this hiring plan: