In 2015, the UW Faculty Senate passed this Resolution which states that faculty search committees should have access to training that supports equity, access, and inclusion in hiring. In the SoM, the Dean has affirmed our commitment to this work by requiring that all faculty search committees complete training in best practices specific to faculty searches across biomedical research and clinical departments, including detailed content on effective preparation, outreach, assessment, interviewing practices, and search committee dynamics. This training was updated in format and content in 2025 to provide both live and pre-recorded, asynchronous options.
Starting July 1, 2026, all members of SoM faculty search committees and the Academic HR staff involved in the search committee process must complete one of three approved training options prior to, or at the initiation of, a faculty search. This training requirement applies to all members of a faculty search committee, regardless of their role (e.g., faculty, staff, students, etc.).
Completion of an approved training option will satisfy this requirement for three years from the date of completion. Repeat training is required after three years. All UW SoM trainings completed in 2025 or after will count towards the requirement.
Approved UW SoM faculty search committee member training options include:
– 1. A live one-hour training (in person or virtual) facilitated by the Assistant Dean for Faculty Recruitment and Retention or a trained designee;**
– 2. Verified asynchronous viewing of a recorded faculty search committee training (32 minutes long) through Learning Hub; or
– 3.Verified attendance at the Office of Faculty Affairs Excellence in Faculty Recruitment workshop series (a total of three sessions, held between May and October of each year, on Zoom).
**Searches for faculty leadership positions (e.g., department chairs or division heads, assistant/associate/vice deans, center directors) must use the live 1-hour training, option #1, above. This ensures adequate opportunity for dialogue and discussion of issues specific to leadership recruitment.
Please note this is different and separate from the annual UW HR mandatory training for hiring authorities, described here.
This memo explains the new training requirements for hiring leaders/authorities and search committee members, including FAQs and a quick reference table.