The University of Waterloo is committed to the principle of recruiting the best available faculty in its pursuit of excellence, in accordance with its academic mission.
Increasingly, recruiting involves couples who are both academics. In such cases, it is desirable to find a position for the "primary" recruit's spouse, if the recruitment is to be successful. Following the recommendation of the Provost's Task Force on Female Faculty Recruiting, the Spousal Opportunities Fund was created to help academic units deal with dual spousal recruitment.
Only a limited number of spousal appointment opportunities are available and, as such, a strong case on the basis of academic grounds must be made to the Provost. Deans wishing to make a spousal appointment should consult with the Provost before initiating the formal appointment process.
Criteria:
- The criteria for the secondary appointment are exactly the same as for a regular appointment.
- Both the primary and the secondary appointees must meet the highest quality required for an appointment in a professional position.
- The secondary appointee should be of such caliber that when the next vacancy arises in the department, he/she could become a credible candidate for that position.
- The secondary appointment is a Definite-Term Appointment, as per Policy 76, and is for non-renewable term of three-years (maximum).
- Salary and benefits costs for the appointment are to be shared equally by the host unit (home of the secondary recruit), sponsoring unit (home of the primary recruit) and the Spousal Opportunities Fund, up to a maximum of $25 K each.
- The sponsoring unit must provide justification in support of the hiring of the primary recruit. The host unit must also make a strong case in support of the secondary recruit, and clearly explain how the secondary recruit fits with the long term hiring plan of the unit.
- Due to the special nature of the secondary appointment the requirement for advertising is exempted, but other requirements such as reference letters, approval by DACA etc., as specified in Policy 76, must be met.
- UARC will review the primary hire and spousal hire as a package.
Last updated on November 12, 2003