2.4.C. Searches and Waivers of Search
As is the case for other faculty lines, it is expected that a rigorous and comprehensive search normally will be conducted for new appointments in the University Tenure Line. (The Office of Academic Affairs’ Guide to Faculty Searches provides information on policies and procedures related to searches; see also University Faculty Handbook Chapter 2.7.3.) On occasion, however, a search waiver may be approved when an exceptionally talented person (usually an eminent scholar who is clearly a leader in their field) is unexpectedly available.
The Vice Dean for Academic Affairs will consider waivers of search for appointments on a case-by-case basis. Under certain circumstances, a waiver of search may be pursued when convincing evidence is presented that a candidate, either internal or external to Stanford, not only meets the criteria for the position but that they would have emerged as a leading candidate had a national search been conducted. Search waivers for junior faculty appointments are granted only in extraordinary circumstances. There may be rare programmatic reasons that warrant a search waiver; inquiries should be addressed to the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs.
Under other circumstances, a determination may be made that a national search is the most appropriate way to proceed in filling the position. When the search is launched, the advertisement should not be tailored to fit a special candidate or candidates. Furthermore, the search committee should be instructed that although the credentials of internal candidates may be more easily assessed than those of others, its members are still obliged to consider by all appropriate means the credentials of candidates having no prior association with the University. This obligation should be made clear to any internal candidate who holds or has held a non-faculty Stanford appointment.