A department head, working in consultation with their dean, will identify a full-time faculty need and request approval of a new position and search, or request a replacement for a vacant position and search. Because full-time positions are long-term commitments, all position requests should identify the particular field or sub-field for which coverage is needed and how the position will help to achieve the long-term academic program goals of the department/division. Requests should also state whether the position is new or a replacement and a preference for rank of the position. Any rank above Assistant Professor needs additional justification. All requests for new positions must have a pedagogical rationale and be financially sustainable.
The Dean will include prioritized faculty position requests as part of the annual budget proposal submitted to the Provost in the fall of the academic year preceding the start date of the new faculty member. The Provost will notify the Dean of any searches that are approved for the coming academic year as early in the spring semester as the budget approval process will permit.
Search committees are supported by the Office of Academic Affairs. Full-time faculty positions are advertised in national journals, and search committees appointed by the Provost receive and review the applications and interview finalists. Candidates submit their applications materials through a secure interface with the Human Resources website. Finalists visit campus and have a series of interviews with faculty members, students, the relevant department head, dean, and the Provost, and often participate in a class or critique. Search committees forward their hiring recommendation to the Provost. The Provost recommends a candidate to the President, and offers of full-time employment are made in writing by the President.
The search process was established and written by an ad-hoc committee of faculty and administrators in 1998 and undergoes annual revisions. Click here to access the current iteration.
International full-time faculty
At the conclusion of a search Academic Affairs will be in touch with the incoming full-time faculty member to assist them with obtaining the appropriate working papers. RISD retains legal counsel to assist foreign national full-time faculty to successfully complete applications for H1B and O1 status and permanent residence (green card). Academic Affairs will provide the attorney with all documentation relevant to the visa application and pay all attendant fees. Faculty who willfully trespass the limitations of their immigration status are liable for any resulting additional legal costs.