ABSTRACT
In most organizations the authority to hire is reserved to a small group of executives or department heads with budget authority. There are two independent but intertwined process elements—one is approval for the position, and the other is approval of funding resources. Approval to create the position is usually granted through HR or the provost’s office, while position funding comes from the finance office or provost/vice president of academic affairs office, depending upon how an institution is structured. The difference between the two approvals becomes apparent during budget cuts when hiring is frozen due to limited resources. Most organizations manage their approval process by using forms that serve two primary purposes. First, they document approvals. Second, they announce to everyone in the hiring process that a search is now under way. Next, some campuses require the consent of the equal employment opportunity (EEO)/AA/ diversity officer at the search’s onset.
