[Updated 16 March 2022]
This document outlines guidance for interviewing candidates for full-time position searches in the College of Arts and Architecture during spring semester 2022. This guidance is informed by a discussion among college leadership and other stakeholders to determine how the college will interview finalists for searches while minimizing risks associated with COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, our college stance has been somewhat conservative; our guidance for gatherings has encouraged meeting remotely if possible, for example. While the University Park campus reports a high vaccination rate, high COVID positivity rates are still prevalent, both on campus and in our communities.
This guidance outlines an approach that aligns with current health and safety guidelines and allows for meaningful in-person experiences with finalists for positions in which in-person interviews are preferred or deemed necessary. If pandemic conditions change the policy will be revisited.
The University allows visitors to campus and provides guidance and expectations they are to follow during their visit. The preference of the College is for all finalist interviews to be conducted remotely.
All candidates on the pre-finalist list (long-short list) will be interviewed by Zoom to determine the list of finalists (typically 2–3 candidates). The preferred approach is to interview all finalists for full-time positions by Zoom. The finalist identified to receive an offer will be given the option of an on-campus visit before accepting or declining the offer.
There may be some searches in which an in-person visit might be preferred or necessary. In these instances, approval by the dean is required. The department head or school director in consultation with the search committee chair must make the case to the dean regarding why an in-person interview is necessary.
All finalists approved for an on-campus interview will have the option to interview either remotely or in-person. This invitation must include the Acknowledgement of Risk statement (DOC) and links to Penn State COVID guidance (on indoor masking, visitors, etc.) and the COVID dashboard. All communication regarding the options must be clear, non-judgmental, and conveyed in such a way that the candidate (1) does not feel a particular option is preferred and (2) does not need to disclose their health status.
The risk acknowledgement statement informs finalists that they assume the risk of coming to Penn State, including any issues associated with COVID-19. Those risks could include travel interruptions and/or an extended stay in State College, seeking testing and medical care, and finding a place to stay. Finalists must be made aware they are responsible for their extended stay expenses if needed.
On-campus finalists must also be advised to purchase N95 or KN95 masks for use while on campus, per current University recommendations. Finalists could also be encouraged to purchase and use at-home tests prior to in-person meetings.
Itineraries for on-campus finalist visits will be limited to one day. In-person meetings on the itinerary will be limited to 1:1 meetings and small group discussions (N<5). A hybrid or remote option must be available for 1:1 and small group discussions to accommodate individuals who do not want to participate in person. Large group meetings or presentations must be hybrid. Large meetings must be hybrid to accommodate faculty, staff, and students who have accommodations to work off campus. The recommendation is to limit the number of Zoom links for hybrid meetings if possible.
No group meals for on-campus finalists.
If a finalist is unable to visit campus after agreeing to interview in person, their entire itinerary can be changed to remote. This candidate must be informed they will not be at a disadvantage. Invitations to attend all meetings and presentations for all finalists must include language such as the following: Regardless of whether a finalist interviews in person or remotely, all finalists must be assessed in a way to avoid bias.
Please note: All Guidance is subject to change based on the status of the pandemic, and guidelines from the University, the Center for Disease Control, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.