Academic Professional
Hiring Academic Professional Heading link
Academic Professional employees perform high-level duties and frequently have specialized responsibilities in academic, research, or administrative areas. The minimum educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree in the appropriate field. An advanced degree and experience uniquely relevant to the job is often required. Academic Professional employees are hired for a specified contract period.
Academic Professional Exemptions
By state law, Academic Professional positions must be individually exempted from Civil Service status by the State Universities Civil Service System. Academic Professional exemptions may be an option if no Civil Service title meets the hiring organization’s needs within System Office class specifications. Positions that may be exempted from the Civil Service System are described in Section 36e(4) Exemption Criteria (PDF) of the State Universities Civil Service System Statute. The Required Criteria and list of Standard Academic Professional Titles may also help determine if a position might have an Academic Professional designation.
Hiring Process Heading link
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Position Approval
Validate the Academic Professional Exemption
Each Academic Professional (AP) position is reviewed in JDXpert to validate exemption from civil service. Compensation reviews the job description and will approve as Academic Professional if exemption criteria are met. Please contact UIC Compensation with any questions: Comp@uillinois.edu
Assemble a Search Committee
Usually composed of five to nine individuals, search committees advise the hiring officer during candidate recruitment and selection. Generally the department chairperson, or other key administrator, assists the hiring manager in selecting the search committee chairperson. Detailed information on the form and function of the search committee can be found in the Search Manual located on the OAE Hiring Services website.
Submit a Position Notice for Academic Search
Before recruitment can be initiated the hiring unit submits a Position Notice for Academic Search containing the job description, job ad, recruitment plan, and search committee composition. The Notice for Academic Search and all supporting documentation is submitted for approval into the HireTouch system.
The Office for Access and Equity reviews the proposed advertisements for consistency with the position description, and reviews the position notice, recruitment plan, advertisements, and where the position will be advertised. The employee who submits the request on behalf of the hiring unit is notified by email when the position notice has been submitted for review and approval by OAE.
Candidate Identification/Selection
Search is Implemented
Following OAE’s approval, the department implements the search plan. The search committee screens applicants and selects candidates who meet the minimum qualifications as posted in the job advertisement. Before interviews begin, the search committee submits the candidate list to OAE Hiring Services.
Candidate Interview and Selection
The respective college or unit hiring authority oversees the actual recruitment and selection process for Academic Professional hires. This includes the following: interviewing potential candidates, selecting the candidate to hire, and extending the job offer.
Onboarding & Orientation
Onboarding and Orientation
After the final candidate is selected, the hiring authority can begin the onboarding process. The HR FRONT END DOCUMENT CHECKLIST FOR ACADEMIC PROFESSIONALS can be used as a resource for hiring managers. The checklist outlines the documents and forms that are required to be completed and uploaded into the HR Front End system to complete the hiring process. Supporting documentation can be loaded any time after the Academic Professional candidate has been selected.
Once the hiring process has been completed, the hiring manager should prepare to welcome the new employee by Creating Expectations to discuss within the first week of employment.
Appointments Requiring Direct Board of Trustees Approval Heading link
As provided in University Statutes, certain Academic Professional appointments require formal approval by the Board of Trustees (BOT), on recommendation by the President. Other appointments do not require formal Board approval but are then reported to the BOT in the “Secretary’s Report.” The full list of appointments that require prior approval can be found on the Temporary Guidelines Regarding Approval of Appointments