With the imminent closing of seven Penn State Commonwealth Campuses, the university is introducing two processes to help affected employees by giving them priority in the hiring process. Starting July 1, full time staff and non-tenure line faculty will be eligible to receive priority hiring consideration in all job postings across the university.

“Supporting our dedicated faculty and staff while prioritizing student success will remain our key focus over the next two years,” Renata Engel, interim vice president for Commonwealth Campuses, said in a release. “The development and implementation of equitable, transparent priority hiring consideration processes is an important reflection of that commitment.”

There will be a seven day priority posting period available for employees via Workday. Staff member applicants with the most seniority will be guaranteed an interview if they apply during this period and meet the minimum qualifications predetermined by the Talent Acquisition unit. If that applicant is not chosen, the next most senior applicant will be reviewed and so on. Only when a closing Commonwealth employee is selected, or all have been interviewed and passed over, will another candidate be considered.

The second process being introduced is for non-tenure line faculty. These applicants will also apply via Workday during the seven day priority period and are guaranteed to have their materials reviewed. If they meet or surpass expectations for the position, they will be given priority for an interview.

Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer Jennifer Wilkes said in a release, “Across Penn State, this is an opportunity to develop and leverage new processes to support as many impacted Commonwealth Campus employees as possible, while continuing to meet the University’s diverse hiring needs.”

Penn State vows to maintain transparency in the hiring process and a continued commitment to all their employees during this tumultuous time. The university will be holding virtual information sessions on June 30 and more information can be found on Penn State’s Road Map website.