Employer Recruiting & Student Engagement Policy
Purpose
To foster equitable, ethical, and professional interactions between employers and students, ensuring a recruitment process that upholds integrity, fairness, and transparency for all participants.
General Employer Expectations
Compliance with Laws: We kindly ask that all recruiting activities adhere to applicable local, state, and federal laws, including those governing employment, non-discrimination, and labor practices.
Adherence to NACE Principles: We encourage employers to align with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Principles for Ethical Professional Practice, which promote equitable, inclusive, and fair recruiting practices.
Non-Discrimination: Employers are expected to maintain recruitment, hiring, and employment practices that are free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Student Engagement & Recruiting Conduct
Respectful and Professional Interaction: We appreciate all representatives treating students, staff, and faculty with professionalism and respect during all forms of engagement, including career fairs, interviews, presentations, and informal networking.
Confidentiality: Employers are asked to safeguard any personal or academic information received from students and use it solely for recruitment purposes, in compliance with FERPA and privacy laws.
Prohibited Activities: To maintain a positive environment, aggressive solicitation (unsolicited repeated outreach), pressure tactics to accept offers, or misrepresentation of positions, compensation, or responsibilities are prohibited.
Job & Internship Posting Policies
Legitimate Employment Opportunities: We request that all positions represent actual openings with clear compensation, work responsibilities, and supervision.
No Fees Charged to Applicants: Employers are reminded that fees, purchases, or other financial investments as a condition of employment are not permitted.
Third-Party Recruiters: Must disclose the hiring organization’s name and comply with all campus and NACE guidelines for third-party recruiters.
Registration and Hiring Decisions: Registration with this online service is intended to facilitate connections, but all hiring decisions are made by the employing organizations themselves.
Engagement of Services: We encourage organizations to engage with candidates through the Office of Strategic Partnerships, understanding that these individuals are independent and not acting as agents or employees of The Universities at Shady Grove.
Matching Skills and Interests: While the Office of Strategic Partnerships endeavors to align candidate skills and interests with organizational needs, it does not guarantee specific outcomes regarding an individual's suitability or performance.
Background and Reference Checks: We recommend that organizations conduct any background and reference checks they deem necessary. USG is here to support the process, but the final responsibility lies with the organization.
Interview & Offer Guidelines
Reasonable Offer Deadlines: Employers are encouraged to provide students with a minimum of 2-3 weeks to make decisions on offers, promoting student well-being and thoughtful decision-making.
Exploding Offers Prohibited: Offers contingent on immediate acceptance or undue pressure are discouraged.
Reneging Discouragement: Both students and employers are encouraged to uphold accepted offers. Employers withdrawing offers should notify the Office of Strategic Partnerships promptly and provide a rationale.
On-Campus & Virtual Recruitment Event Policies
Event Approval Required: We ask that all recruitment events be coordinated and approved by the Office of Strategic Partnerships to ensure alignment with stated policies.
Representation Expectations: Employer representatives should be familiar with the positions and prepared to discuss company culture, hiring timelines, and career growth opportunities.
Cancellations: Employers are requested to provide at least 48 hours' notice for event cancellations.
Marketing & Solicitation
No Direct Campus Solicitation: Distribution of marketing materials or solicitation of students outside sanctioned platforms and events is not permitted.
Use of Campus Platforms: All communications should be disseminated via the official career management system (Career Connector).
Consequences for Policy Violations
The Office of Strategic Partnerships reserves the right to:
Remove job postings or events.
Deny future recruiting privileges.
Report serious violations to appropriate professional associations (e.g., NACE).
Acknowledgment
All employers participating in recruitment activities are asked to agree to abide by these policies prior to engaging with students at USG.