Academic Search is a member and adheres to the Code of Professional Practice of the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), the professional organization which sets worldwide standards in executive search and leadership. As a member, Academic Search chooses to exceed both industry norms and partner institution expectations, because AESC membership demands that members are the most ethical, rigorous, and transparent firms in the profession.
- Integrity: Academic Search conducts itself and its business activities with absolute integrity and is always open, honest, and worthy of trust.
- Excellence: Academic Search focuses on its partner institution’s unique culture and needs, providing high quality service and using rigorous results-focused methodologies.
- Objectivity: Academic Search personnel serve as trusted advisors, exercising independent, objective judgment
- Diversity and Inclusion: Academic Search values diverse leadership and identifies the most qualified talent by searching and assessing without bias.
- Confidentiality: Academic Search always respects any confidential information entrusted to them by partner institutions, prospects, and candidates.
- Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: Academic Search avoids conflicts of interest with partner institutions and candidates. Where a potential conflict may exist, Academic Search discloses and resolves those conflicts.
During the initial campus visit, we will ask Search Committee members to agree, in writing, to maintain in strict confidence throughout the process and in perpetuity all information about candidates (e.g., names, written materials, references) as well as any of the Committee members’ work, including discussions or decision-making during the process or at any time thereafter.
All candidate application materials are housed on a secure, password-protected website, to which only the Search Committee and the senior consultant have access. In addition, candidates are assigned numbers which are used rather than names or other identifying information in all communications. In materials transmitted that contain candidate names in the content, that information is obscured, protecting applicants from premature exposure of their involvement in the search. Candidates are assured in public ads and announcements that all materials can be submitted in confidence subject to state laws and regulations.
The senior consultant will also work with the Human Resources Office at the college/university to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations as well as the institution’s policies and procedures.
