The University of Iowa’s Employment Practices Committee has completed the Request for Qualifications (RFQL) for the UI’s external review of employment policies and practices as defined by the Iowa Civil Rights Act and internal UI policies.

The RFQL seeks applications from firms to carry out the review, which will begin with the UI Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and also will include the UI’s academic and operational units, as well as UI Health Care.

According to the RFQL, the review “will evaluate policies and practices related to hiring, promotion, documentation, compensation, and termination of both faculty and staff.”

“We are optimistic about this review because every workplace can benefit from outside examination,” says Erin Brothers, co-chair of the Employment Practices Committee. Brothers also is senior sponsored research specialist in the Division of Sponsored Programs and past president of the UI Staff Council.

UI President Bruce Harreld announced the external review in May.

“We have been deliberate to make sure the RFQL addresses everyone’s concerns,” says Peter Snyder, co-chair of the Employment Practices Committee. Snyder also is professor of internal medicine and president of the UI Faculty Senate. “We have a strong and engaged group of committee members who bring valuable perspectives from across the campus.”

According to the RFQL, the awarded firm(s) will make recommendations regarding the UI’s employment policies and practices. The firm(s) will work in collaboration with the UI and with key UI personnel. Assessments may include review and analysis of written documents, university-acquired data, data acquired by the firm(s), and on-site interviews with UI personnel.

Once the committee has received proposals, it will select one or more firms to complete the three phases of the review. The deadline for proposals is Aug. 17.