“The University of Rhode Island acknowledges the importance of supporting dual career partners in attracting and retaining a quality workforce, and in its long-range economic benefit to the University, and is committed to offering placement advice and assistance whenever feasible and appropriate.”
The policy statement above, approved by the Administration, is the beginning of a URI Dual Career Hiring Program, which was identified in the University’s 2006-2009 Strategic Plan as a goal under Initiative III, Create a More Inclusive Environment. In collaboration with the President’s Commission on the Status of Women, ADVANCE has established draft dual career hiring guidelines for the University, and is exploring the development of a regional network of contacts. We are most grateful for the continuing support of the URI Administration as we work on this pressing issue.

What is the Dual Career Assistance Program?

University of Rhode Island recognizes that top faculty candidates increasingly have partners who simultaneously are seeking employment, and acknowledges that to remain competitive in recruitment and retention, it is important to consider the employment needs of partners in any faculty hire. Nationally, it is becoming an established reality that the presence of a successful dual career assistance program enhances institutional effectiveness in recruitment, retention, overall diversity, and family friendly climate. Thus, this program includes suggested guidelines to assist accompanying partners of job candidates in searching for appropriate employment opportunities. This program is envisioned to work in coordination with other Affirmative Action programs and goals.

Dual Career Assistance at the University of Rhode Island is not intended to supersede Affirmative Action, Board of Governors, University policy, or collective bargaining agreement provisions. Due to the specifics of various labor union contracts, these guidelines currently are designed to meet the needs of AAUP faculty. However, the following recommendations are a first step in an ongoing process of developing guidelines that effectively address dual career needs at URI for all employees. Moreover, the University of Rhode Island recognizes the need to continuously evaluate the impact of dual career assistance on maintaining balance with the overall goals of diversity within the University.

The value of assisting individuals in dual career partnerships to obtain employment opportunities is readily acknowledged, and URI has established these guidelines in that spirit. However, it is critical to note that individuals are encouraged to take advantage of additional career search resources in Rhode Island and online, as the University does not guarantee or promise employment to job seekers.

• Policy Statement and Guidelines
• Background Information
• Resources for Dual Career Couples
• Regional Network (TBD)
• An oversight committee or office (TBD)
• Dual Career Handbook in pdf format

The Dual Career Guidelines were formally endorsed in February 2008. They are the result of much research and review of best practices. They include a set of steps that can be referred to for guidance by search committees and faculty as a general structure for assisting dual career partners.

Resources for Dual Career Couples includes a collection of useful websites regarding dual career couples, focusing on several areas: within the University of Rhode Island, within the state of Rhode Island, and various other Universities and Colleges. Additionally information can be found regarding national job searches and dual career programs at other academic institutions.

Many concerns have been voiced about the pressing need to address this increasingly important issue. In-depth interviews (N = 14) have been conducted with dual career faculty couples and department chairs in order to assess the current situation at URI and to help inform policy development. The interview protocols are available at:

• Protocol for Faculty
• Protocol for Department Chairs
• Preliminary Findings

If you have information or concerns about dual career issues at URI, please contact the ADVANCE office at 874-9422 or advance1@etal.uri.edu.