Increasingly, university professionals are part of dual career couples, and this phenomenon has emerged as a critical recruitment and retention issue in higher education. The University of Oregon has responded to the emergence of dual career partners in several ways. Following the decision to hire a faculty member, the University will make every reasonable effort to find employment for this person’s spouse or partner. The University of Oregon furnishes information on employment possibilities in the broader metropolitan area, including the University of Oregon, Lane Community College, and Oregon State University, and offers help with resume preparation and interview skills. The Office of Human Resources provides such assistance.

Two additional opportunities are available to spouses and partners of faculty members who are on tenure-track appointments:

Tenure-Related Appointments for Dual Career Couples

Request for Tenure Related Appointments (Microsoft Word)

The university may consider a qualified partner for a tenure-track or tenured position, provided that the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The partner has obtained the terminal degree appropriate for the field.
2. The hiring unit (of the partner) has indicated its full approval for this second hire, following the university’s normal search procedures.
3. Both the unit making the initial hire and the hiring unit of the partner are willing to make a substantial financial contribution toward the salary and benefits for the partner hire during any necessary bridge period.
4. The dual hire clearly furthers the university’s fundamental goal of academic excellence, as consistent with our academic priorities and commitment to affirmative action.
5. Preferences will be given to those cases where a strong record of academic achievement is already established.
6. In no case are partner hires guaranteed or automatic.

If all of these conditions are satisfied, the Provost’s Office will consider contributing 1/3 to 1/2 of the necessary funds for this partner hire for a period of three years, if no appropriate position is immediately available in the hiring department or program. At the end of this three-year period, the hiring unit of the partner typically will assume full financial responsibility for the partner hire and should submit a financial plan for absorbing the cost of this partner hire.

Faculty Fellowship Program

A limited number of Faculty Fellowships are available on a one-time basis to partners of newly hired tenure-related faculty. Individuals with appropriate professional qualifications are eligible for these temporary, one-year fellowships in appropriate disciplines or support units. A fellowship is meant to provide an initial professional "landing site" allowing time for the individual to seek employment in the local area. These appointments carry a one-time stipend of up to $10,000 and may carry academic rank. The cost of the appointment is shared by the host department and the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Procedure

Departments or programs wishing to apply for either type of financial assistance from the Office of Academic Affairs should secure approval from all relevant hiring units and the dean’s office, and submit the appropriate form.

Theses guidelines, while primarily addressed to academic departments and programs, do not preclude other university units or areas from considering similar partner accommodations on a case-by-case basis.