7.6 On-Campus Interviews

When scheduling on-campus interviews, it is important to ask each candidate if they have any accommodation needs during the on-campus visit. For example, some candidates may need a non-smoking room, or have specific dietary restrictions. Although hiring committees may not ask questions related to medical information, this also provides time for a candidate to request disability accommodations for the on-campus interview, if needed.

All candidates should also be asked if there is anyone at the University or in the community with whom they would like to meet during the interview.  For example, candidates have questions regarding the availability of a community or resources identified with a particular race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, family status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristic. If a candidate states that he or she wishes to meet with relevant EEO constituent group/s at the University or in the community, the search committee chair may provide time in the candidate’s interview schedule for said meetings, provide contact information, or otherwise be helpful in arranging the candidate’s meetings. This should only occur upon the candidate’s request.   

Finally, if a candidate has not supplied a copy of his/her official transcript, the Department Approver should remind them of this requirement.

The hiring unit sets the agenda for the on-campus interview. [Note: In faculty searches, departments should schedule on-campus interviews with the Deputy Provost or Provost Designee for tenure-track faculty candidates. On-campus interviews should be scheduled with the Provost for Department Head, Director, Associate Dean and Dean candidates.] The agenda should be designed in such a way to provide the candidate with information about the department, the University and the community. The Office of Human Resources is available to meet with applicants regarding the Missouri State University benefits package. Consider scheduling a University tour, a community tour, and any other activity that will leave the candidate with a favorable impression of the University and community.

As part of the interview process, candidates should meet with members of the department, the Department Approver, the Dean/Division Approver, the Executive Approver, and other appropriate administrators and staff members. Candidates for a Department Head position will meet with faculty members and staff of the academic department. To obtain the maximum benefit from these interviews, the hiring unit should circulate a copy of each candidates resume, a copy of the job description and a copy of the interview schedule.