Oregon State University has a long-established practice of filling the majority of employment openings by conducting open, fair, and competitive searches. While open recruitment allows us to benefit from the vast experiences and diversity of our communities, there are times when noncompetitive searches are appropriate. Figure 23 provides a summary and Figure 24 a detailed breakdown of search waiver approvals and denials.
Summary
Of the 75 requests made during FY25, “position nonexistent without appointee” was the majority of approvals for search waivers. In FY25 University Human Resources took over review and approval of “other search exceptions” including promotion, lateral moves, new position better describes work, and administrative title changes. This change acknowledges that HR is best equipped to work with units on internal promotions and streamlines processes while providing better clarity.
Search Process Waivers and Exceptions (Figure 23)
Details Of Waivers And Exceptions (Figure 24)
| Waivers | FY23 | FY24 | FY25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic wage | - | - | 3 |
| Appointee is PI on a grant | 4 | 17 | 7 |
| Dual-career hire | 13 | 7 | 8 |
| Emergency circumstance | 11 | 15 | 5 |
| Non-regular employee doing OSU work | 0 | 4 | 7 |
| Position nonexistent without appointee | 29 | 28 | 18 |
| Reorganization of a unit or dept. | 14 | 23 | 9 |
| Transfer of employee to workgroup | 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Other | - | - | 3 |
| Total | 81 | 103 | 66 |
| Other Search Exceptions | FY23 | FY24 | FY25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion of current employee | 110 | 42 | - |
| Lateral movement of an employee | 7 | 6 | - |
| New position better describes work | 5 | 6 | - |
| Administrative title change | 4 | 9 | - |
| Other | 4 | 10 | - |
| Total | 130 | 73 | - |
| Declined/Withdrawn | FY23 | FY24 | FY25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 7 | 17 | 9 |
| Grand Totals | 218 | 193 | 75 |