Academic Selection and Interview Panel Guidelines

The guidelines apply to all academic heads and other academic leaders hiring academic staff members at the University.

To outline the guidelines for selecting a selection and interview panel.

Appointing on sub-professorial level

Having obtained the approval of the dean to proceed, the academic head is to consult with members of the academic unit over the appointment and composition of the selection and interview panel to shortlist and interview.

The dean approves the membership of the selection and interview panel.

The selection and interview panels are responsible to the dean.

Exceptions to the panel composition can be agreed by the dean.

Selection and interview panel

• Academic head as chair
• Two academics from the academic unit or related discipline
• Two members of the Faculty Staffing Committee (FSC) from outside the academic unit*
• Optional: External advisor(s) who may represent academic, professional or other external interests**

Appointing on professorial level

Having obtained the approval of the Vice-Chancellor to proceed, the dean is to consult with members of the academic unit over the appointment and composition of the selection and interview panel to shortlist and interview.

The dean approves the membership of the selection and interview panel

The selection and interview panels are responsible to the Vice-Chancellor.

Exceptions to the panel composition can be agreed by the dean

Selection panel

• Dean as chair
• Academic head
• Two academics from the academic unit or related discipline
• University of Auckland Staffing Committee (UASC) member from outside the faculty
• Optional: External advisor(s) who may represent academic, professional or other external interests**

Interview panel

• All members of the selection and interview panel
• Vice-Chancellor or nominee***

The appointment of an academic staff member is a critical priority for the University. Where there is more than one faculty or one academic unit involved, each dean and each academic head will be a member of each panel.

For academics that are not in faculties, the Provost will take the role of the dean and the director will take the role of the academic head.

Members must discuss any actual or potential conflicts of interest with the chair.

* If the appointment is fixed term of three years or less, only one Faculty Staffing Committee (FSC) member from outside the academic unit is required.

* * The external advisor will attend all interviews. Where this is not possible, the external advisor will still partake in the decision making having considered the evidence. Where necessary, the external advisor may be involved via telephone conference or skype/video conference or may view videoed interviews. External advisors will be of international standing and relevant to the discipline. They will either be professors in universities of repute or high standing in the professional community.

** * If necessary the Vice-Chancellor will select a nominee.  

The following definitions apply to this document:

Staff member refers to an individual employed by the University on a full or part-time basis

University means the University of Auckland and includes all subsidiaries

Include the following:

• Children's Act 2014
• Employment Relations Act 2000
• Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
• Human Rights Act 1993
• Privacy Act 2020
• State Sector Act 1988
• Academic Staff Recruitment Procedures
  
• Access to Personal Information Policy and Procedures
  
• Equity Policy
  
• Flexible Work Policy and Procedures
• Impartial Employment Decision Making
• Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy
• Academic Staff Collective Agreement  

Owner: Director, Human Resources
Content manager: Associate Director, Talent & Recruitment
Approved by: Director, Human Resources
Date approved: 20 March 2024
Review date: 20 March 2029