1.1 Definitions

In describing the search process, the following terms are utilized in the search guidelines:

Department Approver – The Department Approver is usually the department head or director requesting to fill a vacant or new position in their department/division/etc. S/he also assures that the search process is conducted in accordance with University guidelines and procedures.

Dean/Division Approver – For faculty searches, the Department Approver forwards search materials to the Dean for review and approval. Upon approval by the Dean, the search materials are then forwarded to the Executive Approver.

Executive Approver – The Executive Approver is the President, Provost, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, or Chancellor. S/he also assures that the search process is conducted in accordance with University guidelines and procedures

Search Committee – This is the candidate selection vehicle and includes the Search Committee Chair. A search committee can either be a group of people or an individual. The members of the committee actively engage in recruitment, applicant screening and interviewing, and may make interview and/or hiring recommendations to the Department Approver.

Search Committee Chair – The Search Committee Chair is the liaison between the Department Approver and hiring unit and the search committee. The Chair ensures that the search process follows University guidelines, maintains the official record of all committee activities and serves as its official spokesperson. With respect to searches for faculty or academic department heads, the Search Committee Chair, when possible, shall not be an untenured faculty member.

Employment Inquiry – Letters received by any office at Missouri State University from an individual expressing interest in positions that may be available. Employment inquiries are not considered to be applications for specific vacancies.

Applicant – An individual who has submitted a formal application for a vacant position.

Nominee – An individual who is nominated by someone other than him/herself for a specific vacancy. If a person who is nominated refuses the nomination, he/she shall be called an "uninterested nominee" and shall be recorded as such.

Candidate – An individual who is deemed to meet the requirements for a specific vacancy, either by applying or by accepting a nomination.

Finalist – Each candidate who in the final stages is seriously considered for an appointment or whose name is submitted for final consideration.