After the Search

The hiring department should be deliberate in welcoming new hires by providing assistance to ensure a smooth transition and enhance the probability of the candidate's success in the new position. The department head should identify someone who will be willing to serve as a mentor and participate in other professional development activities. Networking along gender and ethnic lines is an effective way to deal with problems of isolation and should be valued and supported. Placing additional diversity-related demands or expectations, such as extra advising or committee work, on newly hired minorities or women should be avoided.

Retention strategies such as these help ensure the search committee's long-term success.